Understanding Refund Policies on Cash App: What to Expect and How to Handle Issues

When using Cash App for payments, it's important to understand the refund policies and what to do if a transaction fails or if there are issues with insufficient funds. In this article, we will explore the processes involved in receiving refunds and how to handle various scenarios.

Refunds Due to Temporary Holds

When a transaction fails due to insufficient funds or other issues at the bank end, the amount will typically be returned to the original source within 5 to 7 business days. However, transactions through Cash App Card go through several stages, and there are specific conditions that need to be met for a successful refund.

Cash App Card Processing Phases

Cash App Card payments are processed through three distinct phases:

Temporary Authorization: Some merchants, such as hotels, rental car companies, and cruise lines, may temporarily hold funds on your card. These holds are typically released after the period of the transaction. Voids: If a payment needs to be canceled, the temporary authorization is voided. Capture: Once the hold is released, the final amount is charged. For instance, gas stations may place a temporary authorization hold of up to $100, which will be charged separately later.

Handling Temporary Holds

Gas stations often place a temporary hold for the estimated cost of your gas, which should fall off or adjust to the correct amount within 7 days. To avoid this issue, pay for the amount of gas you wish to buy at the register before you pump.

Refunding Completed Transactions

Merchants may refund a completed transaction, and this can take up to 10 business days for Cash App to receive the refund. Once the refund appears in Cash App, the funds will automatically appear in your Cash App balance. However, if the refund does not appear within 10 business days, you should contact the merchant again to confirm before reaching out to Cash Support.

Downloading Card Transaction History

To view your Cash App Card transaction history in a CSV format, follow these steps:

Log into your Cash App account. Select the appropriate option on the left. Select the CSV button to the right of the search bar to download a report of your history.

Handling Voided Payments and Negative Balances

Merchants may void a payment and later capture a different amount. Common reasons for voided payments include:

A restaurant temporarily holding your account for a check, then processing the final amount with the tip included. Pre-authorizations at gas stations. Hotel reservations. Online retailers placing temporary holds or charges, which are finalized when goods are shipped.

If there aren't enough funds in your Cash App to cover the late charge or the tip, your balance could go into the negative. In such cases, contact the merchant immediately to cancel the pending transaction.

Securing Your Cash App

If you notice an unauthorized card payment, contact the merchant immediately to cancel the pending transaction. If the merchant’s contact information is available in Cash App, you can find it by:

Going to the Activity tab on your Cash App home screen. Selecting the payment. Selecting "Completed." Selecting "Need Help." Then select "Call Merchant."

It can take up to 10 business days for Cash App to receive the refund. If you have any questions before 10 business days have passed, contact the merchant directly.

Disputing Recent Cash App Card Purchases

To dispute a recent Cash App Card purchase, first try to get a refund from the merchant. If the refund does not appear within 10 business days, contact the merchant again to confirm before reaching out to Cash Support.

For best practices on staying safe and avoiding scams on Cash App, refer to the following article:

Stay Safe and Avoid Scams on Cash App