Double charged on a debit card: how long until you get your money back?
Short answer
If one charge is pending, it will usually drop off within 1 to 5 business days. If both charges posted, dispute it in your banking app or call the number on the back of your card right away. Under federal rules, the bank generally has 10 business days to investigate, or up to 45 days if it gives you a provisional credit within those first 10 business days.
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Why debit is different
A credit card duplicate adds to a balance you haven't paid yet. A debit card duplicate takes money straight out of your checking account. That can cause an overdraft or a bounced payment, so it's worth acting quickly.
Step 1: Check whether it's pending
Debit card holds from restaurants, gas stations and hotels often look like a second charge. Most fall off within 1 to 5 business days. How to tell a hold from a duplicate.
Step 2: Contact the merchant
The merchant can refund the duplicate directly. Refunds to a debit card usually take a few business days to show up.
Step 3: Report it to your bank
If the merchant doesn't fix it, dispute it in your banking app (tap the charge, then Dispute or Report a problem) or call the number on the back of your card. Do it within 60 days of the statement that shows the charge. Save the case number.
How long the bank has
- Under Regulation E, the bank generally has 10 business days to investigate.
- It can take up to 45 days if it gives you a provisional credit for the amount within those 10 business days.
- Longer timelines can apply to new accounts and some point-of-sale and foreign transactions.
If it caused an overdraft
Ask the bank to reverse any overdraft or returned-payment fees caused by the duplicate. Many banks will when the charge was a merchant error.