Credit Card Chargeback Deadlines in Canada

Missing a chargeback deadline means losing your right to dispute a charge through your card issuer. This guide explains the time limits for each major card network in Canada, how they are calculated, and what to do if you are running out of time.

Deadlines by Card Network

Chargeback deadlines in Canada are set by the card network, not by your bank. The three major networks have different rules:

These are the card network's rules. Your bank may apply a shorter internal deadline. Always check your cardholder agreement and, if in doubt, file sooner rather than later.

Note that Interac debit transactions have separate, more limited dispute processes. If your charge was on a debit card, contact your bank directly for their specific timelines. For Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit cards, the credit card chargeback rules generally apply.

How the Clock Is Calculated

The start date depends on the type of dispute:

• Fraud or unauthorized charge: The clock typically starts from the transaction date, but some issuers start from when you discovered the fraud. Report fraud immediately regardless.
• Goods not received: The deadline often starts from the expected delivery date, not the purchase date. This gives you more time if delivery was expected weeks after the order.
• Goods not as described: Starts from the transaction date. If you received the item late, some networks may adjust the start date.
• Recurring / subscription charges: Each charge has its own deadline. If you cancelled a subscription in January but were charged in March, the deadline runs from the March charge date.
• Refund not processed: The clock starts from the date the refund was promised or expected, not the original transaction date.

What If Time Is Running Out?

If you are close to the deadline, take these steps immediately:

1. Call your card issuer now. A phone call starts the process faster than a letter. Ask for a dispute reference number.
2. Follow up in writing the same day. Send an email or letter referencing the phone call and dispute number. This creates a dated paper trail.
3. Gather evidence in parallel. Do not wait until you have perfect documentation. File the dispute first and submit evidence afterward if your issuer allows it.
4. Use our letter generator to quickly create a professional dispute letter with your specific details.

Exceptions and Special Cases

There are limited situations where the standard deadline may not apply:

• Fraud: Most banks will investigate fraud beyond the standard chargeback window, especially if you can show when you first discovered it.
• Ongoing disputes: If you have been actively working with the merchant to resolve the issue, some issuers may extend the window. Document all communication.
• Minor or elderly cardholder: Additional consumer protections may apply in some provinces.

Even if the standard deadline has passed, it is worth contacting your issuer. Some banks will review cases on a goodwill basis.

Tips for Staying Within the Deadline

• Review your statements monthly. Do not wait until the end of a billing cycle. Many banking apps let you check transactions in real time.
• Set up transaction alerts. Most Canadian banks offer email or push notifications for every charge. This helps you catch unauthorized transactions immediately.
• Act on the first sign of trouble. If a merchant is unresponsive about a refund, do not wait weeks for them to follow through. Begin the dispute process while you continue to communicate with the merchant.
• Keep a dispute timeline. Write down every date: when the charge appeared, when you contacted the merchant, when you contacted your bank. This documentation protects you if deadlines are questioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Chargeback rules and timeframes vary by card network, issuer, and province.