After you cancel a credit card, you may still need to return the items you purchased using that credit card. Try explaining to the merchant that the card is no longer active. If the merchant insists on crediting the canceled credit card, you are still entitled to the refund. However, it may take a little longer to receive the funds. If you do not receive your refund, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Tips
When you cancel your credit card, the issuing company must send you a check for any refunds owed. If you return merchandise after the card has been closed, you may need to seek reimbursement directly from the merchant.
Read More: 5 Automatic Savings Apps to Help You in 2020
Alternative Refunds
When you cancel a credit card, the number is no longer valid. In most cases, the credit card company will decline the refund, since the account is not open. The merchant may receive notice that the refund did not go through immediately or within a few days, depending on the merchant's processing system. You can ask the merchant for an alternative refund, such as store credit, cash, check or a refund to an active credit card. If you are concerned about the refund going to your canceled card, you can inquire about returning the item without a receipt. Each store has its own policy regarding returns without a receipt.
Credit to Your Closed Account
If you recently closed the account, the credit card company may accept the refund and apply it toward any balance that may be remaining on your credit card. If there is no balance due, the credit will result in a positive account balance. The credit card company is legally responsible for issuing you a check for the credit on your account.
Requesting a Refund
If you are unsure about the status of the refund, contact your credit card company's customer service line to speak to a representative. Explain the situation, and ask if the refund was posted to your closed account. If the credit card company has your refund, ask about the procedure for requesting a check. The company may require you to submit the refund request in writing.
Processing Time
The amount of time it takes to receive your refund from the credit card company will vary, depending on the company. Some companies wait for the billing cycle to end before issuing refunds, while others will issue an immediate refund if the account has been closed. If you have not received your refund within 30 days, contact the credit card company to confirm the check has been issued.
References
- Ask Mr. Credit Card: Refund on a Closed Credit Card
- Debt Smart: Getting Your Overpayment Refund
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact Us
- Sapling: What Happens If I Get a Refund on a Cancelled Credit Card?
- Brex. "How Does a Credit Card Refund Work?" Accessed March 19, 2020.
- Macy's. "How Long Does It Take for My Store Refund to Be Credited?" Accessed March 19, 2020.
- Nordstrom. "Returns & Exchanges." Accessed March 19, 2020.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "How Do I Dispute a Charge on My Credit Card Bill?" Accessed March 19, 2020.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "There Is a 'Credit Balance' Shown on My Statement. What Is a Credit Balance?" Accessed March 19, 2020.
- Target. "Return Policy." Accessed March 19, 2020.
- Best Buy. "Returns and Exchanges." Accessed March 19, 2020.
Writer Bio
Jeannine Mancini, a Florida native, has been writing business and personal finance articles since 2003. Her articles have been published in the Florida Today and Orlando Sentinel. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Central Florida.