Can I Get a Refund for a Subscription Charge I Didn’t Intend to Make?
Asked by
MistyCedar42
I was charged €35 this morning after a free trial ended. I misunderstood the expiration date and submitted a refund request through Apple Support less than ten minutes after the payment went through. I also cancelled the subscription right away and explained that I didn't intend to pay for it. I've received a quick refund from Adobe in a similar situation, but this is my first Apple refund request. Do I have a reasonable chance of approval, and how long do decisions and refunds usually take?
Answers
If you’re located in the European Union, consumer withdrawal rights may sometimes apply to digital subscriptions, although there can be exceptions once access to the service begins. The exact situation depends on how the trial and subscription were presented.
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Some people do receive refunds when they submit a request shortly after an accidental renewal, but experiences vary. Apple usually makes the decision relatively quickly, while the actual credit can take longer to appear. Avoid filing a chargeback unless necessary, since payment disputes can potentially cause problems with the account.
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A refund isn’t guaranteed, but submitting the request almost immediately and cancelling the subscription should help. Keep an eye on the email connected to your Apple account for the decision. If it’s approved, the money may take several business days to return, depending on the payment method.
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Subscriptions generally need to be cancelled before the renewal date, often at least 24 hours in advance, so Apple could deny the request based on the renewal rules. Still, it’s worth asking, especially since you acted quickly and this may be a one-time mistake.
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MistyCedar42: I submitted it less than ten minutes after the charge and cancelled straight away, so hopefully that works in my favor. I’ll watch for the decision email.