# Mastercom Extended
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom-extended/documentation/index.md

## Overview {#overview}

### The Mastercom Extended API {#the-mastercom-extended-api}

Cardholder disputes often begin when cardholders or issuers discover possible fraudulent charges or errors on accounts. Issuers and acquirers then attempt to resolve the fraudulent charges or errors by using Mastercom to navigate the [dispute resolution cycle](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom/documentation/getting-started/#dispute-resolution-cycle).
Note: The Mastercom Extended API will eventually support all parts of the dispute resolution lifecycle. Once the Mastercom Extended API supports the entire dispute resolution lifecycle, the Mastercom Extended API will replace the Mastercom API.

## How It Works {#how-it-works}

The Mastercom Extended API provides issuers and acquirers with dispute processing capabilities. Currently, issuers can use the Mastercom Extended API to initiate disputes and first chargebacks. Acquirers receive chargebacks and create representments. The Mastercard Switch moves funds from one party to another.

![how it works](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/mastercom-extended/uploads/mcomextendedoverviewgraphicv2_3.jpg)

## Getting Started {#getting-started}

### Before You Start {#before-you-start}

1. Review [API Basics](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom-extended/documentation/api-basics/index.md).
2. Integrate with the Mastercom Extended API using one of the [suggested methods](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom-extended/documentation/api-basics/index.md#use-a-method-of-your-choice).
3. Review [use cases](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom-extended/documentation/use_cases/index.md) to establish the sequence of calls needed to process disputes.
4. Try the [reference app](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom-extended/documentation/reference-app/index.md) in the sandbox environment and receive mocked responses.
5. Follow the [Quick Start Guide](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom-extended/documentation/quick-start-guide/index.md) to begin onboarding.

### Good to Know {#good-to-know}

* Mastercard recommends that customers review the [Mastercom Extended API Client Generation Tutorial](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom-extended/tutorial/clientgeneration/index.md) to learn how to call the Mastercom Extended APIs.
* Mastercom Extended recommends that customers use endpoints as expected per the defined [use cases](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom-extended/documentation/use_cases/index.md). Customers should not rely on API failures as part of normal practices.