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PIN Debit Chargebacks

This guide explains how PIN debit chargebacks work, why they appear as ‘Adjustments,’ and what to do if you receive one.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Understanding PIN Debit Chargebacks
  2. Why It Appears as an Adjustment
  3. What You’ll Receive
  4. What To Do When You Receive a Notice
  5. Haven’t Received the Letter Yet?
  6. PIN Debit Chargebacks vs. Credit Card Chargebacks
  7. Need Help?

 

1) Understanding PIN Debit Chargebacks

A PIN debit chargeback happens when a customer disputes a debit card purchase with their bank. These chargebacks are regulated under Regulation E (Electronic Funds Transfer Act).


Because they are processed through EFT (electronic funds transfer) networks like Maestro or Interlink, rather than Visa or Mastercard’s credit systems, they follow different rules and timelines.

When a chargeback occurs, the funds are withdrawn from your account as part of the bank’s investigation process.

 

2) Why It Appears as an Adjustment

When a PIN debit chargeback occurs, the amount appears on your Bank Deposits page as an Adjustment, not under your Chargebacks Report.

  • If you see an ACH icon next to the amount, that indicates an ACH Reject, not a chargeback.
    For more information, see Information regarding ACH Rejects
  • If there’s no ACH icon, it may be a PIN debit chargeback.

Here’s an example of how an ACH Reject appears:

 

3) What You’ll Receive

If the adjustment is a PIN debit chargeback, TSYS will mail you a letter titled:

“Debit Card Chargeback Adjustment Advice.”

This notice includes:

  • A ROL number (the case number for the dispute)
  • The transaction amount and date
  • The reason for the chargeback (e.g., “Services Not Provided,” “Credit Not Processed”)
  • Instructions for submitting your documentation by fax or email

 

4) What To Do When You Receive a Notice

When you receive your notice, act immediately.

  1. Review the reason for the dispute.
  2. Gather documentation, such as:
    • Customer’s signed receipt
    • Proof of goods or services provided
    • Refund confirmation (if applicable)
  3. Submit your documentation to TSYS using the information listed on the letter:

    📠 Fax: 303-482-8097
    ✉️ Email: bf_cbsettlement@globalpay.com

    If faxing, include the ROL # and MID on every page of your submission.

⏱️ You have 10 days from the date on the letter to respond.

 

5) Haven’t Received the Letter Yet?

If you see an Adjustment but haven’t yet received a notice:

  • The letter may still be in transit — TSYS mails these directly.
  • Contact PayJunction Risk at 800-601-0230 x5 and we can request a copy of the letter on your behalf and email it to you.

 

6)  PIN Debit Chargebacks vs. Credit Card Chargebacks

PIN debit chargebacks follow a different process from standard card-brand disputes.
This table outlines the key differences between the two:

Credit Card Chargebacks PIN Debit Chargebacks
Managed under Visa or Mastercard rules Governed under Regulation E (bank rules)
Appear in the Chargebacks Report Appear as Adjustments in Bank Deposits
Processed through PayJunction’s Chargeback Portal (Merlink) Processed directly by the cardholder’s bank and mailed by TSYS
Notices may be faxed or mailed Notices are sent only by mail
Merchants respond electronically via MerlinkResponse.com Merchants respond by fax to 303-482-8097 or email bf_cbsettlement@globalpay.com.

 

7) Need Help?

If you’re unsure about an adjustment or haven’t received your notice, contact PayJunction Risk at 800-601-0230 x5.
We can help confirm if it’s a PIN debit chargeback and request a copy of your letter if needed.