American Express Chargeback Reason Code
American Express Reason Code A08: Authorization Approval Expired
Category AuthorizationBy Payment Defender Editorial TeamUpdated July 17, 2026Last reviewed July 17, 2026
What American Express Reason Code A08 Means
American Express reason code A08 applies when a charge is submitted after the authorization approval has expired. The original approval was valid, but too much time passed between authorization and settlement, so the approval no longer covered the charge.
Why This Chargeback Happens
This dispute commonly occurs when goods ship or services are delivered long after the initial authorization, when settlement is delayed by backorders, or when a transaction is captured well beyond the approval's validity window. Batch delays and manual settlement backlogs can also contribute.
What the Cardholder or Issuer Is Claiming
American Express is asserting that the authorization approval was no longer valid when the charge was submitted.
What Merchants Should Review
Review the authorization date and the settlement date to measure the elapsed time. Confirm whether a fresh authorization was needed before delayed fulfillment and whether the original approval had lapsed by the time of capture.
Recommended Chargeback Evidence
- Authorization approval date and validity details
- Settlement date records for the disputed charge
- Documentation of any reauthorization obtained before delayed delivery
- Fulfillment or shipping timeline supporting the settlement timing
How to Prevent Similar Disputes
Merchants may reduce these disputes by settling charges within the approval's validity window and reauthorizing when fulfillment is delayed. Aligning capture timing with shipment and reviewing aging authorizations can help prevent expired approvals.
Important Limitations
This page is educational and reflects common industry usage. American Express dispute rules, timelines, and evidence requirements change over time and vary by market and program. Merchants should confirm current requirements with American Express or their processor before responding to any dispute.
Related Reason Codes
Sources and Review Information
- American Express: American Express Merchant Regulations – U.S.
Last reviewed July 17, 2026
Chargeback rules, evidence requirements, and response options may vary by card network, region, processor, and dispute circumstances.