Mastercard's dispute rules give cardholders up to 120 days to file a chargeback in most categories. Like Visa, that number is the starting point — not the whole story. Mastercard organizes disputes into categories (each with its own numeric reason code), and the exact window can vary by category.
The practical takeaway is the same as with every network: multiple clocks can run at once (network rules, federal law, your issuer's terms), so file before the earliest deadline.
Mastercard assigns every dispute a numeric reason code describing what went wrong — fraud, authorization problems, cardholder disputes (like non-receipt or defective goods), and so on. The reason code determines which specific rules and timelines apply to your case.
You don't need to memorize reason codes — your issuer assigns the right one when you file. What matters for you is the reason: tell your bank exactly what happened, with dates and evidence, and they'll categorize it. But know this: because the window can differ by category, the dispute reason you select in our calculator can change your computed deadline.
Here's the trap most people miss: some fraud-related categories carry shorter filing windows than the standard 120 days. If someone used your card without permission, the clock may be tighter than you expect. The rule is simple — report fraud the moment you spot it. Freeze the card in your banking app immediately, then file. For fraud, waiting is the only real mistake.
For goods or services never received, Mastercard's window starts at the expected delivery date rather than the transaction date — the same principle as Visa. And the same outer boundary applies: the window generally cannot begin more than 540 days after the original transaction.
Pre-orders, crowdfunding rewards, long-lead-time furniture, future travel — these are the cases where the delivery-based start gives you meaningfully more time. But don't let a distant delivery date make you complacent: gather your evidence early anyway.
US-issued Mastercard holders get a second protection: the Fair Credit Billing Act (credit cards) or Reg E (debit cards) gives you 60 days from your statement date to dispute in writing. This federal window is independent of Mastercard's 120-day network window — and the written-notice requirement is strict. Our 60 vs 120 day guide explains how the two clocks interact.
Five questions, sixty seconds — your filing deadline, days remaining, and a step-by-step plan.
