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PayPal Refund Policy

Last verified: 2026-03-19

Official PayPal PolicyVerified

www.paypal.com/ie/cshelp/article/how-do-i-get-a-refund-help100

Summary

PayPal offers refunds within 180 days from the payment date (for sellers to issue a refund). Processing time: Varies — contact provider for estimated timeline. Refund methods include bank and credit card. Buyer must contact the seller to request a refund.

Refund Window

180 days from the payment date (for sellers to issue a refund)

Processing Time

Varies — contact provider for estimated timeline

Refund Method

bank

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How to Get a Refund — Step by Step

  1. 1Contact the seller directly to request a refund for a completed payment
  2. 2To find seller contact details, go to Activity, select the payment, and use the contact information provided
  3. 3If a refund is not received, open a dispute in your Resolution Centre
  4. 4If the dispute cannot be resolved, escalate it to a claim within 20 days

When You Can Get a Refund

  • Buyer must contact the seller to request a refund
  • If the payment was personal or made with a voucher or gift card, only the full refund amount can be issued by the seller
  • Transaction fees paid by the seller when receiving the original payment are not returned for refunded goods or services payments

All Refund Methods

  • bank
  • credit card
  • PayPal account

Partial Refunds

  • Partial refunds are possible for non-personal payments
  • For personal payments or payments made with a voucher/gift card, only full refunds can be issued through the standard process; to partially refund, send a separate personal payment with a note

Dispute Process

  • Open a dispute in your Resolution Centre if a refund is not received
  • Message the seller through PayPal within the dispute to try to resolve issues
  • If the dispute is unresolved, escalate it to a claim within 20 days
  • In a claim, PayPal investigates the case and decides the outcome

Additional Notes

  • Refunded money will return to its original payment method (bank, credit card, or PayPal account)
  • Refunds cannot be cancelled once sent by the seller