MasterCard Chargeback Codes

Chargeback Reason Codes for MasterCard

Following is the list of Chargeback Reason Codes used by MasterCard:

Mastercard organizes its chargeback reason codes into five categories: Fraud, Authorization Error, Point-of-Interaction Error (Processing Error), Cardholder Dispute (Cancelled/Returned), and Request for Information. Understanding which category a chargeback falls into tells you the nature of the claim before you even read the description — and determines the type of evidence you need to respond effectively.

Mastercard's chargeback program thresholds are also worth knowing before reviewing individual codes. The Excessive Chargeback Program (ECP) triggers when a merchant exceeds 100 chargebacks and a 1.5% chargeback-to-transaction ratio in a calendar month. The High Excessive Chargeback Program (HECP) triggers at 300 chargebacks and 3.0%. Merchants in either program face escalating monthly fees and risk account termination. Identifying which specific codes are driving your volume is the first step in building a targeted prevention strategy.

MasterCard Chargeback Codes
Code	Category	Description
4802	Request for Information	Requested/Required Item Illegible or Missing
4803	Request for Information	Documentation received was invalid/incomplete
4804	Processing Error	Duplicate Processing
4807	Authorization Error	Warning Bulletin File
4808	Authorization Error	Requested/Required Authorization Not Obtained
4812	Authorization Error	Account Number Not on File
4831	Processing Error	Transaction Amount?
4834	Processing Error	Duplicate Processing
4835	Authorization Error	Card Not Valid or Expired
4837	Fraud	No Cardholder Authorization
4840	Fraud	Fraudulent Processing of Transactions
4841	Cancelled/Returned by Cardholder	Canceled Recurring Transaction
4842	Processing Error	Late Presentment
4846	Processing Error	Correct Transaction Currency Code Not Provided
4847	Processing Error	Unauthorized transaction exceed floor limit
4849	Fraud	Questionable Merchant Activity
4850	Processing Error	Credit Posted as a Purchase
4853	Cancelled/Returned by Cardholder	Cardholder Dispute Defective/ Not as Described
4854	Processing Error	Cardholder Dispute-Not Elsewhere Classified
4855	Non-Receipt of Goods or Services	Non-Receipt of Merchandise
4857	Fraud	Card-Activated Telephone Transaction
4859	Non-Receipt of Goods or Services	Services Not Rendered
4862	Fraud	Counterfeit Transaction Magnetic Stripe POS Fraud
4863	Request for Information	Cardholder does not recognize - Possible Fraud
4903	Other	Documentation received was invalid/incomplete
4905	Other	Invalid Acq Ref Data on Second Presentment
98	Other	Good Faith Collection
99	Other	Pre-Compliance

MasterCard Chargeback Codes | Visa Chargeback Codes | Amex Chargeback Codes | Discover Chargeback Codes

Understanding Mastercard Chargeback Categories

Fraud (4837, 4840, 4849, 4857, 4862)

Fraud codes indicate the cardholder is claiming they did not authorize the transaction, or that the transaction involved counterfeit or stolen card data. These are the most serious chargeback type and the hardest to win without strong authentication evidence. Your best defenses are 3D Secure authentication (which shifts liability to the issuer when the cardholder authenticates) and real-time fraud screening that blocks suspicious transactions before they process. For code 4862 (Counterfeit Transaction Magnetic Stripe POS Fraud), merchants who have not upgraded to EMV chip terminals bear full liability — this is one of the clearest arguments for ensuring your terminals are EMV-capable.

Authorization Errors (4807, 4808, 4812, 4835, 4847)

Authorization codes mean the transaction was processed without proper authorization — either the card was expired, the authorization was declined, or proper procedures weren't followed. These are largely preventable through proper terminal and gateway configuration. Code 4808 (Authorization Not Obtained) is common when merchants process transactions above their floor limit without obtaining authorization, or when a forced/offline authorization is used improperly. Response evidence should include the authorization approval code and transaction records showing authorization was properly obtained.

Processing Errors (4804, 4831, 4834, 4842, 4846, 4850, 4854)

Processing error codes indicate a technical or procedural mistake — duplicate charges, incorrect amounts, late presentment, wrong currency, or a credit posted as a purchase. Code 4834 (Duplicate Processing) is one of the most common codes seen in high-volume environments where orders are processed multiple times due to system errors or customer double-submission. These chargebacks are almost always winnable if the underlying error didn't actually occur — submit the transaction records showing the charge was processed correctly and only once. If the error did occur, issue the credit promptly rather than fighting it.

Cardholder Disputes (4841, 4853, 4855, 4859)

Cardholder dispute codes cover cancelled recurring transactions, merchandise not as described or defective, goods not received, and services not rendered. Code 4841 (Canceled Recurring Transaction) is the most prevalent in subscription and continuity businesses — the cardholder cancelled (or believes they cancelled) but was still charged. Clear cancellation confirmation, easy-to-access cancellation procedures, and chargeback prevention monitoring are the primary defenses. For code 4853 (Defective/Not as Described), respond with product descriptions, photos, delivery confirmation, and any customer communications showing the item was accurately represented and received.

Request for Information (4802, 4803, 4863)

These codes require you to provide documentation supporting the transaction — a sales receipt, signed order form, or proof of delivery. Code 4863 (Cardholder Does Not Recognize — Possible Fraud) is worth particular attention: it often precedes a fraud chargeback if the cardholder confirms non-authorization after reviewing the documentation. Respond promptly with full transaction details and any evidence linking the cardholder to the purchase (IP address, shipping address match to billing address, signed delivery confirmation).

Responding to Mastercard Chargebacks

Mastercard gives merchants a standard response window of 45 days from the chargeback date to submit a rebuttal. Missing this window forfeits your right to dispute regardless of the merits. Your response package should be tailored to the specific reason code — a fraud code response looks nothing like a duplicate processing response. Include a concise rebuttal letter stating your position, followed by the specific evidence that addresses the cardholder's claim.

If your chargeback volume is elevated, the specific mix of codes tells you where to focus prevention efforts. Fraud-heavy volumes point to authentication and screening gaps. Recurring cancellation codes point to subscription management and communication issues. Non-receipt codes point to fulfillment and shipping tracking gaps. Chargeback prevention services address the dispute at its source — before it formally files — which is always more effective than winning representments after the fact.

CyoGate offers numerous tools and techniques to help minimize chargeback ratios. If you need assistance with managing chargebacks, please contact us today!