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ChargeBacks, what are they?

Anthony avatar
Written by Anthony
Updated over 3 weeks ago

💳 What You Need to Know About TimeBucks and Chargebacks

What Is a Chargeback?

TimeBucks allows users to earn rewards by completing surveys, but these offers come directly from advertisers and survey clients who set specific quality and accuracy standards.
A chargeback occurs when an advertiser reviews your submitted survey and decides that your responses did not meet their requirements.
When this happens, the reward that was originally credited to your account is reversed (deducted).

Example: You complete a $1.00 survey and receive the reward. Later, the client reviews your answers and finds inconsistencies — that $1.00 is then removed as a chargeback.

This process is covered under the TimeBucks Terms of Service, which states:

“TimeBucks may apply chargebacks to your account if an advertiser rejects leads due to fraud, false information, or any reason. These amounts will be deducted from your TimeBucks account.”

When Do Chargebacks Occur?

Chargebacks usually happen after your survey has been reviewed by the advertiser.
This can occur if:

  • Your answers are inconsistent or contradictory

  • You skip required questions or give vague/one-word answers

  • You complete surveys too quickly (speeding)

  • You fail hidden “attention-check” or “test” questions

  • You use a VPN, proxy, or non-approved device

  • Your profile information doesn’t match your survey responses

Example: If you say you don’t own a car on your profile but claim you drive daily in a survey, the system may flag that as false information.

Advertisers review surveys manually or through verification systems to ensure quality and accuracy. If they believe the answers were not genuine, they can request their payment back from TimeBucks, resulting in a chargeback to your account.

Who Decides the Chargeback?

The advertiser or survey client — not TimeBucks — makes the final decision.
Unfortunately, we do not receive the reason or the client’s identity when a chargeback occurs.
Even if you contact the survey provider directly, they often won’t have details, as the request originates from the advertiser’s internal review.

TimeBucks Support cannot reverse or dispute a chargeback on your behalf once it’s been applied.

How Long Can This Take?

Advertisers can apply a chargeback up to 90 days after survey completion.
Some surveys are approved quickly, while others are held longer for quality checks.

How to Avoid Chargebacks

You can reduce the risk of chargebacks by improving your survey habits:

  1. Read every question carefully — don’t rush.

  2. Answer consistently and make sure responses align with your profile.

  3. Provide full, thoughtful answers for open-ended questions.

  4. Watch for trick or test questions designed to check attention.

  5. Use your real device and location (no VPNs or proxies).

  6. Keep your profile up to date so your demographic data stays accurate.

Example: If you take your time to answer completely and thoughtfully, you’ll qualify for higher-paying surveys and better approval rates.

What Should I Do if I Get a Chargeback?

If you receive a chargeback:

  • Don’t panic — it’s a normal part of how surveys are verified.

  • Review how you’re completing surveys and adjust your approach.

  • Focus on accuracy, honesty, and consistency to prevent future ones.

If chargebacks become frequent, it’s likely that your response quality isn’t matching client standards. Being more careful and providing genuine, detailed answers will help prevent future losses and improve your earning potential.

In Summary

  • Chargebacks are requested by advertisers, not TimeBucks.

  • They can happen up to 90 days after you complete a survey.

  • TimeBucks does not receive details about why they occur.

  • Chargebacks protect advertisers and ensure fairness across the platform.

  • Careful, honest, and consistent responses are the best way to avoid them.

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