How do I dispute an unauthorized credit card charge?
Last updated: 2026-07-11 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Report it to your credit card issuer in writing as soon as you see it. RA 10870 (Philippine Credit Card Industry Regulation Law, §18) gives you up to 30 calendar days from the statement date to report a billing error or discrepancy, and requires the issuer to act on your report within 10 business days of receiving it. Put the dispute in writing (keep proof), ask the bank to withhold the disputed amount and any related interest while it investigates, and if it refuses to resolve it, escalate to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas under RA 11765.
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Frequently asked
How long do I have to report the charge?
RA 10870 §18 gives you up to 30 calendar days from the statement date to report an error or discrepancy in your billing statement. Report as early as you can — a prompt written dispute preserves your rights and the evidence.
How fast must the bank respond?
RA 10870 §18 requires the credit card issuer to take action on your reported error within 10 business days of receiving your notice. Keep the date-stamped proof that you filed the dispute so you can hold the bank to that timeline.
Do I have to pay the disputed amount meanwhile?
Ask the issuer in writing to place the disputed amount and its interest on hold pending investigation. If the bank still bills or penalizes you over a genuinely disputed charge and won't resolve it, escalate to the BSP under RA 11765.
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