Free Templates2026 · 9 min read

Amex Chargeback Response Template by Reason Code [Free 2026]

Quick answer

Free Amex chargeback response templates below for F29 (Card Not Present), C08 (Not Received), and C31 (Not as Described) — the three categories behind most eCommerce Amex disputes. You have only 20 days to respond, the shortest window of any major network. Copy-paste and fill in your case details, or let ChargeMate generate a customized response at $10/case.

Amex reviews disputes in-house rather than routing through a separate issuing bank, which means consistent, well-organized evidence tends to perform better with its internal reviewers. The templates below are structured for each category — but the specific details (AVS match level, exact tracking number, prior transaction history) are what actually win.

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Template 1: Amex F29 — Card Not Present

Amex's fraud category for card-not-present transactions — the equivalent of Visa 10.4 / Mastercard 4837.

Required evidence: AVS/CVV match, prior undisputed transaction history from the same card, or delivery confirmation to the cardmember's billing address.

Merchant Response — Amex Dispute F29 (Card Not Present)

Case Reference: [YOUR-CASE-REF]
Transaction Date: [DATE] | Amount: $[AMOUNT]
Card Last 4: [XXXX]
Cardmember Claim: Unauthorized transaction

We dispute this chargeback. The transaction was authorized by the
cardmember and matches verified account activity.

Evidence:

1. Transaction placed [DATE] at [TIME] from IP [IP-ADDRESS], billing
   address matched via AVS ([MATCH LEVEL]) and CVV verified.

2. [CHOOSE ONE:]
   Option A — Prior history: [N] prior undisputed transactions from this
   card on our account, dating back to [DATE]. Same email, same device.

   Option B — Delivery: Order delivered [DATE] to [ADDRESS] via [CARRIER],
   tracking [NUMBER], signature obtained from [RECIPIENT]. See attached.

   Option C — Digital access: Account [EMAIL] accessed/downloaded the
   product on [DATE] from IP [IP-ADDRESS], matching the purchasing IP.

3. Order confirmation emailed to [EMAIL] at [TIME]. No dispute or
   contact from the cardmember before this chargeback was filed.

We request reversal of this chargeback based on the attached evidence
of an authorized, verified transaction.

[Company Name] | Merchant Number: [MERCHANT-ID] | [Date]

Template 2: Amex C08 — Goods/Services Not Received or Only Partially Received

The most common non-fraud Amex dispute for physical goods merchants. Requires proof of full or partial delivery.

Required evidence: Carrier tracking with delivery confirmation. For partial-receipt claims, itemize exactly what shipped and what didn't.

Merchant Response — Amex Dispute C08 (Goods/Services Not Received or Only Partially Received)

Case Reference: [YOUR-CASE-REF]
Transaction Date: [DATE] | Amount: $[AMOUNT]
Cardmember Claim: Goods or services not received / partially received

We dispute this chargeback. The order was fulfilled in full and
delivered to the cardmember's registered address.

Evidence:

1. Order placed [DATE] at [TIME]. Order confirmation emailed to [EMAIL]
   itemizing: [LIST OF ITEMS/SERVICES ORDERED].

2. Shipped [DATE] via [CARRIER], tracking: [TRACKING-NUMBER].
   [Attach carrier tracking record as PDF]

3. Delivered [DATE] at [TIME] to [FULL ADDRESS].
   [CHOOSE: Signature obtained from [RECIPIENT] / Photo delivery confirmation]

4. [If partial-receipt claim:] Order contained [N] items. Cardmember
   received [N] confirmed by tracking; disputed item [ITEM] was
   [shipped separately on DATE, tracking NUMBER / included in same
   shipment per carrier manifest].

5. No contact from the cardmember before this dispute was filed.
   [If applicable: Cardmember contacted us on [DATE] and we
   [responded with/offered/resolved].]

The goods were delivered in full to the address the cardmember provided.
We request reversal of this chargeback.

[Company Name] | Merchant Number: [MERCHANT-ID] | [Date]

Template 3: Amex C31 — Goods/Services Not as Described

Used when the cardmember claims the item differs significantly from what was described at sale.

Required evidence: Screenshot/archive of the listing at time of purchase, your return policy, and any customer service communications.

Merchant Response — Amex Dispute C31 (Goods/Services Not as Described)

Case Reference: [YOUR-CASE-REF]
Transaction Date: [DATE] | Amount: $[AMOUNT]
Cardmember Claim: Item significantly not as described

We dispute this chargeback. The goods/services matched the description
presented to the cardmember at the time of sale.

Evidence:

1. Product/service listing at time of purchase: [URL or screenshot
   attached]. Description specified: [SPECIFIC FEATURES/SPECS accurately
   described and matching what was delivered].

2. [If digital product/service:] Cardmember accessed the product on
   [DATE] for [DURATION]. Access logs attached.

3. [If physical goods:] SKU/serial number in order: [ID], matching the
   product photographed and shipped. [Attach product photo vs listing photo]

4. Our return/refund policy (attached): [POLICY SUMMARY]. No return was
   initiated through this process before the chargeback was filed.
   [If cardmember contacted us:] Cardmember contacted us on [DATE]
   stating [THEIR COMPLAINT]. We offered [RESOLUTION]; cardmember did
   not respond or accept.

The item matched its description at the time of sale. We request
reversal of this chargeback.

[Company Name] | Merchant Number: [MERCHANT-ID] | [Date]

Common Amex Reason Codes

CodeNameKey Evidence
F29Card Not PresentAVS/CVV match, prior transaction history, delivery confirmation
F24No Cardmember AuthorizationSigned authorization, cardmember consent record
C08Goods/Services Not Received or Only Partially ReceivedCarrier tracking + delivery confirmation
C31Goods/Services Not as DescribedListing screenshot, return policy
C32Goods/Services Damaged or DefectiveProduct photos, QC records, return policy
C05Goods/Services CanceledCancellation policy, proof no cancellation was received
C28Canceled Recurring BillingSigned authorization, cancellation policy, usage logs
C02Credit Not ProcessedRefund receipt or proof credit was issued
P08Duplicate ChargeTransaction logs showing two distinct orders
P05Incorrect Charge AmountReceipt matching the authorized amount
A02No Valid AuthorizationAuthorization approval code and timestamp
C14Paid by Other MeansProof only one payment method was charged

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I have to respond to an American Express chargeback?+
20 days from the notification date — shorter than Visa and Mastercard's 30-day windows. Amex is both the network and the issuer for most of its cards, so the dispute cycle moves faster.
What is Amex reason code F29?+
Card Not Present — Amex's fraud category for card-not-present transactions, equivalent to Visa 10.4. Best evidence: AVS/CVV match, prior undisputed transactions, or delivery confirmation.
How do I respond to an Amex C08 chargeback?+
Provide carrier tracking with delivery confirmation to the cardmember's address. For digital goods, provide access or download logs. For partial-receipt claims, itemize what was and wasn't delivered.
Does Amex use numeric reason codes like Visa and Mastercard?+
No — Amex uses short alphanumeric codes with descriptive names (F29 "Card Not Present", C08 "Goods/Services Not Received") grouped by category letter: A (authorization), C (credit/cancellation), F (fraud), M (specific merchandise), P (processing errors), R (insufficient reply).