Refund completed but not in account?

[AidenEsparza]

I used my debit card through PayPal to buy something and got refunded on SUNDAY. It says “completed” and that it was refunded back to my debit card. I don’t see the funds at all via bank account. Should I wait a few days or contact PayPal?

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@AidenEsparza 

If you funded the original payment to the seller from your bank account or a card then once marked completed it will automatically go back to that bank account or card. Paypal say allow 30 days although its normally much quicker than that, country dependent.

Completed means that paypal have completed your refund request and sent it to your bank or card, it does not mean its already in your account as they would have no way of knowing that. 

[JustWantACig]

I'm on the same boat. I'm done with PayPal. Those rat **bleep** took me for everything I was worth yesterday. Can't get on the phone with them because they're lazy Californians. My life is being string back through the grinder and I've just about had it. Problem is I can't even buy a pack of smokes because of PayPal. Refund is estimated to hit my account on the 12th. FML. 🤬

[kernowlass]

@JustWantACig 

Pending refunds can only happen for two reasons.

1. The seller has issued a refund from their bank account which takes time to process.

2. You funded the payment to the seller using bank transfer. What PayPal do here is credit the recipient on your behalf (so there is no delay in despatching your item). Then if you receive a refund in the meantime they are unable to issue this until the original bank transfer completes.

https://www.paypal.com/us/selfhelp/article/i-want-a-refund.-how-do-refunds-work-faq3248

Paypal can't give you a refund that they have not received yet.

[Will885]

Another one of those situations where money goes out at the speed of light but in reverse does the scenic route. How long did it take buddy as I'm in same situation.

[kernowlass]

@Will885 

Transfers from bank accounts are never instant, that is why when you buy something paypal credit the seller upfront for you and paypal take the wait for the funds to transfer to pay them back again, this is so you get your item without delay.

Thats why we get confused buyers on here saying their item is despatched but funds not left their bank account yet !!

But they don't ''refund in advance'' so this time its you that takes the wait for the funds to transfer from the sellers bank account OR for your original bank transfer to complete as paypal can't refund funds they have not got yet.