Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form: Your Guide to Resolving Billing Errors

Introduction

Key Things to Know

1. 1

   You must submit your dispute within 60 days of the first bill containing the error—not from when you discovered the error.

2. 2

   Always send dispute forms via certified mail with return receipt requested and keep copies of all correspondence.

3. 3

   You can withhold payment on the disputed portion of your bill during the investigation, but you must pay any undisputed amounts.

4. 4

   Creditors must acknowledge your dispute within 30 days and resolve it within two billing cycles (maximum 90 days).

5. 5

   If you're disputing a credit card charge for goods or services, it's often helpful to also contact the merchant directly to try resolving the issue.

6. 6

   For medical billing disputes, request an itemized bill and explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurance to help identify specific errors.

7. 7

   Utility billing disputes may also be addressed through your state's public utility commission if the company is unresponsive.

8. 8

   If your creditor violates FCBA procedures, they may forfeit the right to collect up to $50 of the disputed amount, even if the charge was correct.

Washington Requirements for Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form

• 15 U.S.C. § 1666 - Correction of Billing Errors (15 U.S.C. § 1666)

  Establishes the consumer's right to dispute billing errors and requires creditors to acknowledge disputes within 30 days and resolve them within 90 days. During investigation, consumers cannot be charged interest or penalties on disputed amounts.

• 15 U.S.C. § 1666a - Regulation of Credit Reports (15 U.S.C. § 1666a)

  Prohibits creditors from reporting disputed amounts as delinquent to credit bureaus while the dispute is under investigation. Creditors must also report the resolution of disputes to credit bureaus.

• 15 U.S.C. § 1666i-1 - Rights of Credit Card Users (15 U.S.C. § 1666i-1)

  Provides consumers with the right to withhold payment on defective goods or services purchased with a credit card if certain requirements are met, including good faith attempts to resolve with the merchant.

• 12 C.F.R. § 1026.13 - Billing Error Resolution (12 C.F.R. § 1026.13)

  Regulation Z implementation of FCBA that details specific procedures for billing error notices, creditor responses, and time limits for resolution. Defines what constitutes a billing error.

• RCW 19.86.020 - Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86.020)

  Washington's Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce, which includes improper billing practices and failure to properly respond to billing disputes.

• RCW 19.16.250 - Collection Agency Practices (RCW 19.16.250)

  Regulates debt collection practices in Washington, including how collectors must handle disputed debts. Collectors cannot pursue collection on disputed amounts until the dispute is resolved.

• RCW 19.182.100 - Credit Reporting Accuracy (RCW 19.182.100)

  Washington law requiring accuracy in credit reporting and providing consumers with rights to dispute inaccurate information with both creditors and credit reporting agencies.

• 15 U.S.C. § 1693f - Error Resolution (15 U.S.C. § 1693f)

  Part of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act that establishes error resolution procedures for electronic transactions, which may apply to electronic payments related to credit accounts.

• RCW 19.230 - Uniform Money Services Act (RCW 19.230)

  Washington law governing money transmission services that may be involved in payment processing, including provisions for error resolution and consumer protection.

• 15 U.S.C. § 45(a) - FTC Act Unfair Practices (15 U.S.C. § 45(a))

  Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce, which the FTC has applied to improper billing practices and inadequate dispute resolution procedures.

• RCW 19.52 - Interest and Usury (RCW 19.52)

  Washington laws governing interest rates and charges, which may apply to interest charged during billing disputes and the proper calculation of finance charges.

• 12 C.F.R. § 1026.5 - General Disclosure Requirements (12 C.F.R. § 1026.5)

  Regulation Z requirements for clear and conspicuous disclosures in credit agreements, including how to submit billing error notices and dispute rights.

• RCW 19.86.093 - Consumer Protection Damages (RCW 19.86.093)

  Washington law establishing remedies for consumers who suffer damages due to unfair business practices, including those related to improper billing or dispute handling.

• 15 U.S.C. § 1640 - Civil Liability (15 U.S.C. § 1640)

  Establishes creditor liability for failing to comply with FCBA requirements, including statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney's fees for successful claims.

• RCW 19.86.920 - Liberal Construction (RCW 19.86.920)

  Washington directive that consumer protection laws be liberally construed to protect consumers, which courts apply to billing dispute resolution requirements.

• 12 C.F.R. § 1026.27 - Language of Disclosures (12 C.F.R. § 1026.27)

  Federal requirements for the language and format of disclosures, which apply to billing error notices and dispute forms to ensure they are clear and understandable.

• RCW 19.122 - Underground Utilities (RCW 19.122)

  Washington-specific requirements for utility billing disputes related to underground utility services, including dispute resolution procedures.

• 15 U.S.C. § 1637 - Open End Consumer Credit Plans (15 U.S.C. § 1637)

  Federal requirements for credit card issuers regarding billing statements, including the requirement to provide information about billing error rights on each statement.

• RCW 48.43.190 - Health Care Billing Disputes (RCW 48.43.190)

  Washington law governing the resolution of health care billing disputes, which may interact with FCBA disputes for medical charges on credit cards.

• 15 U.S.C. § 1681s-2 - Furnisher Responsibilities (15 U.S.C. § 1681s-2)

  Fair Credit Reporting Act provisions requiring furnishers of information to credit bureaus to investigate disputes and correct inaccurate information, which complements FCBA protections.