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Mastercard 4834 - Point of Interaction Error

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Overview​

Used for transaction processing errors that occurred at the point of interaction (terminal, website, or other acceptance device).

When This Code Applies​

Duplicate Processing​

  • Same transaction submitted twice
  • Multiple authorizations cleared once each
  • Technical error caused duplicate

Incorrect Amount​

  • Cleared amount differs from authorized amount (beyond tolerance)
  • Wrong currency conversion
  • Incorrect tip/gratuity added

Incorrect Transaction Code​

  • Debit processed as credit (or vice versa)
  • Wrong transaction type indicator
  • Incorrect MCC used

Late Presentment​

  • Transaction cleared beyond allowable time frame
  • Delayed batch submission

Currency/Conversion Errors​

  • Wrong Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) rate
  • Incorrect currency code
  • Conversion applied when not requested

Error Subcategories​

4834.1 - Duplicate Processing​

Conditions:

  • Two or more clearing records for same transaction
  • Same amount, same date, same merchant
  • Only one authorization obtained

Time frame: 90 calendar days from duplicate transaction date

4834.2 - Incorrect Amount​

Conditions:

  • Cleared amount exceeds authorized amount
  • Beyond allowable tolerance (typically 20%)
  • No valid reason for difference

Tolerances:

Transaction TypeTolerance
US card-present20%
US CNP restaurants30%
All other20%

4834.3 - Late Presentment​

Conditions:

  • Transaction cleared beyond protection period
  • No valid authorization at time of clearing
  • Exceeded network time frames

Protection periods:

Transaction TypeWindow
Standard7 calendar days
Preauthorization30 calendar days
Car rental/hotel30 calendar days

4834.4 - Incorrect Currency​

Conditions:

  • Transaction currency doesn't match authorization
  • DCC applied without cardholder consent
  • Wrong conversion rate used

Time Frames​

RegionChargeback Window
Standard90 calendar days from transaction
Duplicate90 days from duplicate clearing
Europe ATM/Maestro120 calendar days

Representment Options​

For Duplicate Processing​

Valid defenses:

  • Only one transaction exists (mistaken chargeback)
  • Two separate, legitimate transactions
  • Refund already issued for duplicate

Evidence required:

  • Transaction receipts showing different transactions
  • Proof of refund
  • Authorization records showing separate auths

For Incorrect Amount​

Valid defenses:

  • Amount is correct per authorization
  • Cardholder agreed to final amount
  • Gratuity was within tolerance
  • Additional authorized charges (addendum)

Evidence required:

  • Signed receipt with final amount
  • Authorization showing correct amount
  • Cardholder agreement to charges

For Late Presentment​

Valid defenses:

  • Transaction was presented on time
  • Valid authorization existed
  • Within protection period

Evidence required:

  • Clearing date documentation
  • Authorization record with date
  • Batch submission records

For Incorrect Currency​

Valid defenses:

  • Cardholder chose DCC
  • Currency was correct
  • Conversion was accurate

Evidence required:

  • DCC disclosure signed by cardholder
  • Receipt showing currency choice
  • Exchange rate documentation

Second Presentment Time Frames​

RegionWindow
Standard45 calendar days
Costa Rica10 calendar days
Kazakhstan30 calendar days
Nigeria2 business days
Tanzania20 calendar days

Prevention Strategies​

Preventing Duplicates​

  1. Batch reconciliation - Review before submission
  2. Transaction IDs - Unique identifiers per transaction
  3. Real-time monitoring - Catch duplicates immediately
  4. Terminal configuration - Prevent double-swipes
  5. Staff training - One swipe per transaction

Preventing Amount Errors​

  1. Clear receipts - Show amount before signature
  2. Tip entry process - Verify before settling
  3. Authorization match - Clear amount = auth amount
  4. Tolerance monitoring - Alert on discrepancies

Preventing Late Presentment​

  1. Daily batch settlement - Don't accumulate
  2. Authorization timing - Track expiration
  3. Automated clearing - Reduce manual delays
  4. Exception reporting - Flag aged transactions

Preventing Currency Errors​

  1. DCC disclosure - Clear cardholder choice
  2. Rate transparency - Show conversion details
  3. Documentation - Keep currency choice records
  4. Training - Staff understand DCC rules

Win Rate Expectations​

Error TypeWith EvidenceWithout Evidence
Duplicate (refund issued)80-95%20-40%
Amount (receipt signed)60-80%Under 20%
Late presentment30-50%Under 10%
Currency (DCC consent)50-70%Under 20%

Common Mistakes​

  1. No batch reconciliation - Duplicates slip through
  2. Manual tip entry errors - Fat fingers
  3. Delayed settlements - Batches sit too long
  4. No DCC documentation - Can't prove consent
  5. Exceeding tolerances - Not monitoring differences
  • 4808 - Authorization-Related
  • 4853 - Cardholder Dispute

Next Steps​

Got this chargeback?

  1. Identify the specific error → Duplicate? Wrong amount? Late presentment?
  2. Pull transaction records → Compare auth vs. capture amounts
  3. Gather evidence → Representment Workflow
  4. Respond within 45 days (Mastercard)

Prevent future 4834 chargebacks:

  1. Implement duplicate detection before settlement
  2. Reconcile batches daily → Catch errors early
  3. Train staff on tip adjustment procedures
  4. Check operations checklist

See Also​