Quick answer: A chargeback is when a fan asks their bank to reverse a payment. Usually, whoever received the money has to pay it back, and on some wishlist sites, that's the creator. On Throne, it isn't. Throne protects creators against chargebacks: if a fan disputes a gift, Throne handles it, and you never repay the gift.

What Is a Chargeback on a Wishlist Gift?

A chargeback (also called a dispute) is when a cardholder asks their bank to reverse a charge. The bank opens a case with the card network, and the payment is reversed right away while the case is reviewed. The business that took the payment can respond with evidence, but the money is gone until the case closes.

Timing is the part that surprises creators most. Card networks typically allow cardholders up to 120 days after a payment to file a dispute, and longer in some cases. So a gift can be challenged long after it's been opened, used, or spent.

Why Do Fans File Chargebacks on Gifts?

Most chargebacks on gifts aren't a fan trying to scam you. Common reasons include:

  • Someone else found the charge. A partner, parent, or roommate sees an unfamiliar payment and calls the bank.
  • Buyer's regret. A fan sends something in the moment, then wishes they hadn't once the statement arrives.
  • They forgot. A fan doesn't recognize "Throne" or a store name on their statement months later.
  • A stolen card. Someone used a card that wasn't theirs.

Some disputes aren't genuine at all. Businesses identified 45% of their chargebacks as fraudulent in 2025, according to Mastercard. That's why the answer to "who pays?" matters so much.

What Happens to the Creator When a Fan Files a Chargeback?

When a dispute is filed, the bank pulls back the money, and the payment processor usually charges a dispute fee on top. Someone has to absorb that.

On some wishlist sites, that someone is you. The gift amount can come out of your balance or future gifts, even if you've already used or spent it.

Does Throne Protect Creators From Chargebacks?

Yes. Throne protects creators against chargebacks. If a fan disputes a gift with their bank, Throne handles it. You don't pay any costs and you never repay the gift.

In most cases you don't need to do anything at all. If Throne needs information from you, we'll reach out.

What Should Creators Do If They Hear About a Chargeback?

On Throne, usually nothing. A few habits still help:

  • Don't contact the fan about it. Let Throne handle the dispute. A worried DM can make things harder for both of you.
  • Keep using your wishlist as usual. A dispute doesn't change how you receive gifts.
  • Watch for a message from Throne. If we need anything, we'll reach out.

What Should Fans Do Instead of Filing a Chargeback?

If something went wrong with a gift, contact Throne first instead of going straight to your bank, and we'll help. Filing a chargeback on a gift may have a negative impact on your banking relationship and restrict your Throne account.

If you think a purchase was fraudulent, report it to Throne and we'll investigate. Most gift problems, like a wrong item or a missing delivery, are faster to fix through support than through a bank.

The Bottom Line

Chargebacks are part of how card payments work, and no wishlist site can stop a fan from calling their bank. What a site can decide is who pays when it happens.

On Throne, it’s never the creator. Curious what else comes free with your wishlist? Read Is Throne Free for Creators?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do creators have to repay a gift if a fan files a chargeback on Throne? No. Throne protects creators against chargebacks. Throne handles the dispute, and creators don't pay any costs or repay the gift.

How long after a gift can a fan file a chargeback? Card networks typically allow up to 120 days after a payment, and sometimes longer.

What does a creator need to do when a fan disputes a gift on Throne? In most cases, nothing. If Throne needs information, Throne will reach out.

What should a fan do if there's a problem with a gift? Contact Throne first at support@throne.com. Throne can help faster than a bank dispute, and filing a chargeback may restrict the fan's Throne account.

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