I'm a retired banker with 40 years in the business. I am well aware of all the tools a business can use to collect a debt. You are correct in stating that legal action can be taken to collect the disputed charge, but it's a long process, and the disputer's credit report cannot be adversely affected unless and until the judgment is rendered by the court. Simply disputing a charge will NOT adversely affect your credit report, which is what your earlier comment inferred.