If your refund has already been sent to a canceled credit card, don't worry; you still have options to recover your money. Follow these steps:
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Check Account Status: If your credit card was canceled due to theft or loss, check if the account is still open under a new card number. In such cases, the refund from the merchant will be credited back to the new card.
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Confirm Refund Acceptance: If there is no longer a credit card associated with the account, things get more complex. The next steps depend on how long ago you closed the account. If you can still access your account online, you may see the refund reflected there. If not, contact the merchant and request the Acquirer Reference Number, which you'll need to talk to the credit card company.
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Request the Refund: If the merchant confirms that the refund was posted to the old account, contact the credit card company and request a refund via check. Provide them with the Acquirer Reference Number. In some cases, the credit card company or bank may ask for a written request.
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Patience is Key: While a standard refund usually takes about a week, getting a refund from a canceled credit card can take longer. Factors such as merchant policy, credit card company policy, and the nature of the returned item or service can affect the timeline. Generally, expect a refund between seven and 14 business days after your request. If 30 business days pass without a refund, follow up with the merchant.
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Return to the Merchant: If 30 days have passed without a refund, consider returning to the store where you made the purchase. In some cases, the card issuer may reject a refund to a closed account and send it back to the store. Contact the store's customer service and inquire about any bounce-back from the credit card issuer. If the store received the refund, you may be able to request store credit or cash.