MasterCard Message Reason Codes and Chargeback Categories
MasterCard assigns a message reason code to each chargeback initiated by one of its card issuers. These codes specify the reason why the transaction is charged back and each of them specifies the time frame for the processor’s response. Time frames can vary anywhere between 45 – 120 days.
MasterCard message reason codes fall into five categories, depending on the chargeback reason:
Authorization-related chargebacks. The following message reason codes designate chargebacks resulting from authorization-related issues:
|
Reason Code |
Description |
Response Time Frame |
| 4807 | Warning Bulletin File | 45 days |
| 4808 | Requested / Required Authorization Not Obtained | 45 days |
| 4812 | Account Number Not On File | 45 days |
Fraud-related chargebacks. The following message reason codes designate chargebacks resulting from fraud-related issues:
|
Reason Code |
Description |
Response Time Frame |
| 4837 | No Cardholder Authorization | 120 days |
| 4840 | Fraudulent Processing of Transactions | 120 days |
| 4847 | Requested / Required Authorization Not Obtained and Fraudulent Transaction | 120 days |
| 4849 | Questionable Merchant Activity | 120 days |
| 4862 | Counterfeit Transaction Magnetic Stripe POS Fraud | 120 days |
| 4863 | Cardholder Does Not Recognize — Potential Fraud | 120 days |
| 4870 | Chip Liability Shift | 120 days |
| 4871 | Chip / PIN Liability Shift | 120 days |
Cardholder dispute chargebacks. The following message reason codes designate chargebacks resulting from issues related to customer disputes:
|
Reason Code |
Description |
Response Time Frame |
| 4841 | Cancelled Recurring Transaction | 120 days |
| 4853 | Cardholder Dispute — Defective Merchandise / Not as Described | 120 days |
| 4854 | Cardholder Dispute — Not Elsewhere Classified (U.S. region only) | 120 days |
| 4855 | Nonreceipt of Merchandise | 120 days |
| 4857 | Card-Activated Telephone Transaction | 120 days |
| 4859 | Services Not Rendered | 120 days |
Retrieval request and documentation required. The following message reason codes designate chargebacks resulting from issues related to retrieval requests and required documentation:
|
Reason Code |
Description |
Response Time Frame |
| 4801 | Requested Transaction Data Not Received | 60 days |
| 4802 | Requested / Required Information Illegible or Missing | 60 days |
| 4863 | Cardholder Does Not Recognize — Potential Fraud | 120 days |
Errors in processing or procedure. The following message reason codes designate chargebacks resulting from processing errors or procedural issues:
|
Reason Code |
Description |
Response Time Frame |
| 4831 | Transaction Amount Differs | 120 days |
| 4834 | Duplicate Processing | 120 days |
| 4835 | Card Not Valid or Expired | 120 days |
| 4842 | Late Presentment | 120 days |
| 4846 | Correct Transaction Currency Code Not Provided | 120 days |
| 4850 | Credit Posted as Purchase | 120 days |
| 4860 | Credit Not Processed | 120 days |
For more on chargebacks, review our Chargeback Resources.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Settlement of Discover Card Transactions
5 Steps to Verifying Cardholder Information in Card-not-Present Transactions
