ChargebackKit
Evidence ChecklistAll GatewaysUnauthorized

Unauthorized Transaction Evidence Checklist

Evidence checklist for unauthorized and unrecognized transaction chargebacks. Covers cardholder verification, billing descriptor clarity, and Visa 10.4 / Mastercard 4863 requirements.

Evidence Checklist (12 items)

  • 1AVS verification results
  • 2CVV match confirmation
  • 33D Secure or SCA authentication
  • 4IP address and geolocation
  • 5Device fingerprint data
  • 6Customer account verification details
  • 7Billing descriptor as shown on statement
  • 8Customer communication acknowledging purchase
  • 9Delivery to cardholder address
  • 10Prior undisputed transactions from same card
  • 11Purchase session recording or logs
  • 12Two-factor authentication records

Unauthorized transaction disputes

These are among the most common and most challenging chargebacks. The cardholder claims they did not make or authorize the transaction. Your defense must establish that the legitimate cardholder authorized and benefited from the purchase.

Billing descriptor issues

Many unauthorized transaction disputes are actually unrecognized transaction disputes. The cardholder does not recognize the charge on their statement because the billing descriptor does not match your business name. Include your billing descriptor and explain how it relates to your business name.

Strong authentication evidence

Gather all authentication data: AVS match, CVV verification, 3D Secure results, two-factor authentication, and device fingerprinting. The more authentication factors that matched, the stronger your evidence that the legitimate cardholder was involved.

Post-purchase behavior

Evidence that the cardholder benefited from the purchase undermines unauthorized claims. Show delivery to the cardholder's verified address, product usage or access logs, customer service interactions about the product, and any social media or review activity related to the purchase.

Skip the Template — Get a Complete Evidence Pack

ChargebackKit generates a full evidence pack with an AI-powered response letter, organized exhibits, and structured evidence tailored to your specific dispute.

Get Your Evidence Pack — $19

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an unauthorized dispute differ from a fraud dispute?↓
They are closely related. Unauthorized disputes specifically claim the cardholder did not authorize the transaction, while fraud disputes may cover a broader range of fraudulent activity. The evidence strategy is similar for both.
What is a billing descriptor and why does it matter?↓
A billing descriptor is the business name that appears on the cardholder's credit card statement. If it does not clearly identify your business, customers may not recognize the charge and file a dispute. Ensure your descriptor matches your business name or website.
Can 3D Secure prevent unauthorized transaction chargebacks?↓
3D Secure shifts liability for certain unauthorized transaction chargebacks from the merchant to the card issuer. If you have 3D Secure enabled and the cardholder authenticated successfully, the issuer typically bears the loss.

Related Templates

Evidence Checklist

Stripe Evidence Checklist

Evidence Checklist

PayPal Evidence Checklist

Evidence Checklist

Fraud Evidence Checklist

Win Your Chargeback Dispute

Stop losing revenue to chargebacks. ChargebackKit builds complete evidence packs with professional response letters and organized exhibits—starting at $19.

Get Your Evidence Pack — $19