Reason codes

To provide a consistent and unified experience for merchants, dispute reason codes are standardized across all providers.

Authorization & Authentication Disputes

Dispute Code

Reason Description

Common Scenarios

Key Evidence

PDSP_AUTH_001

Payment not authorized by cardholder

"I never approved this charge"
"Someone else used my card"
"I don't recognize this merchant"

• Valid authorization code
• Cardholder verification (CVV, AVS)
• Terms acceptance proof
• Customer signature/consent

PDSP_AUTH_002

Fraudulent payment
Card Not Present

"I didn't make this online purchase"
"My card was used without my knowledge"
"Someone hacked my account"

• 3D Secure authentication
• IP address & device ID
• CVV verification result
• Delivery proof to billing address

PDSP_AUTH_003

Fraudulent payment
Card Present

"I wasn't at that store"
"My card was stolen and used"
"I was in a different city that day"

• EMV chip read confirmation
• Signed receipt
• CCTV footage
• PIN verification record

PDSP_AUTH_004

Card/account stolen or lost

"My wallet was stolen"
"I lost my card last week"
"Card was used after I reported it lost"

• Payment occurred before reported date
• Chip & PIN used
• Previous successful payments
• Card present verification

Product & Service Issues

Dispute Code

Reason Description

Common Scenarios

Key Evidence

PDSP_PROD_001

Product not received

"My order never arrived"
"Tracking shows not delivered"
"Package was lost in transit"

• Complete tracking information
• Delivery confirmation/signature
• Proof of delivery address
• Shipping communications

PDSP_PROD_002

Product significantly different

"This isn't what I ordered"
"Color/size/model is wrong"
"Features don't match listing"

• Original product listing
• Product photos (advertised vs received)
• Order confirmation
• Terms & conditions accepted

PDSP_PROD_003

Product defective or damaged

"Item arrived broken"
"Product doesn't work"
"Damaged in shipping"

• Quality control records
• Pre-shipping inspection
• Warranty terms
• Return policy offered

PDSP_PROD_004

Service not provided

"Service appointment was missed"
"Work was never completed"
"Subscription access denied"

• Service completion records
• Access logs (for digital)
• Work order signed
• Appointment confirmations

PDSP_PROD_005

Partial shipment

"Missing items from my order"
"Only received 2 of 5 items"
"Rest of order never came"

• Packing list/invoice
• Multiple tracking numbers
• Shipment split notification
• Complete delivery records

Cancellation & Refund Issues

Dispute Code

Reason Description

Common Scenarios

Key Evidence

PDSP_CANC_001

Cancelled recurring transaction

"I cancelled my subscription"
"Charged after cancellation"
"Unwanted auto-renewal"

• Subscription terms agreed to
• Cancellation policy
• No cancellation record
• Continued usage after date

PDSP_CANC_002

Refund not processed

"Promised refund never came"
"Still waiting for my money back"
"Refund confirmed but not received"

• Refund policy (not applicable)
• No refund promise made
• Refund already processed proof
• Store credit issued instead

PDSP_CANC_003

Cancelled order

"I cancelled within the window"
"Order cancelled before shipping"
"Changed my mind immediately"

• Cancellation policy terms
• Order already processed/shipped
• No cancellation received
• Cancellation after cutoff

PDSP_CANC_004

Return merchandise authorization

"I sent the item back"
"Return was delivered to seller"
"Following your return process"

• Return policy requirements
• No return received
• Return outside policy window
• Product condition upon return

Subscription & Recurring Payment Issues

Dispute Code

Reason Description

Common Scenarios

Key Evidence

PDSP_SUBS_001

Unwanted recurring charge

"I didn't know it would recur"
"Thought it was one-time"
"Never agreed to subscription"

• Clear recurring terms shown
• Checkbox/consent at checkout
• Renewal notifications sent
• Terms prominently displayed

PDSP_SUBS_002

Subscription terms violation

"Price increased without notice"
"Terms changed mid-contract"
"Features removed from plan"

• Original terms unchanged
• Proper notice given
• Grandfathered pricing honored
• Terms allow modifications

PDSP_SUBS_003

Trial period abuse

"Charged during free trial"
"Trial ended too early"
"Didn't know trial was ending"

• Trial terms clearly stated
• Trial end date notification
• Usage during trial period
• Card auth explained at signup

PDSP_SUBS_004

Subscription modification dispute

"Didn't approve plan upgrade"
"Downgrade not processed"
"Wrong subscription tier charged"

• Modification request proof
• Current plan confirmation
• Change authorization
• Account activity logs

General & Miscellaneous

Dispute Code

Reason Description

Common Scenarios

Key Evidence

PDSP_GEN_001

General dispute

"Problem with transaction"
"Issue needs resolution"
"Dispute this charge"

• Payment details
• General evidence package
• Communication attempts
• Resolution efforts

PDSP_GEN_002

Consumer inquiry

"Just asking about this charge"
"Need more information"
"Don't understand this transaction"

• Clear transaction details
• Merchant descriptor explanation
• Invoice/receipt copy
• Customer service contact

PDSP_GEN_003

Credit not processed

"Promised credit not received"
"Adjustment never applied"
"Still waiting for credit"

• Credit terms/conditions
• No credit due proof
• Credit already applied
• Alternative resolution provided