What Mastercard 4831 means
The cardholder says the amount billed differs from the amount on their receipt or agreed with the merchant. Mastercard now handles this under 4834 as 'Transaction Amount Differs'.
Common causes
- Capturing a different amount than the authorized order total
- Adding fees or shipping after checkout without consent
- Keying errors at the terminal
Evidence that answers it
- Itemized receipt or invoice matching the billed amount
- Written customer approval of any amount change
- Proof of a partial refund for any difference
How to prevent it
- Capture exactly the approved total
- Get written consent before charging more
- Show all fees at checkout
Time limits and caveats
Legacy code consolidated into 4834. Under 4834 the issuer generally has 90 days (120 for some Maestro transactions) to charge back.
How Verdikx helps with 4831
Verdikx maps 4831 to its incorrect-amount playbook, which requires the itemized order total the customer agreed to and any approval of a changed amount, and advises refunding the difference when the overcharge is genuine.
Frequently asked questions
What does Mastercard reason code 4831 mean?
Mastercard 4831 Transaction Amount Differs is a legacy code. In the current Chargeback Guide the claim is a sub-reason of 4834 Point-of-Interaction Error. It means the cardholder was billed a different amount from the one agreed. Win with an itemized receipt or written consent to the final amount.
Is Mastercard 4831 worth fighting?
Our reference rates 4831 (Transaction Amount Differs (legacy)) sometimes winnable, depending on the evidence you have. The evidence that answers it starts with itemized receipt or invoice matching the billed amount. The cardholder's bank decides the outcome.
How long does a cardholder have to file a Mastercard 4831 chargeback?
Usually 90 days from the transaction date, under the network's issuer time limits. Your processor gives you far less time to respond, so work from the due date on the case.
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Sources
- Mastercard Chargeback Guide, Merchant Edition (13 May 2025) (checked October 5, 2026)
- Rapyd Acquiring Dispute Operation Guide: Mastercard (legacy code consolidation) (checked October 5, 2026)
Last reviewed by Verdikx Research.