As an agent, so long as your documentation is clear, you should not be suffering chargebacks for the failure of a tour operator to refund. Indeed Visa and Mastercard appear to have been very reluctant to agree with chargebacks in those circumstances, Amex, on the other hand, puts the customer first every time and is more difficult.

If unsuccessful requests for chargebacks are made, you really shouldn't be suffering any charge from the card issuer, it depends on the wording of your agreement. If it is as high as you suggest, it may be time to look for a different card processor!

Customers are finding it almost impossible to make successful claims against insurers who will only pay out as a last resort and usually only when there is no package contract involved as they take the view the operator is legally responsible to refund. Most agents have found that if customers are updated with timescales that operators are working to arrange refunds, they will accept the situation. If the operator is silent or refusing refunds then report the issue to ABTA. It is OK to offer a Refund Credit Note if the customer is happy to accept it but refunds are a legal right