What is the difference between RDR, CDRN and Ethoca?
RDR is Visa’s automatic resolution: eligible claims on Visa cards are refunded automatically, and are not counted in the chargeback ratio. CDRN (Verifi) and Ethoca (Mastercard) send you an alert, and you have 72 hours to refund before it becomes a chargeback.
In detail
All three let a disputed payment be resolved before it becomes a chargeback, but they work differently.
RDR (Rapid Dispute Resolution) is a Verifi service for Visa cards. Resolution is automatic: when a claim on a Visa card meets the eligibility rules set for the merchant, it is refunded without manual action, and the dispute is not counted in the chargeback ratio.
CDRN (Cardholder Dispute Resolution Network), from Verifi, and Ethoca, part of Mastercard, are alert networks. The issuer sends an alert when a cardholder contests a payment, and the merchant has 72 hours to refund before the case turns into a chargeback. A refund made in that window closes the case.
How they appear on the platform
- Verifi and Ethoca alerts are listed side by side in your console, filterable by source, status or merchant.
- Each alert is matched to the original transaction by PSP ID, ARN or card data.
- Your merchants see the alerts in your branded portal, with Verifi or Ethoca shown as the source.
For an operator, the practical difference is the level of control. RDR applies rules automatically, while CDRN and Ethoca alerts leave a decision to make within the response window. Covering both gives your merchants the widest chance of stopping a dispute before it costs a fee and weighs on their ratio.