Reason Code P08 — Duplicate Charge

How to Handle Amex Reason Code P08 Chargebacks

American Express breaks down the acceptable causes for a customer to dispute a credit card transaction in their dispute guidelines. This is done for the sake of simplicity and standardization. 

Each chargeback trigger has a designated “reason code.” Amex can then assign the appropriate code to each case to show the given reason for the chargeback.

Learn more about Amex reason codes

Today, we’re looking at one reason code in particular — P08 — and exploring the causes, timeframes, fees, and other specifics. We’ll also explore what you can do to prevent these chargebacks from happening.

What is American Express Reason Code P08?

American Express chargeback reason code P08 is “Duplicate Charge .”

When you conduct a transaction involving a credit or debit card, that transaction needs to be submitted for processing. This is a process called “presentment,” and it’s how the money gets transferred from the customer’s account into your account.

Amex has strict rules regarding how you can submit transactions, though. You may submit each transaction for processing only once.

A reason code P08 chargeback is used to explain that you submitted the same charge multiple times, resulting in duplicate charges to the cardholder’s account.

What Caused This Dispute?

Amex Chargeback Reason Code P08 is primarily issued when the same charge gets submitted multiple times to the bank for processing. To demonstrate, this scenario can arise if:

How to Respond to Amex Reason Code P08 Chargebacks

So, what happens if you can prove that no duplicate charge was submitted?

If you encounter an Amex P08 chargeback, it’s essential to address the matter as quick as you can. If you believe the chargeback was mistakenly initiated, you should submit a dispute response through a process called representment.

This process allows you to contest the chargeback by presenting evidence to the card issuer (American Express, in this case), demonstrating that the transaction was valid and complied with their policies. You'll need to compile several critical pieces of evidence to support your case.

Keep in mind that there’s a tight deadline to meet. You have just 20 days to submit your response to American Express. This timeframe includes the time it took for your acquirer to notify you of the dispute, plus any time they spend reviewing and forwarding your case. In practice, this often leaves you with five days or less to prepare and submit your response.

Acceptable Evidence for Amex Reason Code P08 Responses

You can re-represent these charges under the condition that you have compelling evidence.

For American Express reason code P08 chargebacks, you’ll need to provide some documentation showing that both charges in question are valid. For example:

• Transaction receipts or order invoices for both transactions
• Shipping and delivery confirmation information
• Proof of services rendered or completed work
• Phone transcripts or copies of email correspondence with the cardholder
• Screenshots from your CRM, showing unique transaction information

Alternatively, you might have already issued a credit to the buyer as a way of trying to avoid the dispute. In this case, you’ll need to offer proof that you already provided a credit to offset the amount charged.

The success of representment depends on the thoroughness and relevance of the evidence provided. Maintaining detailed records of transactions and communications with customers is vital to effectively counteract all chargebacks, including those under reason code P08.

How to Prevent Amex Reason Code P08 Chargebacks

As the old adage goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

You may never be able to stop chargebacks entirely. But, you can limit your exposure to risk and keep your chargeback ratio in good standing by adopting a few best practices. Generally speaking, you’ll want to:

#1  |  Double-Check Failed Attempts

If an initial transaction attempt fails, make sure to doublecheck that it has not been processed already before reattempting.

#2  |  Check Your Receipts

Review all your transaction receipts to make sure that cardholders don’t get double billed.

#3  |  Process Credits ASAP

If a cardholder gets double charged, make sure to submit a credit to offset the duplicate charge immediately.

Take a Wider View

You can dispute invalid chargebacks from Amex reason code P08. However, it’s much more efficient to take a proactive stance. The same is true of the other chargeback reason codes, as well. A truly effective chargeback management strategy must encompass prevention as well as disputing cases of friendly fraud.

Chargebacks911® can help your business manage all aspects of chargeback reason codes, with proprietary technologies and experience-based expertise. Contact us today for a free ROI analysis to learn how much more you could save.