What to do when a company refuses to give you a refund?
Andrew Campbell
Updated on January 20, 2026
Company Won’t Give You a Refund? Here’s How to Get Your Money Back
- Try to Work it Out with the Merchant First.
- Option 1: Request a Chargeback.
- Option 2: Consider Mediation.
- Option 3: Sue in Small Claims.
- Option 4: Pursue Consumer Arbitration.
- FairShake Can Help Make Arbitrating a Breeze.
What happens if you chargeback a company?
Chargeback doesn’t mean there is joint liability on the card company. Claims must be addressed to the bank that provides your debit or credit card, which in turn will put in a request to the merchant’s bank. As a result, you could get your money back from the merchant’s bank if the money is there to be recovered.
Can you keep an accidental refund?
In a nutshell, no. Legally, if a sum of money is accidentally paid into your bank or savings account and you know it doesn’t belong to you, then you must pay it back.
In what circumstances is a seller allowed to refuse a refund?
If a consumer cancels their contract of sale with the seller, they are entitled to insist on a full refund. A seller may not insist the consumer receive another form of remedy (such as repair or replacement goods) or insist that the refund be issued as store credit.
Can I keep a double refund?
Can cardholders keep double refunds? No. Technically the cardholder should report to their bank that the merchant gave you a refund, so there is no need for a chargeback.
Can you get your money back if you paid with a credit card?
If you made a purchase from the company with a credit card, you may be able to get your money back even if the retailer or merchant is no longer trading. If you paid by credit card and spent £100 or more, your purchase is protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Do you get your money back when you cancel a credit agreement?
If you’ve paid a deposit or part-payment for goods or services you’ve not received yet, you should get all your money back when you cancel. When you buy a new car on a hire purchase credit agreement, the finance company pays the garage for it. You pay the money back to the finance company in instalments, with interest added.
Can you get your money back from a company that went out of business?
If you have bought something from a company that has gone out of business, you may still be able to get your money back. The first thing you should check is their website to find out exactly what has happened.
What happens if you cancel a hire purchase credit agreement?
When you buy a new car on a hire purchase credit agreement, the finance company pays the garage for it. You pay the money back to the finance company in instalments, with interest added. If you want to cancel the agreement, you must pay the finance company the money that you still owe for the car within 30 days.