Can Refund Go to Different Card?
Refunds must generally go back to the original payment method for security and fraud prevention.
Quick Answer
Standard rule: Refund to original payment method only
Exceptions: Very rare, special circumstances
Security: PCI compliance requires this
Alternative: Contact us if special situation
Why Original Payment Method?
Security Reasons
Prevents fraud:
- Ensures refund goes to actual buyer
- Stops scammers redirecting money
- Protects stolen card users
- Industry standard practice
PCI DSS Compliance:
- Payment card industry rules
- Legal requirement
- Protects all parties
- We must comply
How It Works
Payment processors:
- Track original transaction
- Reverse to same card
- Automatic process
- Can't be easily changed
Common Situations
Card Expired
Good news: Refund still works!
Process:
- Refund sent to card number
- Bank redirects to account
- Or new card with same number
- Automatic in most cases
Your bank handles the routing
If not received: Contact your bank
Card Cancelled
Still works usually:
- Bank receives refund
- Credits your account
- Even if card cancelled
- Bank's internal process
Timeline: May take extra few days
If problem: Bank can trace and credit
Lost/Stolen Card
Refund is safe:
- Goes to account, not physical card
- Bank security handles it
- New card automatically linked
- Contact bank if concerned
Report lost card but don't worry about refund
Company Card (No Longer Employee)
Problematic situation:
- Refund goes to company
- You may not get money directly
- Need company cooperation
Options:
- Contact former employer
- They receive refund
- They reimburse you
- Or we try alternative (rare)
We can help mediate but tricky situation
Someone Else's Card
If booked with friend's card:
- Refund goes to them
- They must pay you
- We can't redirect
- Security prevents this
Solution: Have them confirm receipt, pay you
Possible Exceptions
Bank Account Closed
If account completely closed:
- Contact your bank first
- They may still process
- Or provide alternative
- Or issue check
Contact us if bank won't accept:
- Provide proof account closed
- Bank letter
- We'll work with supplier
- Alternative may be possible
Fraud/Dispute Situation
If original charge was fraud:
- Report to bank
- Bank handles chargeback
- Different process
- Contact us to coordinate
Not standard refund - special handling
Legal/Court Order
In rare legal cases:
- Court may order different destination
- Divorce settlements
- Estate matters
- Requires legal documentation
We'll comply with valid legal orders
What We Need for Exceptions
Documentation Required
To consider alternative refund:
- Proof of special circumstance
- Bank letter (if account closed)
- Legal documents (if applicable)
- Valid reason
- Your identification
- Authorization forms
We'll review case-by-case
Approval Process
Steps:
- Submit request
- Provide documentation
- We review
- Consult with supplier
- Compliance check
- Approval or denial
Timeline: 5-10 business days for review
Alternative Refund Methods
Bank Transfer
Very rare but possible:
- Requires supplier approval
- Special circumstances only
- Your bank details needed
- Extra verification required
- May incur fees
Processing time: Longer than card refund
Check/Cheque
Almost never done:
- Extreme special circumstances
- Supplier discretion
- Long processing time
- May require legal reason
PayPal/Digital Wallets
If paid with PayPal:
- Refund goes to PayPal
- Can't redirect elsewhere
- PayPal's rules apply
Other wallets: Same principle
What You Can Do
If Card Changed
Best approach:
- Wait for refund to original card
- Bank will redirect if needed
- Contact bank if not received after 14 days
- Bank can trace transaction
- They'll credit correct account
Don't panic - banks handle this routinely
If Account Closed
Steps:
- Contact old bank
- Ask about refund process
- They may:
- Send check
- Transfer to new account (if you moved banks)
- Hold for pickup
- Contact us if bank won't help
Multiple Cards Used
If paid with 2 cards (split payment):
- Each refunded separately
- Proportional amounts
- To respective cards
- Can't combine to one
Refund Timing
Standard Timeline
To original card: 5-14 business days
To closed account: Add 5-10 days
Alternative method: Add 10-20 days
Patience needed for non-standard situations
If Refund Not Received
After Standard Time
First steps:
- Check all your cards/accounts
- Look for supplier name
- Check pending transactions
- Contact your bank
- They can trace it
Bank Can't Find It
Contact us:
- Provide proof (bank statement)
- Showing no refund
- We'll trace with supplier
- Get proof of refund sent
- Work with all parties
Special Cases
Partial Refunds
If only part refunded:
- Still to original card
- Same rules apply
- Amount as calculated
- Per cancellation policy
Multiple Bookings
Several cancelled:
- Each refunded separately
- Each to its payment method
- Own timeline
- Track individually
Currency Differences
Exchange rates:
- Refunded in original currency
- Bank converts back
- Rate may have changed
- Amount may differ
Can't choose refund currency
FAQ
Q: I got a new card from same bank - will refund work? A: Yes, bank routes to your account automatically.
Q: Can I get cash instead? A: No, must go to payment method for security.
Q: What if I paid with someone else's card? A: Refund goes to them. They must give you cash.
Q: My card was stolen - is refund safe? A: Yes, goes to account not physical card.
Q: How long for closed account refund? A: Your bank handles this. May take extra 1-2 weeks.
Q: Can you send to my PayPal instead? A: Only if you paid with PayPal originally.
Q: What if I moved to different country? A: Refund still works. Bank handles international transfers.
Best Practices
Before Booking
✅ Use card you'll keep active
✅ Don't use expiring card if might cancel
✅ Use your own card when possible
✅ Avoid company cards if leaving job
If Cancelling
✅ Note card used for booking
✅ Keep card active until refund received
✅ Notify bank if account changing
✅ Update us if special circumstances
Need Alternative?
Special circumstance?
Can't receive refund on original card?
Provide:
- Booking reference
- Reason for alternative needed
- Supporting documentation
- Suggested alternative
We'll:
- Review your case
- Check if exception possible
- Work with supplier
- Find solution if we can
No guarantees but we'll try to help!