Retrieval Request
A retrieval request is a request from the cardholder’s issuing bank for more information about a transaction. This usually happens when a cardholder inquires about a transaction, but hasn’t yet escalated it to a chargeback. The merchant must provide documentation to support the authenticity of the transaction. If the documentation is insufficient, it could lead to a chargeback.

Chargeback
A chargeback is a transaction reversal initiated by the cardholder’s issuing bank. It occurs when a cardholder disputes a transaction, claiming it was unauthorized, fraudulent, or otherwise incorrect. The bank temporarily refunds the cardholder’s money while investigating the claim.

Pre-Arbitration
Pre-arbitration is a stage that occurs after a chargeback has been disputed by the merchant, and the cardholder’s issuing bank has reviewed the merchant’s evidence, but still believes the dispute is valid. At this point, the issuing bank re-presents the chargeback for any additional evidence.

When should you consider challenging pre-arbitration?

• You have compelling evidence that supports your case, and the initial chargeback response did not consider critical information.
• The chargeback appears to result from a misunderstanding that you believe can be clarified with additional information.
• The transaction amount is substantial enough to justify the effort and potential cost of further dispute resolution.

Arbitration
Arbitration is the final stage of the dispute process and involves a formal review by the card network (e.g., Visa, Mastercard). If the issuing bank and the merchant cannot resolve the dispute through chargeback and pre-arbitration stages, the case is submitted to the card network for a binding decision. Arbitration fees can be substantial, and the losing party typically bears these costs.

When to pursue arbitration?

• All other resolution methods (e.g., chargeback response and pre-arbitration) have been exhausted without a satisfactory outcome.
• You are confident in your evidence and believe that the arbitration process will likely result in a favorable decision.
• The transaction amount is substantial enough to justify the effort and potential cost.

Source: clearent by xplor