Do companies legally have to give you a refund?

Asked by: Dr. Shanel Jerde  |  Last update: February 7, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (52 votes)

No, companies aren't always legally required to give refunds; it mostly depends on their stated store policy and specific state laws, with federal law generally leaving it to businesses, but some states (like California) mandate refunds for posted policies or defective goods if not clearly marked "as is," while all companies must address deceptive practices or fundamentally faulty products under consumer protection laws.

Does a company legally have to give you a refund?

You must offer a full refund if an item is faulty, not as described or does not do what it's supposed to. In some cases you must offer a refund if the customer changes their mind.

Are companies required to refund you?

Businesses should offer a full refund or store credit, an equal exchange, or some combination of these options when a refund is requested with proof of sale within seven days of purchase. Businesses don't have to offer this policy. A business can have any Return and Refund Policy it wants.

Is it illegal to refuse to give a refund?

Most retail stores allow you to return things you buy within a reasonable time for a full refund, credit, or an exchange. When a store clearly displays a limited or no-refund policy, however, refunds and exchanges are not required by law.

What can I do if a company doesn't want to give me a refund?

Contact the company formally in writing requesting a refund. If ignored, file a complaint with consumer protection agencies or the relevant trade authority. Keep detailed records of all interactions. Consider consulting local small claims court procedures if the amount is recoverable through legal action.

Can A Business Refuse To Refund My Defective Item? - Consumer Laws For You

24 related questions found

Can I sue a company for refusing to refund me?

Many unethical and greedy companies, businesses and corporations are withholding your money. You don't have to accept a refund denial. Consumers have legal rights, if you have been denied a refund it may take a lawsuit to get what you deserve.

Do you have a legal right to get a refund?

Generally speaking, when you buy goods you enter into a legally binding contract and you have no right to return them for a refund. However, there are circumstances where a right to return goods may arise.

Is denying a refund illegal?

It's generally not illegal for a US business to refuse a refund if they clearly state their "no refund" policy before purchase, but it can be illegal if the product is faulty/defective or if the store fails to conspicuously display its policy, as many states have laws requiring this disclosure or mandating refunds for defective goods, overriding store policies. Federal law doesn't set broad return rules, but consumer protection varies by state, with some (like California, Florida, New York) requiring refunds if policies aren't posted. 

What can I do if I'm refused a refund?

It might be tricky to get your money back, which is why it's so important to know where you stand. If you can't get the support you need from the retailer in the form of a refund, repair or replacement, you can file a complaint with the company. If that still doesn't help, you can contact the Consumer Ombudsman.

How do I complain about not getting a refund?

Any aggrieved consumer can register his / her grievance by either calling the toll free number 1800-11-4000 or 1915 and talk to an agent or register himself once in the portal, get an userid and password and lodge his grievance himself attaching necessary documents, if any.

Do I legally have to give a refund?

Many retailers offer exchanges or refunds once you have a receipt and they are returned within a certain amount of time and in a saleable condition with all the original labels, tags and packaging. However, this is shop policy and represents a gesture of goodwill – it is not a legal requirement.

What are the laws around refunds?

A refund should be the full amount the consumer paid for the product. The business must not deduct an amount from a refund to take into account the use a consumer has had of the product.

Is a no refund policy illegal?

Is it legal to offer a no return policy? It is legal to offer no return or refund policies in the US and Canada, but in Australia, the UK, and parts of Europe, returns are required by law for faulty products. In the UK, returns are legally required on certain products for a set number of days for any reason.

What is Section 42 of the Consumer Rights Act?

Section 42: Consumer's rights to enforce terms about digital content. 204. If the digital content is not of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, or does not match the description, the digital content will not conform to the contract.

What is Section 23 of the Consumer Rights Act?

23Right to repair or replacement

(1)This section applies if the consumer has the right to repair or replacement (see section 19(3) and (4)). (b)bear any necessary costs incurred in doing so (including in particular the cost of any labour, materials or postage).

What is the Consumer Rights Act 2015 refund?

If the faulty good is returned within 30 days of purchase

Under the CRA 2015, a consumer has a legal right to reject goods that are faulty (that is to say, they are not of satisfactory quality, unfit for purpose or not as described) and obtain a full refund.

Is it illegal to deny refunds?

It's generally not illegal for a US business to refuse a refund if they clearly state their "no refund" policy before purchase, but it can be illegal if the product is faulty/defective or if the store fails to conspicuously display its policy, as many states have laws requiring this disclosure or mandating refunds for defective goods, overriding store policies. Federal law doesn't set broad return rules, but consumer protection varies by state, with some (like California, Florida, New York) requiring refunds if policies aren't posted. 

Can I sue a company for not refunding me?

In conclusion, it is possible to sue a company for not refunding your money if they have breached their contract or violated consumer protection laws. Seeking legal advice and understanding your rights as a consumer is crucial in determining the best course of action in such situations.

Is it illegal to not refund a customer?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA), consumers may be entitled to a refund, replacement, repair and/or compensation where goods are faulty or not as described. They are also entitled to a refund and/or compensation where the seller had no legal right to sell the goods.

Can you force a company to give you a refund?

In the U.S., there's no federal law that says merchants have to accept returns. However, retailers are required to provide a repair, exchange, or refund if a product is defective. And under the FTC's “cooling off” rule, you have the right to cancel some sales within three days of the purchase and get a full refund.

What can I do if a company won't refund me?

If a company won't refund you, first formally contact them again, then dispute the charge with your bank/card issuer, and if needed, escalate by filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), your State Attorney General, and the FTC, or consider small claims court for larger amounts. 

Is refund abuse illegal?

Yes, refund abuse is a crime, often falling under fraud or theft, and can lead to serious legal consequences like fines, jail time, and federal charges if it involves deceit for financial gain, such as returning used items (wardrobing), faking receipts, or manipulating return policies. While violating a policy alone might just get you banned, actively defrauding a retailer is illegal and can escalate to charges like wire fraud or money laundering. 

What is Section 45 of the consumer rights Act?

45Right to a refund

(1)The right to a refund gives the consumer the right to receive a refund from the trader of all money paid by the consumer for the digital content (subject to subsection (2)).

What to do if a company is refusing to refund you?

Get Outside Help

  1. Contact your state attorney general or state consumer protection office. ...
  2. Contact a national consumer organization. ...
  3. Contact your local Better Business Bureau The Better Business Bureau is made up of organizations supported by local businesses. ...
  4. File a report with the FTC.

What is the 14 days consumer rights Act?

14 days is the absolute minimum cooling-off period that a seller must give you. Make sure you check the terms and conditions in case they've given you more time to change your mind - many choose to do so.