Disputing a charge with my bankUpdated 2 months ago
When to Dispute vs Request Refund
Before disputing a charge with your bank, understand the differences between a dispute and a refund request.
Request Refund First (Recommended)
Refund requests are faster and better for:
- Charges you recognize but want refunded
- Subscription you forgot to cancel
- Trial conversion you didn't expect
- Charges after cancellation
- Incorrect amounts
Benefits of refund request:
- Faster resolution (days vs weeks)
- Won't affect your CENTR account
- Direct communication resolves issues
- Can maintain relationship with CENTR if you want to return
When to Dispute With Bank
Bank disputes (chargebacks) are appropriate for:
- Fraudulent charges you didn't authorize
- Charges after you've tried to get refund from CENTR/platform and failed
- Charges you completely don't recognize
- Company won't respond to refund requests
Consequences of Bank Disputes
Important warnings:
- Account suspension: Your CENTR account may be suspended immediately
- Collections: Disputed amount may be sent to collections if dispute fails
- Future access: May be prevented from resubscribing
- Longer process: Bank investigations take 30-90 days
- Not guaranteed: Banks don't always rule in customer's favor
Proper Process: Try Refund First
Step 1: Contact CENTR or Platform
For web subscriptions:
- Email [email protected]
- Request cancellation and refund
- Explain situation
- CENTR typically responds within 24 hours
For Apple subscriptions:
- Go to reportaproblem.apple.com
- Request refund directly from Apple
For Google subscriptions:
- Request refund through Google Play
- If denied, contact [email protected]
Step 2: Wait for Response
- Give CENTR/platform 3-5 business days to respond
- Check spam folder for responses
- Follow up if no response after 5 days
Step 3: If Refund Denied or No Response
Then consider bank dispute as last resort.
How to Dispute With Your Bank
If you've exhausted other options:
- Contact your bank
- Call number on back of card
- Ask for disputes or chargeback department
- Provide information:
- Transaction date and amount
- Merchant name (CENTR, CENTR LLC, Apple, or Google)
- Reason for dispute
- Documentation of refund attempts
- File formal dispute
- May need to complete dispute form
- Provide written explanation
- Include any email correspondence
- Wait for investigation
- Banks investigate for 30-90 days
- Temporary credit may be issued during investigation
- Final decision communicated via mail/email
Documentation to Provide Bank
- Bank statement showing charges
- Emails to/from CENTR or platform requesting refund
- Cancellation confirmations (if applicable)
- Screenshots of subscription status
- Timeline of events
Dispute Outcomes
If Bank Rules in Your Favor
- Charge is reversed
- Money returned to your account
- Your CENTR account may remain suspended
- May not be able to resubscribe
If Bank Rules Against You
- Charge stands
- You owe the amount
- Temporary credit (if given) is reversed
- Can still try contacting CENTR for resolution
Impact on Subscription Services
What happens to your CENTR account:
- Likely suspended when dispute filed
- Access to app ends
- Account may be flagged
- May not be able to resubscribe with same email or payment method
Alternative: Contact CENTR Support
Even if you're considering dispute, contact CENTR first:
- Email: [email protected]
- Explain: "I'm considering disputing charges with my bank unless we can resolve this"
- Provide: Charge details and why you believe refund is warranted
- Often results in faster resolution than bank dispute
Best Practices
- Always try direct refund request first
- Give company chance to respond (3-5 business days)
- Document everything - save all emails and responses
- Only dispute as last resort
- Understand consequences before proceeding
Common Questions
"Can I dispute and keep my CENTR access?"
No - disputes typically result in immediate account suspension.
"How long do bank disputes take?"
30-90 days for investigation and final decision.
"Will I definitely win my dispute?"
No - banks review evidence and may rule in merchant's favor if subscription was legitimate.
"What if CENTR won't give me a refund?"
Document the denial, then you may proceed with bank dispute if you believe charge was unauthorized.
Need Help?
Before disputing with bank, contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- Explain your situation and desire for refund
- Most issues can be resolved directly, avoiding need for bank dispute