How to Dispute a Charge with Bank of America and Get Your Money Back

Bank of America is the second-largest bank in the US with over 68 million consumer and small business clients. If you've spotted an unauthorized charge, a billing error, or unfair fees on your account, here's how to dispute it and get your money back.

Types of Bank of America Disputes

Fraud and Unauthorized Transactions

• Credit card charges you didn't make
• Debit card transactions from a stolen card or compromised number
• Unauthorized ACH debits or wire transfers
• Zelle payments you didn't authorize

Merchant Disputes

• Charged for products never delivered
• Items significantly different from description
• Double-charged for a single purchase
• Charged after canceling a subscription
• Merchant refused a valid refund request

Fee Disputes

• Overdraft fees ($35 per transaction)
• Monthly maintenance fees
• Foreign transaction fees
• Wire transfer charges
• Returned item fees

Step-by-Step: Dispute a BofA Charge

Step 1: Use Online or Mobile Banking

1. Log into bankofamerica.com or the BofA mobile app
2. Go to your account activity
3. Find and select the transaction
4. Click "Dispute this transaction"
5. Answer the guided questions about the issue
6. Submit any supporting documents

Step 2: Call BofA Directly

• Credit card disputes: 1-866-266-0212
• Debit card/checking fraud: 1-800-432-1000
• General customer service: 1-800-432-1000

Key points when calling:

• Have your account number and transaction details ready
• Specify whether it's fraud (unauthorized) or a merchant dispute
• Request a provisional credit immediately
• Ask for a case reference number

Step 3: Timeline and Process

• Provisional credit: Usually within 1-5 business days for fraud
• Investigation period: Up to 60 days for credit cards, 10-45 days for debit cards
• Documentation deadline: Submit evidence within the timeframe BofA specifies
• Final resolution: Written notification of the outcome

Step 4: Fee Reversal Strategy

For overdraft and maintenance fees:

• Call 1-800-432-1000
• Be polite: "I noticed a $35 overdraft fee and I'd like to request a courtesy reversal."
• Mention your relationship: "I've been a customer for [X years]."
• First requests are granted most of the time
• If denied, ask for a supervisor

Step 5: Escalate When Needed

If BofA denies your dispute unfairly:

• Appeal the decision: Request re-investigation with new evidence
• CFPB complaint: consumerfinance.gov — BofA must respond
• OCC complaint: occ.gov
• State banking commissioner: File a complaint with your state's regulator
• Small claims court: For amounts within your state's limit

Preventing Future Issues

• Set up transaction alerts for all purchases over $1
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Use virtual card numbers for online purchases (BofA offers this)
• Review statements weekly, not just monthly
• Freeze your debit card in the app when not in use

Quick Checklist

• [ ] Identify the transaction type (fraud vs. merchant dispute vs. fee)
• [ ] Start the dispute online or through the BofA app
• [ ] Call the appropriate number for follow-up
• [ ] Request provisional credit
• [ ] Submit documentation within the deadline
• [ ] For fees, request a courtesy reversal
• [ ] File CFPB complaint if unresolved

Bottom Line

Bank of America processes millions of disputes annually and their online system handles most cases efficiently. For fraud, you'll get a provisional credit within days. For fee reversals, the ask-and-you-shall-receive approach works well — particularly on first requests. CFPB complaints are your strongest escalation for stubborn issues.

Sources

• Bank of America dispute and claims process
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — dispute guidance