Can I Appeal a Lost Chargeback? Here's What You Need to Know

Lost a chargeback dispute? You may still have options. Learn how the representment and arbitration process works — and how to win back your revenue.What happens if you lose a chargeback?Losing a chargeback dispute can be frustrating: you lose the money, plus the time spent gathering evidence. But is it truly over?Short answer: not always. In some cases, you can appeal a lost chargeback through a process called second representment or arbitration, depending on the card network (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.).When can you appeal a chargeback?You may be eligible to appeal when:The card network allows arbitration for that type of dispute.You can provide new, compelling evidence that wasn’t submitted initially.Your acquiring bank (the one that processed the payment) supports the appeal. Not every chargeback is appealable. Each card scheme has different rules and tight deadlines (sometimes under 10 calendar days).How does the chargeback appeal process work?1. Second representmentYou or your acquiring bank submit new documentation to the issuer and the card network for review.2. Arbitration (if escalated)If there’s still disagreement, the card network (e.g., Visa or Mastercard) acts as the final decision-maker. Arbitration fees can exceed €250, and you’ll pay them if you lose.Is it worth appealing a chargeback?It’s usually worth it when:The transaction amount is significant (generally over €200).You can bring new and solid evidence.You have legal support or automated tools like Kloutit.At Kloutit, we evaluate each case to identify if an appeal is viable and handle the second representment automatically — increasing your chances of recovery.What kind of evidence wins appeals?Strong evidence includes:Proof that the customer authorized the payment.Confirmation that the product/service was delivered or used.Screenshots or logs showing agreement to your terms.For example:IP address and device used during checkout.Delivery tracking with timestamp and recipient info.Email confirmations and usage records (e.g., logins, downloads).Real case: recovering €1,200 through arbitrationAn eCommerce client lost a “fraudulent purchase” dispute. After a Kloutit audit, we discovered:The customer had received a signed delivery.The IP matched their home address.The order was placed with their verified email.We submitted a second representment and won back the funds in arbitration, minus only a small processing fee.ConclusionA lost chargeback isn’t always final. With the right evidence and expert support, you can appeal successfully and recover revenue. Kloutit helps businesses identify winnable cases, automate second representments, and handle card scheme rules — so you focus on growing your business.