# Cardholder dispute resolution network (CDRN)

> Proactively resolve disputes and prevent chargebacks with CDRN's early alerts.

CDRN (Cardholder Dispute Resolution Network) is an early chargeback alert mechanism launched by [Visa](https://docs.antom.com/ac/antomop/visa_mdx.md). When a cardholder disputes a transaction and submits a chargeback request to the issuing bank (including issuers under major card networks such as [Visa](https://docs.antom.com/ac/antomop/visa_mdx.md), [Mastercard](https://docs.antom.com/ac/antomop/mastercard_mdx.md), [American Express](https://docs.antom.com/ac/antomop/amex_mdx.md), and [JCB](https://docs.antom.com/ac/antomop/jcb_mdx.md)), the system sends an immediate alert to the merchant.

This allows merchants to proactively intervene before the dispute escalates into a formal chargeback, communicate with the cardholder, and resolve the issue quickly in order to effectively reduce chargeback rates, minimize financial losses, and ensure stable business operations.

## Key features

-   **Risk prevention & account stability**: By intervening early in the dispute resolution process, CDRN can significantly reduce chargeback rates, mitigate card network compliance risks, and maintain long-term account stability.
-   **Fast refund experience**: Cardholders can receive refunds within days via the CDRN mechanism, greatly improving the shopping experience.
-   **Enhanced control over dispute resolution**: Merchants can engage directly with cardholders before a chargeback is formally initiated, strengthening control over the dispute resolution process.
-   **Comprehensive multi-card network support**: CDRN provides end-to-end dispute alert and resolution support, covering both Visa and non-Visa card networks such as [Mastercard](https://docs.antom.com/ac/antomop/mastercard_mdx.md), [American Express](https://docs.antom.com/ac/antomop/amex_mdx.md), [JCB](https://docs.antom.com/ac/antomop/jcb_mdx.md) and [Discover](https://docs.antom.com/ac/antomop/discover_mdx.md).

## CDRN operation workflow

When a buyer initiates a chargeback, CDRN follows this process:

1.  **Dispute Initiation**: Buyer submits a chargeback request to the issuing bank.
2.  **Merchant Verification**: Issuing bank confirms merchant’s CDRN enrollment status.
3.  **System Assessment**: CDRN is triggered and prompts the merchant to make a refund decision.
4.  Based on the merchant’s decision, one of the following actions are initiated:

-   **Accept refund**: Triggers refund processing.
-   **Do not accept refund:** Routes to standard dispute resolution.

5.  **Case Closure**: Acquiring bank refunds the issuing bank, with funds returned to the buyer. Dispute resolved.

![222.png](https://idocs-assets.marmot-cloud.com/storage/idocs87c36dc8dac653c1/yuque/idocs/2026/png/6ad1391f-6f75-4c52-a2bf-1ea5110bd20f.png)

To gain the ability to resolve disputes before they become chargebacks, take action by pre-configuring your [CDRN settings](https://docs.antom.com/ac/merchant_service/dispute.md#DQKr8).