Refund or Store Credit: What Can You Ask For?

You can always ask for a refund. A refund is required in some cases, such as an order never shipped, but a return policy can limit the rest.

Published November 1, 2026 · 3 min read · Topic: Orders, Shipping & Returns · Orders & returns

Typical situation

You return a bag and the seller offers a store credit, but you would rather have the money back on your card.

Main answer · berabags Editorial Team · Consumer-rights view

You can always ask for a refund. In some cases the seller has to give one, such as when it fails to ship your order, but for an ordinary change of mind the seller’s published return policy usually decides. The FTC treats store credit as one of several outcomes that a business may offer.

When the FTC says a refund is required

Under the Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule, a seller that cannot ship your order must give you a full refund. The FTC says this is not just a gift card or store credit.
The seller has to tell you about a shipping delay and offer you the choice of waiting or cancelling for a full refund.
The FTC’s business guide says the refund must not be swapped for a credit toward future purchases.

When the policy decides

For a bag that arrived and that you simply do not want, the FTC advises checking the seller’s return policy first. It says that a business may offer a refund, an exchange, a store credit or a markdown, and that sellers are often more willing to offer store credit.

How to ask

Quote your order number and the date.
Say that you would like the refund returned to the original payment method.
Ask the seller to confirm what it will do and by when.
Escalate to a manager if the first agent cannot help.

Where this answer stops

This is general information from FTC pages for US shoppers. Some states and other countries have their own rules on refunds and credit, and this article does not cover them. It is not legal advice.

Sources and further reading

Three more perspectives

berabags Editorial Team · Purchasing view

Read the returns page before you pay, and look for the words “refund to original payment method”. A policy that offers only credit or exchange is a reason to think twice about a bag you may not keep.

berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

If you plan to exchange, check that the other colour or size is in stock before you send the first bag back. Ask the seller to confirm in writing so that the exchange is not left to chance.

berabags Editorial Team · Use view

Ask politely and name the result you want. A short message that says you would like the refund to go to your original payment method, with your order number, is easy for an agent to process.

Independent and unofficial. berabags is an independent editorial site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any bag brand, retailer, airline or agency named on this page. This page contains no affiliate links; if berabags adds any in future they will be labelled. Rules and policies change, so check the linked source before you act. This is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice.