How Long Do Refunds Take to Process and Appear Back in My Account?
Refund processing times can vary based on several factors, including payment methods, bank processing times, and weekends. Below, we break down commonly asked questions and provide an overview of timelines and conditions for refunds.
Overview of the Refund Process
When a refund is initiated, the funds are processed by the payment system (stripe) and routed to your bank. Banks and payment processors have their independent procedures and timelines, which contribute to the variation in processing windows. Refunds are typically returned to the original method of payment.
Typical Refund Timelines
General Refund Timelines: Refunds usually take 5–10 business days to process and reach the recipient's account. Variations may occur depending on bank policies and the payment method used. , .
Refunds on Credit and Debit Cards: For refunds processed back to cards, the timeframe is often shorter, ranging from a few business days to 7 business days, depending on the card-issuing bank.
ACH (Bank Account) Payments: ACH payments generally take a little longer than card payments. Refunds are still processed within a few business days but can extend based on bank handling for electronic transfers and are influenced by weekends.
Completion of System Status Changes: In addition to the transfer times, the refund status in the system (e.g., "pending" to "refunded") may update within a few days after the funds are processed.
Factors Influencing Refund Timelines
Bank Policies: Your bank's internal mechanisms and clearing procedures significantly impact how quickly the refund reaches your account.
Payment Method Used: Debit/credit card refunds may process faster than ACH (bank-to-bank) refunds, which require additional processing time.
Holidays and Weekends: Business days do not include weekends or public holidays, which can lead to further delays.
Verifying Refunds
If you'd like to confirm whether a refund was processed or received:
Check Transaction History: Log into your banking or payment provider account and look for refund credits.
Expense Card Transactions: If you use a system like an expense card, navigate to the card's activity view to verify past purchases and adjustments.
Additional Notes
Refund processing timelines are estimates and not guaranteed. External delays like intermediary banks may occur.
If you do not see refunds in your account after 10 business days, contact your bank or payment provider for assistance.