Reason Code List / Mastercard / Reason Code 4808 / CAT3 Devices
PREVIEW
A high-level overview
This reason code is used when a transaction was improperly processed using a Cardholder-Activated Terminal (CAT) — specifically a CAT 3 or limited-amount terminal.
Only merchants with the following MCCs are susceptible to this type of chargeback.
- 4784 – Bridges and Road Fees, Tolls
- 5499 – Miscellaneous Food Stores, Convenience Stores, Markets, Specialty Stores (solely for contactless-only transactions)
- 7523 – Automobile Parking Lots and Garages
- 7542 – Car Washes
Issuers can wait up to 90 days to file this type of chargeback.
If you — the merchant — have the required data, you can fight a ‘CAT 3’ chargeback. At most, you will have 45 days to respond. However, if you fight this type of chargeback and don’t have a strong case with supporting evidence, the issuer can advance the case to arbitration. And arbitration comes with expensive fees.
By adhering to authorisation best practices, you can avoid a chargeback like this in the future.
NOTE
Because this chargeback impacts a very small portion of merchants, we aren’t going to elaborate on what causes this dispute or how to respond. If you are a merchant or acquirer and need additional details about this reason code, we recommend you consult the latest version of the Mastercard chargeback guide. You’ll find a section on CAT 3 chargebacks in the authorisation-related chargebacks portion of chapter 2 (dual message system chargebacks).
PREVIEW
A high-level overview
This reason code is used when a transaction was improperly processed using a Cardholder-Activated Terminal (CAT) — specifically a CAT 3 or limited-amount terminal.
Only merchants with the following MCCs are susceptible to this type of chargeback.
- 4784 – Bridges and Road Fees, Tolls
- 5499 – Miscellaneous Food Stores, Convenience Stores, Markets, Specialty Stores (solely for contactless-only transactions)
- 7523 – Automobile Parking Lots and Garages
- 7542 – Car Washes
Issuers can wait up to 90 days to file this type of chargeback.
If you — the merchant — have the required data, you can fight a ‘CAT 3’ chargeback. At most, you will have 45 days to respond. However, if you fight this type of chargeback and don’t have a strong case with supporting evidence, the issuer can advance the case to arbitration. And arbitration comes with expensive fees.
By adhering to authorisation best practices, you can avoid a chargeback like this in the future.
NOTE
Because this chargeback impacts a very small portion of merchants, we aren’t going to elaborate on what causes this dispute or how to respond. If you are a merchant or acquirer and need additional details about this reason code, we recommend you consult the latest version of the Mastercard chargeback guide. You’ll find a section on CAT 3 chargebacks in the authorisation-related chargebacks portion of chapter 2 (dual message system chargebacks).
PUBLISHED ON: September 22, 2026
WRITTEN BY: Jessica Velasco
