Mastercard Reason Codes
This page covers Mastercard's dispute codes, the four-digit ones like 4853. Looking for Visa, Amex or Discover?
A dot in the code means Visa (10.4), one letter and two digits is Amex (C08), two letters at the front is Discover (UA02, RG).
TL;DR
- Fraud (4837): Primary fraud code. Cardholder denies authorization; fight with compelling evidence
- Authorization (4807/4808): Card on warning bulletin or auth not obtained
- Cardholder Disputes (4853/4855): Goods not provided, not as described. Need delivery proof
- Chip Liability (4870/4871): EMV liability shift. Counterfeit or lost/stolen chip cards
- Chargeback window: 90 days; Second presentment: 45 days
Every Mastercard dispute carries one of these codes. The code is the claim the cardholder made, and it's what decides the evidence you'll need. They're all below, from the Mastercard Chargeback Guide.
Reason Code Categories
Authorization Issues (4800s)
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4807 | Warning Bulletin File | Card on warning bulletin at transaction time |
| 4808 | Authorization-Related | Authorization required but not properly obtained |
| 4812 | Account Number Not on File | Transaction on invalid or closed account |
Fraud (4830s-4870s)
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4837 | No Cardholder Authorization | Primary fraud code - cardholder denies participation |
| 4863 | Cardholder Does Not Recognize | Cardholder doesn't recognize the transaction |
| 4870 | Chip Liability Shift | Counterfeit chip card fraud |
| 4871 | Chip/PIN Lost/Stolen/NRI | Chip card lost, stolen, or never received |
Point of Interaction Errors (4834)
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4834 | Point of Interaction Error | Transaction processing errors at terminal |
Cardholder Disputes (4853-4855)
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4853 | Cardholder Dispute | Goods/services not provided, not as described, or other disputes |
| 4854 | Cardholder Dispute (US Region) | US domestic catch-all dispute code |
| 4855 | Goods or Services Not Provided | Non-receipt of merchandise or services |
Time Frame Quick Reference
| Stage | Standard | ATM/Maestro Europe |
|---|---|---|
| Chargeback | 90 days | 120 days |
| Second Presentment | 45 days | 45 days |
| Pre-Arbitration | 30 days | 30 days |
| Arbitration | 45 days | 75 days |
Regional Variations
Time frames move by region, sometimes a lot. Don't count days off this table if you're outside the US - the individual code pages carry the detail.
Shortened Windows
- Nigeria domestic: 2 business days for representment
- Costa Rica domestic: 10 calendar days for representment
- Tanzania domestic: 20 calendar days for representment
Popular in This Section
- 4837 - Fraud - Primary fraud code (cardholder denies authorization)
- 4853 - Cardholder Dispute - Goods/services not provided or not as described
- 4808 - Authorization - Auth not obtained properly
- 4834 - Processing Error - Duplicates and processing errors
Related Resources
- What proof each network accepts - Evidence requirements
- Time Frames Reference - Response deadlines
- Mastercard ECP Program - Monitoring thresholds
- Visa Reason Codes - Visa code comparison
- Representment - Fighting chargebacks
- Chargeback Prevention - Stop disputes
- Chargeback Alerts - Ethoca for MC
- 3D Secure - Identity Check authentication
- EMV & Contactless - Chip liability
- Friendly Fraud - First-party abuse
- AVS & CVV - Verification tools
- Reduce Chargebacks Fast - Crisis response