How do I dispute a charge for health supplements with my credit card company?

1. Read the charge, gather evidence, and watch the 60‑day clock

Verify the date, amount, merchant name and any receipts or emails related to the supplement charge, because billing‑error disputes generally must be started within 60 days of the first statement showing the charge ^{[3] [2] [6]}. Review your card’s transaction details online and save screenshots, order numbers, screenshots of terms (like trial/subscription disclosures) and any communications with the seller, since those documents are the backbone of a successful dispute ^{[7] [3]}.

2. Try to get a merchant reversal before escalating

Contact the supplement seller first, request a refund or cancellation, and keep a written record of whom you spoke to, dates, and what was promised—issuers commonly expect to see attempted merchant contact and it may solve the issue faster than a formal chargeback ^{[8] [3] [7]}. If the charge is truly unauthorized or you were tricked into a subscription, tell the merchant you don’t consent to recurring billing and document any failure to cancel, because that documentation strengthens a later claim with the card company ^[6].

3. File the formal dispute with the card issuer in writing and by deadline

If the merchant won’t reverse the charge, file a dispute with the card issuer using the method required by that issuer (phone, secure message, online dispute portal, or certified letter), and be sure to send a written billing‑error notice within 60 calendar days of the statement that first showed the disputed charge to preserve legal protections under the FCBA ^{[2] [9] [5]}. Use the sample dispute letter format recommended by the FTC or your state attorney general, include copies (not originals) of receipts and correspondence, and send by certified mail or via the issuer’s documented online process so there’s proof of delivery ^{[3] [9] [5]}.

4. Know what the issuer must do and what to expect during the investigation

After receiving a proper written dispute, the card issuer is required to acknowledge it in writing within 30 days and must resolve the dispute within two billing cycles (but not more than 90 days); during the investigation consumers generally needn’t pay the disputed amount or related finance charges and issuers may issue a provisional credit while they investigate ^{[2] [4] [5]}. If the issuer finds in the consumer’s favor it must remove the charge; if it upholds the merchant, it must explain why in writing and state what still must be paid ^[2].

5. If this is a subscription or deceptive marketing trap, report and escalate

Health‑supplement sellers commonly use free‑trial or subscription models that lead to surprise charges, and when cancellation attempts fail consumers should both dispute the charge and report deceptive practices to the FTC, Better Business Bureau or state attorney general; these complaints can prompt enforcement or help other consumers ^{[6] [10]}. Document every interaction and include proof of cancellation attempts in your dispute; many issuers will issue a chargeback and block future payments when presented with clear evidence of unauthorized recurring billing ^{[6] [7]}.

6. Keep records, expect merchant pushback, and protect credit standing

Keep copies of every letter, certified‑mail receipts, screenshots, and notes of phone calls because merchants sometimes contest chargebacks, use third‑party collections or dispute‑management vendors, and — in rare cases — pursue recovery actions; maintaining evidence also protects a consumer’s credit and strengthens follow‑up with regulators ^{[11] [7] [10]}. If the issuer denies the dispute, it must explain why in writing and consumers can rebut that finding or pursue other remedies with state consumer protection offices or through small claims court, but the initial procedural protections require timely written notice and careful documentation ^{[2] [9] [5]}.