You requested a refund.
You expected money back to your card.
But instead, you received points.
Store credits.
Or in-app balance.
No cash refund arrived.
This situation confuses many users.
Why Refunds Are Issued as Credits
- Purchase was made using promotional discounts
- Coupon value is non-refundable in cash
- Service terms allow credit-only refunds
- Partial payments convert to store balance
Many platforms refund based on the original payment structure.
Common Situations Where This Happens
- App Store promotional offers
- Subscription upgrade credits
- Gift card payments
- Bonus credit campaigns
Non-cash components return as non-cash refunds.
Can Credits Be Converted to Cash?
In most cases — no.
- Credits are locked within the platform
- Withdrawal is restricted by policy
- They can only be reused for purchases
Policies vary, but cash conversion is rare.
What You Should Check First
- Original payment breakdown
- Coupon or promotion usage
- Refund policy terms
- Billing receipt details
This clarifies why refund format differs.
Before Requesting Another Refund
- Avoid duplicate refund requests
- Confirm credit usability period
- Check expiration dates
Credits often expire if unused.
Understanding refund type prevents further loss.