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How to Respond to a American Express C02 “Credit Not Processed” Chargeback
You've had a American Express chargeback with reason code C02. Here's what it means, what to send back, and how to submit it, in plain English.
- American Express C02
- Credit Not Processed
- Type: credit or refund not processed
What American Express C02 means
Reason code C02 is American Express's code for “Credit Not Processed”. In plain words, the cardholder says they were owed a refund or credit and didn't get it. The bank has pulled the money back for now, and your response is your chance to show the charge was valid.
How American Express handles it
American Express codes start with a letter for their group: C02 is in the “C” group (card member disputes). Amex often handles disputes itself and may first send an inquiry asking for information before any chargeback. Answer inquiries quickly and fully, because not responding in time can turn one into a chargeback you can no longer contest.
Why customers file it
- You already refunded it, but it hasn't shown on their statement yet.
- They sent a return that hasn't reached you yet.
- They returned it outside your return window.
- They expected a full refund and got a partial one.
Most of these aren't bad faith. A calm, factual reply with the right documents works better than an argument.
The evidence that matters for C02
These are the documents the DisputeDraft generator checks for this reason code. Send the ones you have:
- Return PolicyYour return terms, so the bank can see the customer had a way to return it. Upload: return policy.
- Customer CommunicationMessages where the customer confirms the order, asks about it, or never raised a problem with you. Upload: emails, chat logs.
- Transaction DetailsThe receipt, invoice or order confirmation for the disputed charge. Upload: Original sales receipt, invoice, or order confirmation.
How to submit your response
Paste your letter into your processor's dispute response and upload the evidence. Menus change from time to time, so follow your dispute notice if anything looks different.
Stripe
- Go to Payments → Disputes and open this dispute.
- Click Counter dispute and follow the form.
- Paste the letter as your response and upload the files below.
Stripe accepts only one submission per dispute, so upload everything at once.
PayPal
- Open the Resolution Center and find this case (look under “Needs your attention”).
- Click Respond and choose the option to provide evidence.
- Paste the letter and upload the files below.
Use the response due date shown on the case.
Shopify Payments
- Go to Orders and open the order with the chargeback.
- Click Submit response in the chargeback banner.
- Paste the letter in the notes and add the files below as evidence.
You can add evidence until the due date; Shopify sends your response to the card company then.
Etsy Payments
- Find the email Etsy sent about this chargeback.
- Reply with the letter and the files below, as that email asks.
- Keep a copy of what you sent.
Etsy’s email gives the time frame to reply; Etsy passes your information to the bank.
Common mistakes
- Refunding already but not attaching the refund record with its date.
- Not stating what your return policy says, and where the customer saw it.
- Arguing about a return that actually arrived. Check before you reply.
Deadline reminder
Submit before the deadline on your dispute notice: late responses lose automatically.
Your processor sets its own response date, which is usually earlier than the bank's. Use the date on your dispute notice, not one you've read online.
Write your American Express C02 letter free
Opens the generator with American Express and C02 already selected. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Write your letter freeFAQ
What if I already refunded them?
Attach the refund record with its date and amount, and say so in the first line of your letter.
What if the return never arrived?
Show your return policy and your records showing no return was received, plus any messages about it.
Can I refund them now instead?
Refunding separately while the dispute is open can leave you paying twice. If they're owed the money, accepting the dispute settles it.
Is American Express C02 the same as other “credit or refund not processed” codes?
Other networks have their own codes for the same kind of dispute. The evidence is similar, but always use the exact code on your dispute notice (American Express C02 here).
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. It can't guarantee an outcome. Networks revise their reason codes, so always follow the code and deadline on your processor's dispute notice.