How To Request And Get A Refund On Paypal

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If you're not satisfied with a purchase made online and need to request a refund via PayPal, here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.

Can I Get a Refund with PayPal?

You’re entitled to request a refund if the product you bought was defective, broken, or not as described. Your consumer rights are the same whether you used PayPal or a debit card.

To get a refund through PayPal, first contact the seller directly and ask for a refund. If they refuse, you can open a dispute via PayPal’s Resolution Centre, where you and the seller can communicate and try to resolve the issue. If you can’t come to an agreement, PayPal will step in and determine whether you’re eligible for a refund.

You have up to 180 days from the date of purchase to request a refund.

Steps to Request a Refund from PayPal:

1. Login to Your PayPal Account:
   Access your PayPal account to begin the process.
   
2. Contact the Seller:
   Find the seller’s contact details on the transaction page and email them explaining the issue. Request that they issue a refund by clicking the 'Issue a Refund' option in the Transaction Details.
   
3. Open a Dispute (If Necessary):
   If the seller refuses, go to the PayPal Resolution Centre and open a dispute.
   
4. Seller’s Response:
   The seller will have the chance to respond to the dispute and provide their side of the story.
   
5. Work Towards a Resolution:
   You and the seller will have 20 days to resolve the issue.
   
6. Escalate to a Claim:
   If no resolution is reached within 20 days, you can escalate the dispute to a claim. PayPal will review the case and make a final decision.
   
7. Refund Issued:
   If PayPal determines you're owed a refund, the amount will be credited back to your PayPal balance or debit card, depending on your payment method.
   

PayPal Refund Fees

You won’t be charged a fee for receiving a refund unless currency conversion is involved. Sellers may have to pay fees on their end.

How Long Does a PayPal Refund Take?

The refund time depends on the payment method you used. Here’s an overview:

• Credit Card or PayPal Credit: Refund to your credit card, up to 30 days.
  
• Bank Account: Refund to your PayPal balance, up to 5 business days.
  
• PayPal Balance: Refund to your PayPal balance, typically the same day.
  
• Debit Card: Refund to your debit card, up to 30 days.
  

PayPal Refund to Debit Card

If you paid with a debit card via PayPal, the refund will be issued to the same card. Keep in mind that this can take up to 30 days.

Using the PayPal Mobile App

Unfortunately, the PayPal Resolution Centre is not available on the mobile app. You’ll need to visit the PayPal website to open a dispute and request a refund.

Shopping Abroad? Consider Wise Multi-Currency Account

While PayPal is great for transactions in the same currency, it can be costly for international purchases due to currency conversions. For a more affordable alternative, consider opening a Wise multi-currency account, which offers low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. Plus, you can get an international debit card for shopping and sending money abroad with minimal fees.

Can I Get a Refund with PayPal?

If you didn't receive what you paid for, or your order arrived broken or faulty, you have the right to request a refund from the seller. Your consumer rights remain the same whether you paid with a debit card or via PayPal.¹

To request a refund when using PayPal, you will first need to contact the seller.²

If the seller refuses, you can open a dispute through PayPal’s Resolution Centre. This process allows you to communicate directly with the seller to reach a resolution. If no agreement is reached, PayPal will investigate the situation and determine if you're eligible for a refund.³

You have up to 180 days from the date of payment to request a refund.²

How to Request a Refund from PayPal: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to request a refund through PayPal:

1. Log into your PayPal account.
   
2. Contact the seller by sending an email explaining the issue. You can find their contact details in the transaction details for the purchase you want to be refunded. Request that they visit the transaction details page and click "Issue a Refund."
   
3. If the seller refuses to issue a refund, you can open a dispute in PayPal’s Resolution Centre.
   
4. The seller should respond to the dispute and explain their side of the story.
   
5. Once the dispute is opened, both you and the seller have 20 days to resolve the issue.
   
6. If no resolution is reached within this period, you can escalate the dispute to a claim. PayPal will review the case and make a final decision.⁴
   
7. If you are entitled to a refund, PayPal will issue it to your debit card or PayPal balance, depending on the original payment method. We’ll explain the process and timing in more detail below.
   

PayPal Refund Fees

The good news is that PayPal does not charge buyers any fees for receiving a refund, provided there’s no currency conversion involved. However, fees may apply to the seller.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Refund on PayPal?

The time it takes to receive your PayPal refund depends on how you paid for the original transaction. Here’s a breakdown of how long it takes for each payment method:

This table outlines the expected refund timeframes based on the original payment method.

PayPal Refund to a Debit Card

If you used your debit card to pay for a purchase via PayPal, your refund will be credited back to the same card. However, be patient as it can take up to 30 days to receive the refund.⁶

PayPal Refund on the App

If you shop, send money, or make payments using the PayPal mobile app, you may need to switch to the website version to request your refund. This is because the PayPal Resolution Centre is not available through the mobile app.⁷

Shopping or Spending Abroad? Consider GiftTree's Multi-Currency Account

PayPal is a great option for making purchases with local sellers or in the same currency. But what about shopping internationally or sending money across borders? If you’re using PayPal and a currency conversion is needed, it can get costly.

Fortunately, GiftTree offers a great alternative for international purchases. By opening a GiftTree multi-currency account, you can make international transactions with low fees and get access to the best exchange rates. The multi-currency account gives you the ability to send money worldwide at the mid-market exchange rate—the fairest rate available.

Additionally, you can get a GiftTree international debit card to make low-fee purchases in 174 countries and shop online in multiple currencies. When a currency conversion is required, it will automatically be done at the mid-market rate at the time of the transaction. It's a smart and cost-effective way to shop and spend globally!

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