How Do I Request a Refund from PayPal?

Introduction

You may be eligible for a refund from PayPal or the seller if there are issues with the item or service you purchased. To initiate a refund, contact the seller as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days. Once the refund is approved, allow up to five days for the funds to be credited back to your original payment method. Note that if the refund involves currency conversion, the amount may differ from what you originally paid. If you're having trouble with an order and want to request a refund through PayPal, refer to this article for step-by-step instructions.

Sign In To Your PayPal and Tap Activity

Search or Type in the Name of the Seller

When you have multiple PayPal transactions and can't find the seller on this page, try using the filters. To do this, follow the next step.

Tap on the Two Horizontal Lines

You can find this option just below the Log Out button on the PayPal homepage.

Use the Filters

You can view transactions using a custom date range or select from predefined options such as the current month, last month, last 90 days, last year, or current year.

Tap Apply Filters

Select the Payment or Seller

You should see the seller's information on this page. Use the provided phone number or email to contact the seller about the refund and wait for their response before taking further action.

If they approve the refund, the money is usually deposited into the original payment method. It may be sent to your credit card, bank, or PayPal account.

If the seller doesn't approve the refund, you can open a dispute through the Resolution Center. To proceed, follow the next step.

Go to the Disputes Page

Use this link. You may need to log back in if you signed out of your PayPal account.

You can file a dispute if you see an activity you did not authorize, when there are issues with your purchases, problems with automatic payments, or when there are issues with the seller (for example: not being able to reach an agreement).

If you purchase a product, make sure to file a dispute within 180 days of the date you paid for the item. When the product isn't as described, file a dispute within 30 days. For unauthorized transactions, open a dispute within 60 days. Don't go beyond the timeframe, or PayPal may not provide you with a favorable resolution.

Select a Seller and Tap Report a Problem

Select the issue from the four categories of problems. Follow the on-screen instructions after tapping Continue, which will guide you through the process. You'll be able to exchange messages with the seller to resolve the dispute. If a resolution can't be reached, you can escalate the issue to a claim.

PayPal will review the dispute and provide a resolution within three weeks. Note that once a dispute or claim is closed, it can no longer be opened. You may be eligible to get a refund if there is enough proof, or you have Purchase Protection.

Conclusion

If you sent a payment to the wrong person and want a refund, first check the payment status. If it says "Unclaimed," you can simply cancel the payment to get your money back without needing to request a refund. If the payment was completed and the recipient isn't responding, you can open a dispute if the payment was sent as "Goods and Services." However, for "Family and Friends" payments, it's best to contact the recipient directly to request a refund. Still having issues? Contact PayPal's Customer Support for assistance.