4808 – Authorization-Related Chargeback

DESCRIPTION

Why did I receive a chargeback with reason code 4808?

You received this chargeback because the issuer claims a transaction you processed was not properly authorised.

There are several authorisation-related errors that could trigger a chargeback with this reason code. To better manage the various causes of chargebacks, Mastercard has created several reason code subcategories and nested them under this general, overarching reason code.

Check our other guides to learn more about specific authorisation-related issues that can cause this type of chargeback.

• 4808 – CAT 3 Device
• 4808 – Expired Chargeback Protection Period
• 4808 – Required Authorisation Not Obtained
• 4808 – Stand-in or X-Code Approval After Issuer Decline
• 4808 – Transit First Ride Risk (FRR) Framework and Transit First Ride Issuer Liability (FRIL) Framework Claims

Technically, Mastercard has two additional authorisation-related reason codes. And issuers can use them when filing chargebacks. However, they will eventually be eliminated. So issuers are encouraged to use 4808 instead. These are the codes that will someday be retired.

• 4807 – Warning Bulletin
• 4812 – Account Number Not on File

Need help managing Mastercard 4808 chargebacks?

Let AltoShield help you create a comprehensive chargeback management strategy that can lower risk, reduce costs, boost approvals, and improve processing sustainability.

CLASSIFICATION

How does Mastercard classify this dispute?

Mastercard has four classifications for chargeback reason codes:

• Authorisation-related chargebacks
• Cardholder dispute chargebacks
• Point-of-interaction error chargebacks
• Fraud chargebacks

Reason code 4808 is used for chargebacks in the authorisation-related disputes category.

Mastercard has two transaction processing workflows: dual message and single message.

Reason code 4808 is for the dual message system. The single message equivalent is reason code 08. While the codes are different, the rules and processes are generally the same for both dual message and single message.

ISSUER TIME LIMIT

How long can the issuer wait to file a chargeback with reason code 4808?

In most regions and situations, issuers must file authorisation-related chargebacks within 90 days of the transaction processing date.

VALIDITY

What would make a Mastercard 4808 chargeback invalid?

An issuer can’t use reason code 4808 in the following situations.

• The transaction is properly labeled ‘emergency cash advance’.
• A contactless transit aggregated transaction was approved by the issuer and processed for the correct amount and within the required timeframe.
• A UK contactless transit split clearing transaction was processed correctly and within the required timeframe.

There are other factors that can make a chargeback invalid.

• The chargeback does not meet Mastercard’s filing requirements.
• The chargeback was processed after the time limit.
• A single transaction had more than one chargeback.
• The primary account number (PAN) and acquirer reference number (ARN) used in the chargeback do not match what was sent in the original transaction record.

Before processing a chargeback, the issuer must check to see if the merchant has already refunded the transaction.

TRANSLATION

What language can the issuer use for a 4808 chargeback?

If the issuer and acquirer do not share a common language, all relevant non-English documents must be accompanied by an English version.

If the issuer and acquirer do share a common language, an English translation of the documents is not necessary for most regions (Brazil is an exception) during the chargeback and second presentment stage of the transaction lifecycle. However, an English translation will be needed if the issuer advances the case to pre-arbitration and the acquirer responds.

If a translation is required but not provided, Mastercard will likely rule against the non-compliant party.

SECOND PRESENTMENT

Can I fight a chargeback with reason code 4808?

Yes, you can respond to a chargeback with reason code 4808. The process is called second presentment or representment.

Each subcategory has its own response requirements.

Visit the page for your specific subcategory to learn more.

• CAT 3 Device
• Expired Chargeback Protection Period
• Required Authorisation Not Obtained
• Stand-in or X-Code Approval After Issuer Decline
• Transit First Ride Risk (FRR) Framework and Transit First Ride Issuer Liability (FRIL) Framework Claims

If you provide supporting documentation with your second presentment, do not include the cardholder’s full account number (PAN) or any images that contain sexual subject matter.

NOTE

Technically, you can fight a chargeback with reason code 4808. However, you should only exercise this right if you can unquestionably prove the chargeback is invalid. If you submit a subpar or incomplete second presentment, the issuer can direct file arbitration. If that happens, you will be responsible for paying the arbitration filing fee.

ACQUIRER TIME LIMIT

How quickly do I need to file a chargeback response?

Response timelines vary by subcategory and region. Generally — in most regions and for most subcategories — responses must be submitted to the issuer within 45 days of the chargeback processing date.

There are a few timeline exceptions. The following countries have alternate time limits in certain situations — either 10, 20, or 30 days instead of 45.

• Costa Rica
• Kazakhstan
• Mainland China
• Nigeria
• Poland
• Tanzania

NOTE: This time limit is for the acquirer — not you, the merchant. Merchant time limits are usually much shorter. Review your chargeback notice or check with your acquirer to find out how long you have to respond.

ADVANCING THE CASE

Are pre-arbitration and arbitration an option for reason code 4808?

Yes, pre-arbitration and arbitration are an option for Mastercard reason code 4808.

Here is an overview of the full Mastercard dispute lifecycle and which entity is responsible for each filing.

Check our Mastercard pre-arbitration and arbitration guide to learn more.

NOTE: If you submit a second presentment that doesn’t definitively prove the chargeback should be overturned, the issuer can advance the case. In most situations, Mastercard does not require pre-arbitration for this reason code. That means the issuer can direct file arbitration, which would leave you — the merchant — responsible for paying expensive filing fees. It is best to only challenge 4808 chargebacks if you have unquestionable proof that the chargeback is invalid — such as a refund that was issued before the chargeback was filed.

Changing the chargeback reason code

In certain situations, an issuer can change a chargeback’s reason code during the pre-arbitration process.

In order to change the reason for a dispute to 4808, all of the following conditions must be met:

• The original chargeback was valid.
• The original chargeback was processed within the authorisation chargeback time frame — which is usually 90 days — regardless of the time frame that applied to the original chargeback.
• A second presentment remedied the original chargeback, but the issuer identified that a 4808 chargeback is applicable.
• The issuer must submit a pre-arbitration case when switching the chargeback reasoning from a non-authorisation dispute to an authorisation dispute.

PREVENT

How can I avoid chargebacks like this in the future?

Here are steps you can take to avoid Mastercard reason code 4808 in the future.

• Always request authorisation when required.
• Build your authorisation retry strategy wisely. Don’t retry hard declines. And consider whether a stand-in authorisation does more help or harm.
• If you process transactions with multiple authorisations, make sure you fully understand Mastercard’s rules and regulations
• Always process transactions within the required timeframes.
• Avoid partial refunds or reversals when possible. Only resolving part of the issue means the remaining transaction amount can still be disputed.
• If the transaction has a pre-authorisation, settle the transaction within 30 days of the latest authorisation approval date.
• If the transaction doesn’t have a pre-authorisation, settle the transaction within 7 days of the authorisation approval date.

Want more information about preventing authorisation-related chargebacks? Visit our detailed guide on authorisation.

NOTE

Mastercard chargeback rules are complex. The guide is over 1,500 pages long — compared to 67 pages for Visa — and contains detailed rules for both issuers and acquirers.

In an attempt to simplify the complex, we are only sharing information that is most relevant to merchants. If you are an acquirer and in need of more details, reach out to our team. We’d be happy to walk through the specifics with you.