How to dispute a duplicate charge

1. Make sure it really is a duplicate

Two identical amounts on the same day can be two real purchases. Check your order confirmation emails: if there is one order number and one total, but two charges, it's a duplicate.

Pending authorizations sometimes drop off within a few days on their own. If one of the two charges is still pending, give it a few days before disputing.

2. Ask the merchant first

Merchants can refund a duplicate faster than a card dispute resolves. Use their support form, quote the order number, the date and both charges, and attach the confirmation.

Message you can copy:

Hello, I placed one order (SM-40213, $89.99) on September 14, but my card was charged $89.99 twice that day. My confirmation email shows a single order. Please refund the duplicate charge. Thank you.

3. If they already refunded part of it

Check for smaller credits from the same merchant after the duplicate. If one of them was a partial adjustment for this order, ask only for the remaining amount, and say so: it makes the request easy to approve.

4. Use your card's dispute rights if needed

If the merchant won't fix it, dispute the charge with your card issuer. For credit cards, US law generally gives you 60 days from the statement that first showed the error to dispute it in writing; debit card error rules have their own deadlines, so act promptly and check your account agreement.