Discover reason code AW
Discover AW: Altered Amount
What the cardholder is claiming
The cardholder agreed to one amount and was charged a different one. They believe the transaction amount was changed after they authorized it. Common with tips, hotel and rental incidentals, and post-order adjustments.
The evidence that actually wins
Bank analysts skim responses in minutes against a checklist for this exact code. Lead with the strongest fact; never make them dig.
- ✓The signed receipt, folio, or order confirmation showing the final amount the cardholder agreed to
- ✓Terms the cardholder accepted that authorize incremental charges such as incidentals, damage fees, or delivery adjustments
- ✓An itemized reconciliation from the authorized amount to the settled amount
- ✓Proof you already refunded the disputed difference
The honest read
This comes down to one question: can you document consent to the exact amount that settled? If the gap is a tip-entry error or a real mistake, refund the difference immediately; crediting only the disputed delta usually ends it cheaper than a full fight. Contesting makes sense when you hold a signed folio or accepted terms that cover the adjustment. Do not fight when your own paper trail shows the customer agreed to less than you charged.
Nobody can promise you a win; the cardholder's bank decides. What you control is submitting the strongest complete case your records support, on time. Our plain-language guarantees say exactly what that means.
Fighting a AW right now?
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