2025 Australia Credit Card Chargeback Rules: When You Can Actually Get Your Money Back

When something goes wrong with a card payment – a scam website, a cancelled flight, a dodgy online store or a mystery subscription – most Australians immediately ask the same question: “Can I get a chargeback?”

In 2025, chargebacks are still one of the main ways cardholders can try to reverse a transaction. But the rules are more complex than many people realise. Chargeback rights come from card scheme rules (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and your card contract, not from a standalone “chargeback law”. Australian Consumer Law and ASIC/ACCC guidance sit on top of this and influence how banks must treat customers.

This guide explains when you can realistically get your money back, when you probably can’t, and what to do if your bank refuses to help.

What Is a Chargeback in Australia?

A chargeback is when your card issuer (your bank or credit union) reverses a transaction through the card scheme because:

• you did not authorise it, or
• the merchant did not provide what you paid for, or
• the transaction breached card scheme rules (e.g. duplicate billing).

In practical terms, the bank raises a dispute with the merchant’s bank. If the rules are met, the transaction amount is returned to your account.

Chargebacks apply to:

• Credit cards (personal and business)
• Visa/Mastercard debit (when processed as “credit” / scheme transaction)
• Sometimes to prepaid cards linked to a scheme

When You Can Actually Get Your Money Back

Every bank and card scheme has detailed codes, but most chargeback cases for Australian consumers fall into a few categories.

1. Unauthorised Transactions

You generally have strong rights if:

• your card details were stolen or skimmed
• you were charged for a transaction you didn’t make
• a merchant “re-used” your card without permission

Under the ePayments Code (which most major banks follow), you are usually not liable for unauthorised transactions if you:

• didn’t contribute to the loss (e.g. by sharing your PIN/password), and
• told your bank as soon as you became aware of the issue.

2. Goods or Services Not Provided

You may be able to get a chargeback if:

• you paid for a product or service that was never delivered
• a business went bust before delivering what you paid for
• a travel or event booking was cancelled and the merchant refuses a refund contrary to their own terms or Australian Consumer Law

3. Significantly Not as Described

Examples:

• you ordered a new item but got second-hand or counterfeit goods
• a “luxury” product turns out to be a cheap imitation
• a service was materially different from what was advertised

4. Incorrect or Duplicate Charges

• charged twice for the same transaction
• charged the wrong amount (e.g. $900 instead of $90)
• currency conversion errors in some cases

5. Subscription & Recurring Payments

You might be able to dispute:

• charges after you cancelled a subscription properly
• “free trials” that re-billed after you followed the cancellation process

But it’s important to keep evidence: cancellation emails, chat logs, screenshots of “subscription cancelled” messages, and the provider’s terms at the time.

When a Chargeback Is Much Less Likely

Chargebacks are not a catch-all refund button. In 2025, you’ll usually struggle to get your money back when:

• you simply changed your mind after purchase
• you didn’t read the merchant’s refund policy and it complies with Australian Consumer Law
• a legitimate investment or crypto purchase fell in value
• you sent money via bank transfer, PayID or BPAY (not a card transaction)
• you ignored clear warnings about scams or suspicious sites

In these situations, the bank may still investigate, but there is no guarantee of a chargeback.

Key Time Limits for Chargebacks (2025)

Time limits come from scheme rules and your bank’s terms. Common patterns include:

• Often 45–120 days from:
  • the transaction date, or
  • the date you expected to receive the goods/service, or
  • the date you first noticed the problem (for some dispute types).

Some banks may accept disputes later in exceptional cases, but you should assume that:

▶ The sooner you contact your bank after spotting a problem, the better your chances.

How to Dispute a Transaction in Australia (Step-by-Step)

1. Contact the merchant first (if safe)
   Many banks expect you to try resolving it with the merchant before lodging a chargeback, especially for non-delivery or quality issues.
2. Collect evidence
   Save:
   • order confirmations and invoices
   • emails or chats with the merchant
   • screenshots of the product page, T&Cs, cancellation policies
   • proof of non-delivery or cancellation notices
3. Notify your bank quickly
   Use your bank’s app, online banking, secure message or phone line to report:
   • which transaction is in dispute
   • why you think it’s wrong
   • when you contacted the merchant and what they said
4. Complete any dispute forms
   Your bank may give you an online form or PDF to sign. Fill it in carefully and attach your evidence.
5. Monitor updates and keep everything in writing
   Note down call dates, reference numbers and any written responses. This will help if you later go to AFCA.

What If the Bank Says No?

If your bank refuses a chargeback or you believe they misapplied the rules, you can:

• Request a written explanation that refers to the relevant scheme rules or ePayments Code clauses.
• Escalate through the bank’s internal complaints process.
• If still not resolved, lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

AFCA can review whether the bank treated you fairly and followed the relevant codes and laws. It is free for consumers.

Quick Q&A: Credit Card Chargebacks in Australia 2025

• Q: Is chargeback a legal right in Australia?
  A: It mainly comes from card scheme rules and your card contract, but banks must still follow Australian Consumer Law and industry codes when handling disputes.
• Q: Can I get a chargeback on a debit card?
  A: Yes, if it was processed via Visa/Mastercard (not EFTPOS-only). Scheme rules still apply.
• Q: Can I charge back a scam payment?
  A: Sometimes, especially for unauthorised or fraudulent card use. Success is less likely if you knowingly authorised a transfer to a scammer.
• Q: How long does a chargeback take?
  A: It varies – some are resolved in weeks, complex cases can take longer. Banks often provide provisional credits during investigation.

Sources & Further Reading (Australia)

• Moneysmart – Scams & card payment tips
• AFCA – Banking & finance complaints
• ACCC – Consumer rights & online shopping
• Product Disclosure Statements and card conditions from major Australian banks

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Chargeback rights and time limits can vary between banks and card schemes. Always check your own card’s terms, and seek professional advice if you are unsure about your situation.