Can you do a chargeback on a debit card in the UK?

When can a debit-card chargeback be used?

Ask the retailer to put the problem right first. If it refuses, cannot be contacted or does not provide the promised refund, your bank may consider chargeback for situations such as:

• goods or services that never arrived;
• an item that was faulty, damaged or not as described;
• a cancelled service or a merchant that stopped trading;
• a duplicate or incorrect card payment; or
• a refund the retailer agreed to but did not process.

The bank decides whether the facts fit the relevant card-scheme rules, and the retailer can challenge a chargeback.

Free debit-card chargeback request example

Subject: Request to consider chargeback — debit-card payment to [MERCHANT]

I paid [AMOUNT] to [MERCHANT] by debit card on [DATE]. The problem is [SHORT FACTUAL SUMMARY]. I contacted the merchant on [DATES] and asked for [OUTCOME], but [RESPONSE OR NO RESPONSE]. Please confirm whether you can consider chargeback and what further evidence or deadlines apply.

Adapt this wording to your facts and attach the payment record, order details and merchant correspondence.

How to request a debit-card chargeback

1. Contact the retailer and keep proof of your request.
2. Collect the transaction, order, delivery, return and message history.
3. Contact the bank that issued the debit card and use the word “chargeback”.
4. State the amount, transaction date, what went wrong and the outcome you want.
5. Reply quickly if the bank asks for more evidence.

What evidence should you send?

Gather the card transaction, order confirmation, advert or product description, photos, delivery or return tracking, retailer messages and any written refund promise. Put the dates in order and explain exactly how much you are disputing.

What is the debit-card chargeback time limit?

120 days is the deadline most often quoted, but the start date can depend on what happened—for example, the purchase date or the date a future service should have taken place. Different card-scheme rules and exceptions can apply, so contact your bank promptly and confirm the deadline for your case.

Read the full UK chargeback time-limit guide.

How long does a chargeback take?

There is no single guaranteed processing time. The bank may need to collect evidence, raise the dispute through the card scheme and allow the retailer to respond. A temporary credit can also be reversed if the merchant successfully challenges the claim. Ask your bank for its timetable and keep watching for evidence requests.

Check current official guidance

For independent information, see MoneyHelper's Section 75 and chargeback guidance and the Financial Ombudsman Service guidance on goods and services bought on credit.

Last reviewed: 13 August 2026. External guidance can change; confirm the rules and deadline with your card provider.

Refund Kit bundle support

Refund Kit gives you card-provider backup wording, evidence checklist and a deadline/contact tracker alongside the retailer complaint draft.