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American Express Reason Codes

American Express uses a letter-number system for chargeback reason codes.

Code Categories​

Fraud (F Series)​

CodeNameDescription
F10Missing ImprintCard imprint not obtained
F14Missing SignatureTransaction lacks signature
F24No Cardholder AuthorizationCardholder denies participating
F29Card Not Present FraudUnauthorized CNP transaction
F30EMV CounterfeitCounterfeit chip card
F31EMV Lost/Stolen/NRILost, stolen, or never received card

Authorization (A Series)​

CodeNameDescription
A01Charge Amount Exceeds AuthorizationAmount differs from auth
A02No Valid AuthorizationAuthorization not obtained
A08Authorization Approval ExpiredAuth expired before clearing

Processing (P Series)​

CodeNameDescription
P01Unassigned Card NumberInvalid card number
P03Credit Processed as ChargeCredit/debit confusion
P04Credit Not ProcessedRefund not received
P05Charge Amount IncorrectWrong amount charged
P07Late SubmissionTransaction submitted too late
P08Duplicate ChargeSame transaction charged twice
P22Non-Matching Card NumberCard number discrepancy
P23Currency DiscrepancyWrong currency charged

Consumer (C Series)​

CodeNameDescription
C02Credit Not ProcessedExpected refund not received
C04Goods/Services ReturnedReturn not credited
C05Goods/Services CancelledCancellation not credited
C08Goods/Services Not ReceivedMerchandise never arrived
C14Paid by Other MeansDuplicate payment
C18"No Show" or CARDeposit CancelledHotel/travel dispute
C28Cancelled Recurring BillingSubscription dispute
C31Goods/Services Not as DescribedQuality/description dispute
C32Goods/Services Damaged/DefectiveDefect dispute

Response Time Frames​

Shorter Windows

American Express has shorter response windows than Visa/Mastercard.

StageWindow
Inquiry response15 calendar days
Chargeback response20 calendar days
Documentation request10 calendar days

Inquiry Process​

Amex often sends inquiries before chargebacks:

Key Differences from Visa/MC​

FactorAmexVisa/MC
Response time20 days30-45 days
Inquiry processCommonLess common
Dispute platformAmex merchant portalVROL/Mastercom
Liability shiftSafeKey (3DS)3DS

SafeKey (3D Secure)​

Liability Shift​

With SafeKey authentication:

  • Fraud liability shifts to issuer
  • ECI 05 = fully authenticated
  • Must be properly enrolled

Exclusions​

Liability shift may not apply for:

  • Certain MCC categories
  • Transactions below thresholds
  • Technical failures

Documentation Requirements​

For Fraud Disputes (F Series)​

  • SafeKey authentication data
  • AVS/CVV results
  • Delivery confirmation
  • Customer communication

For Consumer Disputes (C Series)​

  • Terms and conditions
  • Delivery/service proof
  • Refund documentation
  • Communication records

Win Rate Expectations​

Code TypeWith EvidenceWithout Evidence
F29 (SafeKey)70-85%-
F29 (no SafeKey)30-45%Under 15%
C08 (delivery proof)60-75%Under 20%
C28 (consent docs)50-65%Under 20%