Here are four methods you can take to help lower the number of enquiries you receive and reduce the number of chargebacks:

• Always get an authorisation approval code
  Without it, it is very difficult to support your position if a Cardmember claims a transaction is fraudulent.
  
• Respond to enquiry letters on time
  If you wish to contest a Cardmember claim, you must send us supporting material that resolves the dispute by the date displayed on the enquiry letter.
  
• Follow Card acceptance procedures accurately
  Always get the Cardmember's name as it appears on the Card, the Card number, and expiry date. If the Cardmember is not present, verify the billing address with American Express.
  
• Pay special attention when taking orders by telephone, mail order or the internet
  If you accept such charges, the precise procedures outlined in the Merchant Agreement should be followed and a greater degree of caution should be exercised.

Results from charges that could not be processed upon submission (e.g. an invalid account number or a non-American Express account)

Issued when a charge does not meet the terms of your Card Acceptance Agreement and the Cardmember disputes the charge or it proves to be otherwise uncollectable.

When a Cardmember enquires about a charge, American Express first attempts to research the claim using in-house documentation or the information provided by the Cardmember. If the Cardmember's claim is substantiated during this stage, an immediate chargeback is issued. No further clarification is required and no enquiry is sent to you. You can appeal an immediate chargeback if you support the validity of the charge. Chargeback reversals are dependent upon several variables, including legal restraints.