A chargeback moves money from the moment it's received, not when it's resolved. Understanding each movement helps you read your balance and reconcile without surprises while the dispute is still open.

When it's received: temporary withdrawal

When the chargeback arrives, the disputed amount is withdrawn from your balance and held for the duration of the process. This is a preventive movement required by the card network: the funds aren't lost, but they aren't available for payout either.

Depending on the outcome

  • If you win: the hold is reversed and the amount returns to your available balance in the days following the resolution.
  • If you lose or accept: the withdrawal becomes final and the funds are returned to the buyer. The movement is recorded as a debit on your account.

Adjustments and associated costs

In addition to the disputed amount, the process may generate further adjustments, such as operating fees for handling the dispute. These items appear as separate movements, each referencing the chargeback that originated it.

How to identify it in your movements

Every movement tied to a chargeback — hold, reversal, final debit, or adjustment — includes the case ID. When reconciling, group by that identifier to see the net effect of each dispute instead of scattered movements.

Next step

For details on fees and line items, review what costs a chargeback may involve and how chargebacks appear in your reports.