What Mastercard 4860 means
The cardholder has credit documentation or a merchant promise of a refund that was not processed. Under 4853, the issuer generally charges back between 15 and 120 days from the date on the credit documentation.
Common causes
- Returns received but not refunded
- Refunds delayed beyond what the customer was told
- Store credit issued where the customer expected money back
Evidence that answers it
- Refund record with date, amount and reference
- Return policy disclosed at checkout and proof the return did not qualify
- Returns records showing what was received
How to prevent it
- Refund promptly when returns arrive and confirm by email
- State clearly whether returns get refunds, store credit or exchanges
Time limits and caveats
Legacy code consolidated into 4853.
How Verdikx helps with 4860
Verdikx maps 4860 to its credit-not-processed playbook: refund records from your processor plus return state and outcome (refund, store credit or exchange) from Loop (beta). If a refund already went out, the packet leads with it.
Frequently asked questions
What does Mastercard reason code 4860 mean?
Mastercard 4860 Credit Not Processed is a legacy code; the claim is now the 'Refund Not Processed' sub-reason of 4853. It means the cardholder says a promised refund never arrived. If you refunded, the refund record wins. If no refund was due under a disclosed policy, show the policy and return history.
Is Mastercard 4860 worth fighting?
Our reference rates 4860 (Credit Not Processed (legacy)) sometimes winnable, depending on the evidence you have. The evidence that answers it starts with refund record with date, amount and reference. The cardholder's bank decides the outcome.
How long does a cardholder have to file a Mastercard 4860 chargeback?
Usually 120 days from the later of the transaction and the (expected) delivery 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.