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Mastercard Reason Codes

TL;DR
  • Fraud (4837): Primary fraud code—cardholder denies authorization; fight with compelling evidence
  • Authorization (4807/4808): Card on warning bulletin or auth not obtained
  • Cardholder Disputes (4853/4855): Goods not provided, not as described—need delivery proof
  • Chip Liability (4870/4871): EMV liability shift—counterfeit or lost/stolen chip cards
  • Chargeback window: 90 days; Second presentment: 45 days

Complete reference for all Mastercard chargeback reason codes, based on the Mastercard Chargeback Guide.

Reason Code Categories

Authorization Issues (4800s)

CodeNameDescription
4807Warning Bulletin FileCard on warning bulletin at transaction time
4808Authorization-RelatedAuthorization required but not properly obtained
4812Account Number Not on FileTransaction on invalid or closed account

Fraud (4830s-4870s)

CodeNameDescription
4837No Cardholder AuthorizationPrimary fraud code - cardholder denies participation
4863Cardholder Does Not RecognizeCardholder doesn't recognize the transaction
4870Chip Liability ShiftCounterfeit chip card fraud
4871Chip/PIN Lost/Stolen/NRIChip card lost, stolen, or never received

Point of Interaction Errors (4834)

CodeNameDescription
4834Point of Interaction ErrorTransaction processing errors at terminal

Cardholder Disputes (4853-4855)

CodeNameDescription
4853Cardholder DisputeGoods/services not provided, not as described, or other disputes
4854Cardholder Dispute (US Region)US domestic catch-all dispute code
4855Goods or Services Not ProvidedNon-receipt of merchandise or services

Time Frame Quick Reference

StageStandardATM/Maestro Europe
Chargeback90 days120 days
Second Presentment45 days45 days
Pre-Arbitration30 days30 days
Arbitration45 days75 days

Regional Variations

Mastercard time frames vary significantly by region. See individual reason code pages for specific regional requirements.

Shortened Windows

  • Nigeria domestic: 2 business days for representment
  • Costa Rica domestic: 10 calendar days for representment
  • Tanzania domestic: 20 calendar days for representment