Refund request: what to do

Have this ready

• order or receipt
• refund policy text
• proof of return or non-delivery

Steps for any company

1. Read the refund policy and note the clause that gives you the refund.

2. Ask for the refund through the company's refund channel. Quote the clause.

3. If refused, send a written request with a date by which you expect payment.

4. Dispute the charge with your card issuer if the company does not pay.

A company playbook below replaces these generic steps with the company’s own forms, phone numbers and deadlines.

Company playbooks (95)

Car rental

• TuroFree cancellation until 24 hours before the trip; a host cancellation gives a full refund.

Cruise lines

• Carnival Cruise LineIf Carnival cancels your cruise or delays it more than 3 calendar days and you do not accept the alternative, claim a refund on or before the 180th calendar day after the original embarkation date. If you cancel, the charge depends on the cruise length and the days before departure; taxes, fees and prepaid gratuities come back.
• Disney Cruise LineIf you cancel, the fee depends on cruise length, stateroom type and days before sailing; restricted fares are nonrefundable. If Disney cancels or delays the cruise more than 3 days, email Caserequest@disneycruise.com within 90 days of the original sail date.
• MSC CruisesIf MSC cancels a cruise or delays it three or more days and you choose not to sail, you can claim a refund; MSC recommends sending the claim with delivery confirmation and says valid claims are paid within 180 days. A cancellation you make yourself is not nonperformance. All values here come from search-result snippets.
• Norwegian Cruise LineIf you cancel, the fee depends on days before departure (from 119 days out). If NCL cancels or delays the cruise more than 3 calendar days, request a refund by the 90th day after the original embarkation date; you may decline a future cruise credit.
• Princess CruisesIf Princess cancels your cruise or delays it more than 3 calendar days and you do not take the alternative, send the refund claim on or before the 180th calendar day after the original embarkation. If you cancel, the charge depends on the booking date, cruise length and days before departure. Refunds go to the original payment method.
• Royal Caribbean InternationalIf you cancel, the refund depends on cruise length and days before sailing. If Royal Caribbean cancels or delays embarkation by 3 or more days, it issues a future cruise credit by default; ask for a refund instead within 6 months.

Event tickets and resale

• AXSAXS purchases are final; tickets are not exchanged or refunded (and fees are not refunded) unless the terms or the Client's refund policy say otherwise.
• EventbriteEach organizer sets its own refund policy, which must be posted on the event page; a "no refunds" policy is allowed but must still give refunds for cancelled or long-postponed events.
• SeatGeekIf you can no longer attend, the optional Refundable Tickets add-on allows a refund, minus its service charge, when you cancel at least 48 hours before the event. Without it, resale on the SeatGeek Marketplace is the usual route.
• StubHubFanProtect promises valid tickets in time for the event, or comparable replacement tickets or your money back. Report a ticket problem the same day.
• TicketmasterAll sales are final unless the Event Organizer allows refunds; when it does, a Request Refund button appears on the order and the refund covers the whole order.
• Vivid SeatsThe 100% Buyer Guarantee promises tickets delivered in time or your money back. Report missing tickets within 48 hours of the event start and call at once if you are denied entry.

Gyms and fitness memberships

• Crunch FitnessCrunch refunds membership only if you cancel within the first few days, with proof of the initial request.
• LA FitnessLA Fitness refunds one extra billing caused by a late-postmarked cancellation.
• Orangetheory FitnessUnder the 30-Day Risk Free Guarantee, ask the home studio for a refund of monthly dues within the first month.

Home security and home services

• Brinks HomeExisting customers can return shipped equipment within 30 days of the ship date through the Customer Portal; refunds take up to 30 days.
• OrkinOrkin advertises free return visits between treatments and a 30-day money back guarantee, but does not publish the guarantee conditions. Ask for a return visit first, then ask for the refund in writing.
• SimpliSafeEquipment bought directly from SimpliSafe can be returned within 60 days of delivery for a full refund, and SimpliSafe pays return shipping. Equipment bought from a retailer goes back to that retailer.

Hotels and short-term rentals

• AirbnbThe listing's cancellation policy sets the refund; a 24-hour free cancellation period applies to bookings made at least 7 days before check-in.
• Best Western Hotels & ResortsEach hotel sets its cancellation policy; missing the window usually costs one night.
• Choice Hotels InternationalThe hotel sets the cancellation deadline shown at booking; advance purchase rates cannot be cancelled.
• HiltonCancel before the hotel's deadline; standard-rate deposits are refunded by the hotel, Advance Purchase rates are non-refundable.
• Hyatt Hotels CorporationFind the hotel's cancellation and deposit policy in the confirmation, cancel online, then ask Guest Care in writing.
• IHG Hotels & ResortsCancel inside the hotel's window; prepaid "Book Early and Save" rates are final.
• Marriott InternationalCheck the rate's cancellation deadline, cancel before it, then ask Customer Care in writing for any charge you think is wrong.
• VrboEach listing has a cancellation policy; cancel before 11:59 p.m. property time on the last day of the refund window.

Online travel agencies

• Booking.comThe property's cancellation policy decides the refund; ask the property and Booking.com, then use the dispute form in writing.
• ExpediaProvider rules decide most refunds; Expedia's own fees are non-refundable unless the booking said otherwise.
• PricelineExpress Deals cannot be cancelled or refunded; other bookings follow the provider's rules.

Payment apps and money transfer

• AffirmThe merchant processes the return; if the refund does not reach your Affirm loan, open a dispute through the Help Center.
• AfterpayThe retailer decides returns; refunds reduce your balance (partial refunds come off the last payment first), and you must keep paying what is still due.
• Google Pay and Google WalletGoogle cannot refund third-party merchant purchases; ask the merchant, then dispute with the card issuer. Google product refunds go to that product's support team.
• KlarnaReturns go through the store; report the return in Klarna with tracking to pause the payment for 21 days, and keep paying until the merchant credit arrives.
• Western UnionCancel within 30 minutes of payment for a full refund including fees. Later, cancel for a refund only while the money is not picked up or deposited.
• WiseCancel an unpaid transfer yourself. US remittance transfers can be cancelled within 30 minutes of payment for a full refund.

Rail and intercity bus

• Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation)Cancel before departure; the refund depends on the fare type. Request it online, by phone, at a station, or by mail for cash tickets.
• FlixBus (Flix Bus, Inc.)Your own cancellation gives a voucher; a cancellation by FlixBus gives a money refund on request; claims must be filed within 3 months.
• Greyhound Lines, Inc.Voluntary cancellations get a voucher on a sliding scale; carrier cancellations get a full refund; delays over 120 minutes allow a voucher or a free rebooking.
• megabus (US)Tickets are non-refundable; refunds apply only when the operating carrier materially fails to provide the service.

Retail and e-commerce

• AliExpressContact the seller first, then file a Return/refund request on the order within 15 days of receipt; AliExpress refunds after the return passes warehouse quality control.
• AmazonStart the return from Your Orders within the return window; the refund follows Amazon's receipt and processing of the item.
• AppleHardware from Apple has a 14-day return window; App Store and subscription charges are refunded through Report a Problem.
• Best BuyStandard customers have 15 days, paid members 60 days, activatable devices 14 days; some categories carry a restocking fee.
• BJ's Wholesale ClubMost items within 365 days in new condition with accessories, electronics within 90 days, with proof of purchase; refunds go to the original form of payment.
• ChewyChewy accepts returns within 365 days for a complete refund and pays return shipping; prescription medications are excluded unless wrong or damaged.
• CostcoCostco refunds most products under its satisfaction guarantee; electronics and major appliances have 90 days.
• CVS PharmacyMost new, unopened items can be returned within 60 days with a receipt; CVS.com items can be mailed back after calling Customer Care.
• eBayUse the seller's return policy or the Money Back Guarantee; eBay can step in if the seller does not refund.
• EtsyOutside Purchase Protection, returns depend on each seller's own policy; ask the seller first.
• IKEAUnopened items within 365 days and opened items within 180 days, with proof of purchase and photo ID; refund to the original payment method.
• Kohl'sKohl's return window depends on how you paid (longer with a Kohl's Card), and a return can reduce or claw back Kohl's Cash you earned on the purchase.
• Lowe'sReturn to any U.S. Lowe's store with proof of purchase inside the product's window (48 hours to 365 days); refunds go to the original payment method with listed exceptions.
• Macy'sMost Macy's purchases can be returned by mail or in store within 30 days; purchases from October 5, 2026 have a holiday window to January 31, 2027. Non-members pay a $9.99 return shipping fee on mail returns.
• NeweggCheck the item's return window on its Warranty & Returns tab, then request Refund or Replace in Order History; Marketplace items follow the seller's policy.
• NordstromNordstrom handles returns case by case and states no time limit; refunds go to the original payment method.
• Sam's ClubReturn items at the Member Services desk of any club; electronics and major appliances within 90 days; refunds go to the original form of payment.
• SHEINMost items can be returned within 30 days from delivery; the first return per order is free.
• TargetMost unopened items have 90 days; electronics 30 days; Apple, Beats and phones 14 days; Target Owned Brands one year.
• TemuMost items can be returned within 90 days of purchase; the first return per order ships free.
• The Home DepotReturn within the window for the product category with proof of purchase; store returns are refunded fastest.
• WalgreensReturn eligible items to any Walgreens store within 30 days with the receipt or order number; online orders are returned in store, not by mail.
• WalmartMost items have a 90-day return window; electronics, phones, appliances and Marketplace items are shorter.

Rideshare and delivery apps

• DoorDashReport missing or incorrect items from the order's Help screen; DoorDash offers a credit, refund or redelivery.
• GrubhubContact Grubhub Customer Care about a missing or wrong order; refunds and credits are case by case.
• InstacartReport missing, damaged or wrong items in the app or website within 3 days; ask within 24 hours for a same-day refund.

Streaming, software and other subscriptions

• Adobe (Creative Cloud and Acrobat subscriptions)Every plan type gets a full refund if cancelled within 14 days of the initial order; after that, monthly and annual prepaid payments are non-refundable.
• AncestryOnly a first-ever, upfront-billed term that did not start with a trial can be cancelled for a full refund, within 14 days. Monthly fees and renewals are not refundable. DNA kits can be returned within 60 days, less a $15 fee.
• AudibleAudible does not refund membership fees already paid when you cancel.
• DropboxIn the US, Dropbox payments are generally not refundable; refunds are given only where law requires (current terms) or in limited circumstances (terms effective January 1, 2027). Billing errors go to Dropbox support; app-store purchases go to Apple or Google.
• Duolingo (Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max)Charges are generally nonrefundable; iOS refunds go to Apple, Android and web refunds go through Duolingo support.
• FuboFubo does not refund prepaid or partial months; a pay-per-view order placed by mistake can be refunded if you contact Fubo before the event starts.
• Google Play (subscriptions and in-app purchases)Within 48 hours, request a refund from Google Play; after 48 hours, ask the developer.
• H&R BlockTax Identity Shield is refundable on request within 30 days of purchase. The software satisfaction guarantee needs notice within 60 days and the original media or UPC code and receipt by mail (read from search-result text only).
• HBO MaxHBO Max does not refund plans it bills; app store and partner refunds follow the partner's policy.
• HelloFreshReport an unsatisfactory ingredient or meal kit within 5 days of receipt by email or phone. HelloFresh usually gives a credit and may, in some situations, give a partial or full refund.
• LinkedInPremium may be refunded within 7 days of the charge if you did not use Premium. Cancelling alone does not refund. Apple App Store purchases are refunded only by Apple.
• Match Group (Tinder, Hinge)Purchases are generally final, but subscribers in 12 listed states may cancel for a refund until midnight of the third business day after subscribing.
• McAfeeMcAfee's published policy (search-result text) allows a refund request within 30 days of the first purchase or within 60 days of an automatic renewal, for terms of one year or longer.
• Microsoft (Microsoft 365 and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions)Cancel first, then check eligibility; Xbox subscriptions can be refunded within 30 days of initial purchase; charges older than 90 days are not refunded.
• Nintendo (Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo eShop)Nintendo treats digital purchases and subscription payments as final unless Nintendo authorizes a refund or the law requires one; ask through support anyway if the charge was an error.
• NoomFor Noom Weight, ask within 14 days of purchase for a refund of an initial subscription or add-on charge, by chat or the contact form. Noom Med has no refund once a prescription is written.
• NortonAnnual plans and each annual renewal get a full refund if requested within 60 days of the charge; a new monthly plan within 14 days of purchase. Later monthly charges are not refundable.
• Paramount+Paramount+ does not refund fees paid, except where law requires it or Paramount ends the service.
• PelotonMembership fees are not prorated on cancellation. New hardware can be returned within 30 days of delivery under the Home Trial, minus a $150 (Bike, Bike+) or $250 (Tread, Row+) return fee.
• PlayStation (PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Store)A subscription can be refunded within 14 days of the first payment, possibly reduced pro rata; recurring fees are not refunded.
• SiriusXMAudio plans are non-refundable except a pro-rata refund on request within 7 days (monthly) or 30 days (non-monthly) of the start or renewal charge.
• Sling TVSling does not refund or credit prepaid or partial months after cancellation; ask only about charges that are errors or that came after a completed cancellation.
• SpotifySpotify gives no refunds for partial periods; partner-billed refunds go to the partner.
• TurboTaxCut TurboTax Online fees before you pay, because payment makes them non-refundable. Desktop software has a 60-day money-back guarantee through the Intuit Refund Request form. App store purchases are refunded by Apple or Google.
• WeightWatchersFees are not refundable once a billing period starts. Exceptions are cancellation within 3 days of the first purchase (or the period state law sets), medical reasons, relocation and Workshop closure. App Store purchases are not refundable by WW.
• YouTube (Premium, Music Premium and YouTube TV)No refunds for partial periods; refunds are possible when features tied to the purchase do not work.

Wireless carriers

• Consumer CellularReturn devices bought directly from Consumer Cellular within 30 days (new customers) or 14 days (existing customers), in like-new condition.
• Metro by T-MobileOnly a device returned within 14 days in like-new condition is refunded; service charges are not.
• Mint MobileUse the refund request form within 7 days - of activation for a plan, of delivery for a phone or SIM. Report damage within 3 business days of delivery.