Getting a refund from Facebook can take some time depending on the circumstance. Here is an overview of how long it generally takes Facebook to issue refunds in different situations.
Refund Time for Facebook Ads
If you are requesting a refund for Facebook ads that were improperly charged or did not deliver the expected results, here is how long it usually takes Facebook to process the refund:
- 24-48 hours – for simple billing errors or ad delivery issues
- 3-5 business days – for most properly submitted ad refund requests
- 2-3 weeks – for complex ad refund requests that require more investigation
To request a refund for Facebook ads, you need to submit the request through Facebook’s Ad Support within 7 days of the billing date. The quicker you submit the request, the faster Facebook can process it.
Refund Time for Facebook Payments and Purchases
If you need a refund for a payment made on Facebook or a purchase made from a seller on Facebook, here is the typical refund timeframe:
- Instant – for purchases made directly through Facebook Pay. The refund is usually credited immediately.
- 3-10 business days – for Facebook commerce purchases and seller refunds. The precise time depends on the seller.
- 1-2 billing cycles – for refunds on recurring Facebook subscriptions or monthly payments. Allow 1-2 billing periods.
To get a refund for a Facebook or seller purchase, you need to request it directly from the seller within 14 days of the transaction date. The seller reviews and processes the refund, so the time it takes depends on their policies.
Refund Time for Donations Made on Facebook
If you donated money to a nonprofit or cause through Facebook and need a refund, here is how long it generally takes:
- 3-5 business days – for a standard donation refund processed through Facebook Pay
- 7-14 business days – for a donation made directly to a nonprofit on Facebook
- 30+ days – for a tax-deductible donation that requires more processing and paperwork
To get a donation refunded on Facebook, you need to contact the nonprofit directly within 60 days and request the refund. The nonprofit then reviews and submits the refund request on your behalf.
Tips to Get a Facebook Refund Faster
Here are some tips that may help expedite your Facebook refund request:
- Submit the request as soon as possible after the charge or transaction date.
- Provide clear details and documentation supporting your refund request.
- Follow up if you do not hear back within the typical timeframe.
- Be patient but persistent with customer service to get an update on the request status.
The faster you act and the more evidence you provide, the quicker Facebook can investigate and process your refund request.
Common Reasons Facebook Refund Requests Get Rejected
While Facebook does process thousands of refunds, some requests do end up getting rejected. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- The refund request was submitted too late after the transaction date.
- There was insufficient documentation supporting the request.
- The purchase or donation was made voluntarily.
- The issue does not warrant a refund based on Facebook’s policies.
- The buyer’s account shows suspicious patterns of abuse or fraud.
To avoid a rejected claim, carefully review Facebook’s refund and billing policies before submitting your request. Make sure you provide all necessary information in a timely manner.
How to Appeal a Rejected Facebook Refund Claim
If your refund request gets rejected by Facebook, you still have options to appeal the decision and get your money back:
- Reply to the rejection notice with extra evidence supporting your request.
- Clearly explain how your situation qualifies for a refund under Facebook’s policies.
- If you appealed and were rejected again, submit a complaint to the BBB or your state’s consumer protection agency.
- As a last resort, consult a lawyer about initiating legal action against Facebook to recover the funds.
Continuing to communicate with Facebook customer service in a constructive manner is key. You may also need to escalate the issue to a supervisor to re-evaluate your claim if it was unjustly rejected.
Can You Get a Refund from Facebook After the Time Limit?
Facebook enforces strict time limits on when refund requests must be submitted after a transaction:
- Facebook Ads – Within 7 days of the billing date
- Facebook Commerce Purchases – Within 14 days of the transaction date
- Donations – Within 60 days in most cases
If you missed the time window, Facebook is unlikely to grant a refund exception given their strict policies. However, you can try to appeal to customer service and escalate the issue if you have extenuating circumstances as to why you could not request the refund sooner.
When Should You Dispute a Facebook Charge with Your Bank?
If you are unable to get an unsatisfactory issue resolved directly with Facebook customer service, one option is to dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company. Here are some scenarios when a chargeback dispute may be warranted:
- Facebook refuses to refund an unauthorized charge.
- You have evidence you were billed for an order you did not place.
- Facebook failed to deliver paid advertising services as promised.
- You received completely different goods/services than what the seller described.
Keep in mind chargebacks can result in Facebook restricting your account. Only dispute charges as a last resort after you have made good faith efforts to resolve the issue directly with Facebook.
What Payment Methods Allow Facebook Refunds?
Facebook can process refunds on payments and purchases made through:
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Facebook Pay
- PayPal
- Google Play Billing
- Mobile phone carrier billing
For non-reversible payments like wire transfers, Bitcoin, and gift cards, unfortunately Facebook does not offer refunds. You will have to take up the issue with the payment provider or your bank in those cases.
Does Facebook Provide Partial Refunds?
In some cases, Facebook may provide a partial refund if circumstances warrant it. Some examples of when you may receive a partial refund include:
- Facebook ad account was incorrectly overcharged.
- A Facebook seller only partially fulfilled an order.
- You return a portion of an order due to defects/damage.
- Facebook acknowledges an error on their end but not the full amount.
To receive a partial refund, you still need to submit a formal request justifying the amount. Facebook reviews these on a case-by-case basis. Partial refunds are not guaranteed approval.
Can You Get a Refund for Facebook Developer/Partner Fees?
If you are a developer, creator, or partner who pays Facebook platform fees or advertising commissions, here is the refund policy:
- One-time incorrectly processed fees – Refundable within 60 days
- Recurring monthly fees – Not refundable after 7 days
- Advertising fees and commissions – Subject to 14 day refund policy
Refund requests must go through your designated Facebook partner manager. Developer and partner refunds follow the general timeframes outlined earlier.
Who to Contact for Help with a Facebook Refund
If you are struggling to get a refund approved from Facebook, here are the best customer service options:
- Facebook Payments Support – for payment refunds outside of ads
- Facebook Ad Support – for refunds on advertising spend
- Commerce Support – for Facebook commerce purchase refunds
- Facebook Community Help – for general account help and inquiries
You can submit tickets to each of these support channels through Facebook’s Help Center. Make sure to clearly explain your refund issue and what resolution you are seeking.
Key Takeaways
- Typical Facebook refund times range from 24 hours to 1-2 billing cycles depending on the transaction.
- Acting quickly, providing documentation, and following up can help expedite refund processing.
- Missed time limits, lacking information, and suspicious activity are common reasons refunds get rejected.
- Appealing, escalating to supervisors, and contacting external agencies are options if a refund claim is denied.
- Chargebacks should only be pursued as a last resort after attempting to work directly with Facebook.
Facebook provides buyers reasonable opportunities to get refunds on eligible transactions. Understanding the process, timeline, and policies is key to successfully obtaining your money back from Facebook purchases and payments.