Winning a chargeback isn’t about luck—it’s about evidence. Every dispute requires a specific type of proof to convince issuers that the transaction was legitimate. But what counts as compelling evidence depends entirely on the reason code behind the chargeback.
Merchants who understand these distinctions—and prepare templated responses for each code—see far higher win rates. This post breaks down what compelling evidence means, how to build a reason-code-based response system, and how Disputifier automates the process to save you time, stress, and lost revenue.
What is compelling evidence in a chargeback?
Compelling evidence is the documentation a merchant provides to prove a disputed transaction was valid. This can include delivery confirmations, transaction logs, IP addresses, or customer communication records—anything that supports the merchant’s case.
However, not all evidence carries equal weight. Visa, Mastercard, and other networks categorize chargebacks by reason codes, and each requires specific evidence formats.
For example, a “Services Not Rendered” chargeback demands proof of service completion, while a “Fraudulent Transaction” dispute needs IP and device verification logs. Generic responses rarely work—tailored evidence aligned with the reason code is what wins disputes.
Why reason-code-specific templates are essential
Every card network maintains its own set of reason codes and documentation requirements. Merchants who respond with standardized templates for each reason code can respond faster, reduce human error, and maintain compliance with evolving dispute rules.
Pre-built templates can also help your team respond before deadlines—especially when combined with automation tools like Disputifier that handle evidence generation and submission automatically.
For more on why timing matters, review our post on pre-arbitration deadlines vs chargeback time limits.
Common reason codes and what counts as compelling evidence
1. Fraud – Card Not Present (CNP)
Compelling evidence examples:
- Order confirmation email and invoice
- IP address and device ID matching cardholder’s region
- Delivery tracking confirmation with signature
- Customer communication logs showing engagement before shipment
Fraud chargebacks are common in ecommerce. Evidence proving that the cardholder participated in the transaction—like matching IP, geolocation, or order confirmation—can significantly improve win rates.
2. Services Not Rendered or Merchandise Not Received
Compelling evidence examples:
- Delivery confirmation (tracking number or signed receipt)
- Screenshot of digital delivery or download confirmation
- Customer communication confirming service completion
- Refund records (if applicable)
These chargebacks often occur because customers claim they never received an item. Proof of delivery or clear service documentation usually settles these quickly. For more insight, see our post on Services Not Rendered: Advanced Playbook.
3. Cancelled Recurring Transaction
Compelling evidence examples:
- Subscription policy or cancellation terms displayed during checkout
- Timestamp of service used after alleged cancellation date
- Customer email requesting continued access
If the cardholder claims they cancelled but evidence shows ongoing service usage or renewal consent, you can reverse the dispute efficiently.
4. Credit Not Processed
Compelling evidence examples:
- Refund confirmation or return policy proof
- Timestamp showing refund already issued
- Email confirming refund communication with customer
Merchants often win this category by showing that the refund was processed before the dispute was filed.
5. Duplicate Processing
Compelling evidence examples:
- Transaction IDs proving only one successful charge
- Refund or reversal record for duplicate transaction
Accurate payment logs can quickly disprove duplicate chargeback claims.
How to organize your evidence library
A merchant’s evidence library should categorize templates by card network and reason code. Each template should include:
- Reason code overview and description
- Required evidence list
- Customizable language for response letters
- File naming conventions for attachments
- Submission checklist
You can start by downloading a basic [compelling evidence checklist] (this would link to a downloadable asset when live).
Platforms like Disputifier already include built-in templates for every major reason code, automatically generating the correct documentation from transaction data.
The impact of automation on evidence submission
Manually compiling compelling evidence for each dispute takes time—often more than 30 minutes per case. With hundreds of disputes monthly, this adds up.
Disputifier eliminates this inefficiency through AI-driven automation. The system automatically:
- Identifies the reason code for each dispute
- Pulls the right data from your CRM, payment gateway, and communication systems
- Builds a complete, reason-code-compliant response packet
- Submits evidence automatically before deadlines
Combined with features like real-time dispute alerts and integration with Visa’s Rapid Dispute Resolution (RDR), Disputifier ensures merchants never miss a window for defense. Learn how RDR helps merchants resolve disputes faster in our article on Rapid Dispute Resolution for Visa.
Why merchants lose without strong evidence
Even when merchants respond on time, many lose disputes due to incomplete documentation. The top causes include:
- Missing or mismatched data (e.g., customer names, addresses, or timestamps)
- Weak or irrelevant attachments
- Generic response letters that fail to address the reason code directly
Automation minimizes these risks by eliminating manual guesswork. Disputifier’s system uses templates aligned with Visa and Mastercard’s evidence requirements to ensure every submission is airtight.
Building a proactive dispute defense
Compelling evidence isn’t just reactive—it’s preventative. Merchants should maintain policies and systems that naturally create defensible proof at every transaction stage:
- Record IP and device data for every order
- Use delivery confirmation and signature verification
- Keep communication logs in your CRM
- Automate subscription and refund tracking
Integrating Disputifier’s free BIN checker also helps identify risky transactions upfront, reducing fraud-related disputes before they happen.
FAQ: Compelling Evidence in Chargebacks
What is compelling evidence in a chargeback?
It’s the proof a merchant provides to show that a disputed transaction was legitimate, such as delivery confirmations, customer communications, or payment logs.
Does compelling evidence differ by card network?
Yes. Visa, Mastercard, and other networks have different reason codes and specific documentation requirements.
Can I use one template for all chargebacks?
No. Each reason code demands unique evidence. Using reason-code-specific templates dramatically improves success rates.
How does Disputifier help with evidence collection?
Disputifier automates data collection, evidence formatting, and dispute submission—saving time and increasing win rates.
Is automation worth it for small merchants?
Absolutely. Automation ensures every dispute is handled professionally and on time, preventing unnecessary losses even for smaller businesses.
Simplify evidence collection with Disputifier
Manually tracking evidence by reason code can drain your team’s time and lead to lost cases. Disputifier’s automation turns that chaos into a streamlined, error-free process—helping merchants stay compliant and maximize recoveries.
Automate your chargeback defense today with Disputifier. Simplify evidence, prevent losses, and protect your ecommerce business.
