What is CDRN?
CDRN (Cardholder Dispute Resolution Network) is a chargeback alert program from Verifi, a Visa company. CDRN sends you a pre-dispute alert when a customer disputes a charge, mainly on Visa transactions, so you can refund the customer before the dispute becomes a formal chargeback.
CDRN has largely been replaced by RDR (Rapid Dispute Resolution), Verifi's newer program, but CDRN alerts are still offered and still add protection for your Visa transactions. We offer CDRN alerts alongside Ethoca and RDR alerts.
How do CDRN alerts work?
CDRN alerts work through Verifi's network of partner banks. When a customer disputes a charge with a partner bank, Verifi is notified and the notification is sent to you as a CDRN alert.
When you receive a CDRN alert:
You have a short window to refund the transaction.
The refund is processed through your payment gateway, automatically if you have auto-refund enabled, or manually by you if you handle alerts case by case.
If the CDRN alert is refunded in time, the dispute is resolved before it becomes a chargeback and does not count toward your chargeback ratio.
Note: CDRN alerts don't check whether a dispute is valid. A CDRN alert only signals that a dispute was filed, it doesn't confirm whether the customer's claim is true or whether the order was delivered.
đĄ If you let a CDRN alert proceed to a chargeback, the chargeback counts toward your chargeback ratio even if you win it. Refunding the CDRN alert is the only way to keep that dispute off your ratio.
How is CDRN different from RDR?
CDRN and RDR are both Verifi programs for Visa disputes, but they resolve disputes differently. The table below compares CDRN alerts and RDR:
| CDRN | RDR |
How the refund happens | You receive an alert and refund it through your payment gateway/CRM (automatically with auto-refund, or manually) | Visa automatically credits the customer through your acquiring bank. |
Can auto-refund be turned off? | Yes | No |
If a Visa dispute isn't eligible for RDR, it falls back to the CDRN process.
What do I need to enroll in CDRN alerts?
To enroll in CDRN alerts, you need your billing descriptor. Your billing descriptor is the business name that appears on your customers' card statements, and CDRN uses it to match transactions to your business.
To learn how to find your billing descriptor and make sure it's specific enough for enrollment, see What is a billing descriptor, and why does Disputifier need it?
How long do CDRN alerts take to go live?
CDRN alerts usually go live within 2â3 business days after enrollment. This is a typical timeline, not a guaranteed activation date.
Need help?
If you have questions about CDRN alerts or want to enroll in CDRN, contact our support team through live chat.