My Refund Was Approved — Then Reversed

When the case is stronger

• The approval was unconditional and identifies the same order and amount.
• The return condition was satisfied before the deadline.
• The merchant confirms the reversal but cannot identify a failed condition.

When the case is weaker

• The refund was expressly provisional or conditioned on a return or inspection.
• The payment entry was only a temporary authorization or pending credit.
• The item was not returned as instructed.

High-value evidence

• Written approval
• Payment ledger showing credit and reversal
• Return instructions and proof of compliance
• Merchant explanation
• Bank explanation if the merchant says the credit remains valid

The business’s strongest plausible position

A business may reverse a provisional credit when a disclosed condition was not met or when the payment system corrects an erroneous pending entry.

Realistic remedies

• Reinstate the approved refund
• Identify the unmet condition and allow correction when reasonable
• Provide transaction records so the bank can trace the credit

Related Consumer Help

• Refund Denied After a Return: What to Do Next
• The Company Received My Return but Hasn’t Refunded Me
• The Company Admitted the Mistake but Still Hasn’t Fixed It