What is Refund?
Definition
The return of subscription payment to the customer, typically when cancelling within a specified window or due to service issues.
Understanding Refund
Refund policies vary widely between subscription services. Apple and Google offer refund windows for app store subscriptions (typically 48 hours to 14 days). Many SaaS services offer money-back guarantees (30-60 days).
Annual subscriptions may offer prorated refunds for unused months. Key tips: 1) Check the refund policy before subscribing. 2) Request refunds promptly — most have time limits.
3) Contact support directly for the best chance of approval. 4) Credit card chargebacks are a last resort if the service refuses a legitimate refund. Keep records of subscription dates and cancellation requests.
Related Terms
Cancellation
The act of ending a subscription, which stops future billing and eventually terminates access to the service.
Proration
The calculation of a proportional charge or credit when changing subscription plans mid-billing cycle.
Grace Period
A short window of time after a payment fails or a subscription expires during which the service remains accessible before being suspended.
Payment Method
The financial instrument used to pay for a subscription, such as a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or bank account.