What must a cardholder do before filing a compliance case?

Before filing a compliance case, a cardholder is required to make a good-faith attempt to resolve the dispute in writing. This step emphasizes the importance of communication between the cardholder and the merchant or service provider. By attempting resolution first, it allows for the possibility of resolving issues amicably without escalating to formal proceedings. This process can often lead to quicker resolutions and is a critical part of the compliance framework within the payment industry.

Engaging in good-faith communication demonstrates that the cardholder has made a sincere effort to address the issue at hand, which is generally expected in dispute resolution processes across various regulated industries. Taking this step can also provide documentation that may be beneficial in any subsequent compliance procedures, showing that the cardholder has acted responsibly before resorting to formal complaints or legal action.