Free ChecklistJune 2026 · 9 min read

Chargeback Evidence Checklist by Dispute Type [Free 2026]

Quick answer

Required evidence varies by reason code. For fraud: 3DS auth or CE 3.0 prior transactions. For not received: carrier tracking + recipient signature. For subscription: ToS acceptance timestamp + advance renewal notice. For not as described: product listing at time of sale + return policy. Full checklists by dispute type below.

The most common reason merchants lose winnable chargebacks: they submit the wrong evidence for the reason code. A carrier tracking number doesn't help a fraud dispute. A ToS acceptance doesn't help a not-received dispute. Use these checklists to gather exactly what each dispute type requires.

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Evidence Checklists by Dispute Type

Fraud / Unauthorized Transaction

Codes: Visa 10.4, MC 4863

Win rate: 75–90% with 3DS or CE 3.0

Required evidence

  • ✓3D Secure authentication log (ECI code + timestamp)
  • ✓OR: CE 3.0 — 2 prior undisputed transactions (same card, IP, email, within 120–365 days)
  • ✓OR: Delivery confirmation with recipient signature at billing address
  • ✓IP address and device fingerprint at time of transaction
  • ✓Order confirmation email sent to cardholder

Helpful (optional)

  • Billing/shipping address match proof
  • Browser/device type matching cardholder's prior orders
  • CVV match confirmation from processor
⚠Without 3DS, CE 3.0, or signature delivery — fraud disputes are very hard to win. Accept chargebacks below $80 where evidence is weak.

Goods Not Received

Codes: Visa 13.1, MC 4855

Win rate: 80–90% with signature delivery

Required evidence

  • ✓Carrier tracking number + full tracking record (as PDF)
  • ✓Delivery confirmation with date, time, and delivery address
  • ✓Recipient signature (name) — or photo delivery confirmation
  • ✓Shipment date (must be before dispute was filed)
  • ✓Order confirmation email sent to cardholder

Helpful (optional)

  • Shipping label matching cardholder's registered address
  • Customer service record showing no non-receipt inquiry before dispute
  • Insurance claim if package was lost in transit
⚠Photo delivery confirmation without signature is accepted for lower-value disputes but signature is significantly stronger for disputes over $100.

Not As Described / Defective

Codes: Visa 13.3, MC 4853

Win rate: 60–75% depending on product type

Required evidence

  • ✓Product listing / webpage screenshot at time of purchase (archived URL or PDF)
  • ✓Return/refund policy — must have been accessible before purchase
  • ✓Evidence goods/services matched the description (photos, specs, access logs)
  • ✓Any customer service communications before the chargeback

Helpful (optional)

  • Third-party reviews or certification showing product quality
  • Photos of the actual item vs listing photos
  • Resolution you offered (replacement, refund, partial refund)
⚠If the product genuinely didn't match the description, accept the chargeback and fix the listing — fighting it risks pre-arbitration escalation.

Subscription / Recurring Cancelled

Codes: Visa 13.2, MC 4853

Win rate: 70–85% with ToS + usage evidence

Required evidence

  • ✓Terms of Service acceptance with timestamp (at signup)
  • ✓Cancellation policy text (must show renewal terms were disclosed)
  • ✓Advance renewal notice sent to cardholder (email with timestamp)
  • ✓Confirmation that no cancellation was received before billing date

Helpful (optional)

  • Login/usage records for the subscription period
  • All prior billing records (showing cardholder was aware of recurring charges)
  • Support thread if cardholder requested cancellation after the charge
⚠If cardholder cancelled before renewal date and you still charged, accept the chargeback immediately — this is an indefensible dispute.

Credit Not Processed

Codes: Visa 13.6, MC 4860

Win rate: 85–95% (refund disputes are clear-cut)

Required evidence

  • ✓Credit/refund receipt showing amount and date issued
  • ✓Processor confirmation of refund (Stripe refund ID, PayPal reference)
  • ✓Refund timeline — must show refund was issued before or after chargeback date

Helpful (optional)

  • Customer communication confirming refund was accepted
  • Bank statement showing credit posting (if available)
⚠If the refund was issued before the chargeback: you win easily. If you hadn't processed the refund yet when the chargeback was filed: issue the refund immediately and note this in your response.

Evidence Deadlines by Network

NetworkResponse DeadlineProcessor May Set Shorter
Visa30 daysStripe: 7–14 days. Shopify: 7–14 days.
Mastercard45 daysMost processors: 30–40 days.
American Express20 daysAmex sets short internal deadline.
Discover30 daysDiscover Merchant Portal: 30 days.
PayPal10 daysPayPal Resolution Center: 10 days.

Always use the deadline shown in your processor portal — it may be earlier than the card network deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What evidence do I need to win a chargeback?+
Depends on reason code. Fraud: 3DS, CE 3.0, or delivery with signature. Not received: carrier tracking + delivery confirmation. Not as described: product listing at time of sale + return policy. Subscription: ToS acceptance + renewal notice.
What is the most important piece of chargeback evidence?+
Fraud: 3DS authentication (automatic liability shift). Not received: recipient signature. Subscription: timestamped ToS acceptance. Single strongest piece wins — quality beats quantity.
How much evidence is too much?+
3–5 focused documents beat a 20-page dump. Processors review hundreds of cases — irrelevant attachments obscure your key evidence. Include only what directly addresses the reason code.
What if I don't have the required evidence?+
Weak evidence options: submit what you have (improves ratio tracking), accept the chargeback (saves dispute fee on likely loss), use the loss to implement the missing evidence (3DS, signature delivery, CE 3.0 data).
How long do I have to gather evidence?+
Visa: 30 days. Mastercard: 45 days. Amex: 20 days. PayPal: 10 days. Your processor may set shorter deadlines. Start gathering day 1 — carrier records and login logs are easier to find immediately.

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