How do I refund an invoice?

Problem Statement

You want to know how do I refund an invoice.

Solution

Topics Covered

Can I refund an unpaid invoice

Can I refund to a different card/payment method?

When can I refund an invoice?

Can I refund to a different card payment method?

Summary

There are 2 ways to refund a customer;

• Online- where the refund is Chargebee and processed through the Gateway to the same payment method.
• Offline- Where the refund is recorded in Chargebee but paid out by the merchant by other means outside of Chargebee. (eg, Cash)

Before you process a refund, decide whether you want to refund or credit your customer, a refund is where you return the funds collected against an invoice to the customer's bank/account. Credit is where the funds get added to the customer record on Chargebee to be utilised on the next invoice generated.

Online Refunds that are processed through Chargebee will be credited only to the original card/payment method that was charged, even if the customer changes/replace their card on Charegebee or the bank.

Solution

To do an Online refund (refund directly to the customer's account) go to,

1. Go to the invoice (specific) details page
2. Open the specific invoice,
3. Click the 3 dots button "●●●"
4. Select Issue a Refund
5. Enter the amount you wish to refund (the Invoice amount will default)
6. Select the refund reason code & leave a comment (optional).
7. Click Proceed to process the refund.

Chargebee will notify the gateway to initiate a refund, which will typically take 3-5 business days to reflect in the customer's bank account.

Note:

• Some gateways have a time limit when you can process a refund from the date of the transaction. Approximately 120 days from the transaction but can vary from gateway to gateway.
• You can do an online refund only for an invoice that was paid online (through Chargebee)

To do an Offline refund

1. Go to the invoice (specific) details page
2. Open the specific invoice,
3. Click the 3 dots button "●●●"
4. Select Record an offline Refund
5. Enter the amount you wish to refund (the Invoice amount will default)
6. Select the refund reason code & leave a comment (optional).
7. Select a Method of transfer (for reference)
8. Click Proceed to record the refund.

You will then need to return the funds to a customer outside of Chargebee, by any means you feel fit.