By the end of this article, you should be able to confidently manage disputes, unblock accounts, and handle chargeback issues effectively in SchoolCash.

Steps to Manage Chargebacks

  1. Log in to your SchoolCash account.
  2. Navigate to the Chargebacks section: Catalog > District > Chargebacks.
  3. Review the details of the chargeback and assess if it needs to be contested.
  4. If contesting, submit the required documents for review.

Tracking the Chargeback Lifecycle

After receiving a chargeback notification, upload the required documents within 10 days through the MerLink Portal. MerLink streamlines chargeback management by capturing data and document images, allowing fast responses to disputes.

MerLink DRS Upload Image

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can you tell if documents have been submitted successfully?

A: A confirmation screen appears after successfully uploading the documents.

MerLink DRS Upload Confirmation

Q: Are email notifications sent to confirm document submission?

A: No, email notifications are not sent after document submission.

Merchant Dashboard

On the merchant dashboard, you can view chargeback details in the Dispututes section.

Merchant Dashboard Disputes Section

The dispute details include:

  • MID
  • DBA Name
  • Date
  • Date Filed
  • Date Resolved (if still open, shows "Still Open")
  • Dispute Type
  • Case Number
  • Card Type
  • Amount of Dispute
  • ARN
  • Authorization Number (AUTH #)
  • Transaction Date (date of original transaction)

Tracking Your Disputes

Using the Dispute Type column and AUTH #, track the progress of a chargeback. The Authorization Number remains the same throughout the process, while the case number updates as new information comes in.

Dispute Types

  • VISA – Authorization & Fraud Related Dispute
  • Mastercard – First Chargeback, First Reversal, Pre-Arbitration

What Happens Next?

During the dispute process, the issuing bank provides limited information. When a customer disputes a charge, the amount is debited from your merchant or school bank account. If the dispute is resolved in your favor, the funds are returned. However, the customer may challenge the outcome and initiate arbitration. Timelines vary by card brand (e.g., Visa: 30 days, Mastercard: 44 days, Discover: 30 days). If no status change occurs within that time frame, and the funds have not been returned, the dispute is typically settled in favor of the customer.