Try the merchant first. The bank is the second step.
“I was charged for an order I never received.”
What to do now
Try these in order. Stop as soon as one works.
-
Collect the evidence
Save the order screen, the payment record, and the receipt. Screenshot the merchant chat.
About 5 min -
Request a refund from the merchant
Use the order page or the merchant's support chat. Ask for a written confirmation.
About 10 min -
File a dispute with your bank
Send the evidence and explain that the service was not delivered. Ask for a chargeback.
About 15 min
Why this happens
Ranked by how often it is the cause.
The refund is still pending on the merchant side.
Open the order in the app and check the refund status.
Likelihood: high
The charge belongs to a different order or a deposit.
Match the amount and time with your receipts.
Likelihood: medium
The card issuer's dispute window has passed.
Contact your bank as soon as the merchant stops responding.
Likelihood: low
If that does not work
Get out of the queue first. Solve the payment later.
- Accept a cash refund
Only if the merchant offers it and you can count the notes.
- Use the platform's support channel
Marketplace orders often have a built-in dispute form.
- Claim on travel insurance
Some policies cover non-delivery and card fraud.
Setup guide: Using a Foreign Credit Card in China: What Works in 2026
Related problems
Independent guide. Not affiliated with Alipay, WeChat Pay, or any card network. Rules checked 2026-10-26 (version 2026-10). Found a different error message? Send it to us.