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Unauthorized Debit Card Charge: Letter & $50/$500 Rule
Report fast: within 2 business days of learning about a lost or stolen card, your loss is capped at $50.
1. What do you need?
2. The details
3. Your rights
- ✔Report fast: within 2 business days of learning about a lost or stolen card, your loss is capped at $50.
- ✔Within 60 days after the statement showing the charge, your loss is generally capped at $500. After that, you may lose everything taken after the 60 days.
- ✔Call the bank first, then send the letter to confirm in writing.
✉️ 4. Your letter
Send by email or the company's online form, plus certified mail for disputes. Keep copies.
🧭 What to do next
- Call the number on your card now and lock the card in your banking app.
- Send the letter and change your online banking password.
Official help:
General information and templates, not legal advice. Rules can vary by state and card agreement. 🔒 Everything stays on your device.
🏦 Your rights at a glance
- • Report fast: within 2 business days of learning about a lost or stolen card, your loss is capped at $50.
- • Within 60 days after the statement showing the charge, your loss is generally capped at $500. After that, you may lose everything taken after the 60 days.
- • Call the bank first, then send the letter to confirm in writing.
Questions people ask
How long do I have to dispute a credit card charge?+
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, send a written dispute within 60 days of the statement that first showed the error. Many card issuers accept disputes later through their own policies, so it's worth asking even if you're late.
Is debit card fraud protection the same as credit card?+
No. With debit cards your protection depends on how fast you report: within 2 business days your loss is capped at $50, within 60 days of the statement at $500. Report immediately.
Does the airline have to give me cash instead of a voucher?+
If your flight was cancelled or significantly changed and you didn't accept the alternative, DOT rules say you're entitled to a refund to your original payment method.