A dispute moves through a defined set of stages, from the first warning signal to final resolution. Understanding each stage helps you respond at the right time.
Dispute Stages
Transaction
↓
Notification of Chargeback (NOC) ←— RDR / Ethoca can intercept here
↓
Chargeback (funds debited from your account)
↓
Representment (you contest the chargeback)
↓
Second Chargeback / Pre-Arbitration
↓
Arbitration (card network decides — binding)
↓
Final Resolution (won or lost)Stage Descriptions
Stage | What It Means | Action Required? |
|---|---|---|
NOC (Notification of Chargeback) | Early warning from the issuer. Funds haven't moved yet. | Optional: issue a refund to prevent the chargeback |
Chargeback | Funds have been debited from your balance account. A chargeback fee applies. | Decide whether to contest (representment) or accept |
Representment | You submit evidence to contest the chargeback. | Submit evidence before the deadline |
Second Chargeback | The issuer rejected your representment. | Decide whether to accept or escalate to arbitration |
Arbitration | The card network makes a final, binding decision. Arbitration fees apply. | Work with your account manager |
Resolution | Case is closed — you won, lost, or it was intercepted pre-chargeback. | Review financial impact |
Response Deadlines
Each stage has a strict deadline. Missing a representment deadline means automatically losing the dispute. Swipe Aras will notify you of upcoming deadlines.
NOC response window: Network-specific (typically 24–72 hours)
Representment deadline: Varies by card network and reason code (typically 20–45 calendar days after chargeback)
See Responding to a Dispute and Submitting Evidence for what to do at each stage.