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Making purchases with a credit card can be extremely convenient — until you're looking to receive a refund.
While the credit card refund process itself is typically straightforward, it could mean waiting several days for your account to be credited, losing any rewards you earned from the purchase and still being liable for any potential associated fees.
Below, CNBC Select explains how credit card refunds work and some considerations you need to keep in mind.
What we'll cover
What is a credit card refund and how does it work?
After buying something with a credit card, you may realize at some point that you're no longer satisfied with the purchase and want to request a refund. How you receive a refund on a credit card purchase typically depends on the merchant's return policy. When returning an item, a merchant may offer store credit, money back or, in the case of "final sale" items, no refund at all.
When requesting money back, the merchant will generally credit the refund to your original form of payment, so if you paid by card, you won't receive physical cash back. Your credit card issuer will then post a statement credit to your account, effectively reducing your statement balance by the refunded amount.
Credit card refunds don't directly impact your credit score, but if you receive a credit that significantly reduces your credit utilization rate to under 30%, it could boost your score.
How long does a credit card refund take?
A credit card refund can take several days to process since it has to go through the credit card networks. Depending on your credit card issuer and the merchant, the refund process generally ranges between five to 14 business days. That process can take a bit longer if you first need to ship an item back to a merchant.
If you see that the refund may appear on your card after your payment due date, you should make sure you have enough funds to cover the purchase to avoid any late fees.
Credit card vs. debit card refunds
The process of a credit card refund differs from a debit card refund since credit cards typically do not allow cash refunds. This is because when you make a purchase with a credit card, your credit card issuer pays for the purchase and then you pay the issuer back when you make payments to your account. That means the merchant needs to issue a refund to your credit card issuer before it can be credited to your account and that refund can only be received through the original payment method. This is also the reason why credit card refunds can take longer than cash or debit card refunds.
Credit card refund disadvantages
Although credit card refunds are generally straightforward, they may come with some disadvantages.
You could lose your rewards
Once you receive your credit card refund, any points, miles, cash back or other rewards earned will be deducted from your account. Depending on the credit card issuer, if a refund pushes you below the spending requirement for a welcome bonus that you earned, the bonus may be rescinded.
Losing a welcome bonus could be quite costly. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is currently offering a bonus of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Long list of travel and shopping protections
- $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- Has an annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase TravelSM
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
However, you may be able to keep your rewards by asking the merchant to refund you with store credit instead of a credit card refund. Just note that if you do this, you'll still be responsible for paying back the balance on your credit card account.
You could be stuck with any associated fees
If you've made an international purchase, credit card issuers may not refund any foreign transaction fees because it costs them money to process the transaction. That means depending on your credit card's policy, you could be stuck with having to pay the fees, so be sure to check with your credit card issuer.
Many credit cards also don't charge foreign transaction fees, making it easier to make any purchases while abroad. CNBC Select ranked the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card as a top card without foreign transaction fees due to its low annual fee and straightforward rewards structure.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a reasonable annual fee and earns flexible travel rewards, which makes it a great travel card for beginners or heavy travelers.
- Valuable welcome offer worth at least $750 in travel
- You can transfer miles to over 15 Capital One partners, including Emirates Skywards, Choice Privileges and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lacks ongoing travel benefits such as statement credits or lounge access
- Limited bonus spending category that only applies to certain Capital One Travel bookings
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fee
None
What to do if a merchant doesn't provide a refund
If a merchant denies your refund request, you may be able to tap into your credit card return protection benefit, which effectively extends an eligible item's return policy. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), for example, offers up to $500 in return protection coverage per eligible item, up to $1,000 per year. The coverage applies to eligible items in like-new or good working condition bought in the last 90 days, whether you paid in cash or with Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests.
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSM and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $288 annually
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
You could also try to dispute the charge with your credit card issuer if, for example, your package was never delivered or if you suspect a fraudulent charge on your account. The issuer will then investigate the dispute and refund you the full amount if your claim is valid. Many credit card issuers also offer $0 liability on unauthorized charges, such as the Citi Double Cash® Card and Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best no-annual-fee cash-back cards thanks to its straightforward rewards structure.
- Balance transfers get a long intro APR
- Generous flat-rate cash-back rewards structure
- No annual fee
- Travelers face a foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR only applies to balance tranfer
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Balance transfer fee
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High cash-back earnings for U.S. supermarkets and streaming services
- Intro-APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee for the first year
- It's less rewarding after the first year because of the annual fee
- Bonus rewards for U.S. supermarkets are capped
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
Alternatively, you may be covered by purchase protection, which covers damage, loss or theft of recently purchased items.
Bottom line
Although credit card refunds are mostly beneficial, they can also mean losing any rewards earned on your credit card purchase or being liable for any foreign transaction fees. However, there are cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card that can help avoid such fees.
Just remember that a credit card refund solely depends on the merchant's policy. If a merchant refuses to issue a refund, you'll need to turn to your credit card's return protection policy (if it's offered) or dispute the charge with your credit card issuer for a chargeback. Credit card refunds can also take several days to process before it appears on your account so make sure you're able to cover the purchase you're fully refunded.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card guide is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
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For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
