Credit cards with refund protection can offer you peace of mind when making purchases.
The Australian credit card market is becoming increasingly competitive, which is leading to better rewards and perks for consumers. By comparing credit cards that are out on the market you can find take advantage of a range of perks on offer.
One of these benefits is refund protection. Refund protection refers to a cover benefit whereby providers cover the refund of a purchase which will not be accepted by the store you made the purchase at.
Comparison of Credit Cards with Refund Protection
How does a credit card with refund protection work?
Refund protection is a type of cover offered by some credit card providers which covers refunds of purchases. If you purchase an item and try to return it to the retailer within 90 days of purchase, but the retailer won't offer a refund, the card provider will cover the cost of the item. You had to have used your credit card to purchase the item.
As always, there are some restrictions which come along with this benefit. These restrictions differ between providers, but generally the cover only applies to 'eligible' items. This generally excludes items that are faulty, items that can be returned to a retailer with the standard returns policy, or items such as antiques, jewellery and precious stones.
There are also limits to the amount which the provider will refund. For example, the American Express Qantas Discovery Card refund protection will pay up to $500 for eligible items with a purchase price of more than $50, and no more than $2,000 in any 365 day period.
How does refund protection differ from purchase protection?
Purchase protection is a service offered by a large number of credit cards, whereas refund protection seems to be a more limited offering. Purchase protection generally refers to cover for theft or damage to an eligible item within 90 days of purchase. Refund protection refers to cover offered when you try to return the item to the original retailer and they won't issue you a refund. Refund protection is really an extension of purchase protection, as it provides more scope for claiming.
Read more: Credit Card Feature: Purchase Protection
How to compare credit cards with refund protection
There are a range of credit cards that currently offer refund protection. When comparing these cards be sure to consider the following points.
- Fees. You should be aware of all fees associated with your preferred card before applying.
- Cover level. You should check the terms and conditions to see the limit amount for refund protection as they may differ between providers.
- Rewards program. Some cards that offer refund protection are also linked to a rewards program. Cards such as the American Express Velocity cards offer you refund protection on purchases you make and also reward you points for making those purchases.
- Interest rates. Interest rates are a defining factor of any card and should be taken into consideration when making your decision. If you pay your balance off each month without paying interest then you may wish to substitute this by comparing the number of interest free days offered.
Pros and cons of cards with refund protection
Pros
- Security
The obvious benefit of these type of cards is the security you get from having added protection with your card. The return policies of some stores are not always upheld, and if you purchase an expensive item which can't be returned you'll be out of pocket. The security of refund protection safeguards you against this happening.
- Convenience
Making a claim against your refund protection is easy and convenient as you only need your receipt and to fill out a claim form. If your claim is approved you can receive your payment quite quickly, with American Express making payments within 30 days if you are deemed to be entitled to receive reimbursement.
Cons
- Limited cover
The amount of refund protection you are entitled to has a set limit with each card. If you buy an expensive item you may not be able to receive the full amount of cover.
FAQ about credit cards with refund protection
How do I make a claim against my refund protection policy?
This will differ between lenders, but you generally need to fill out an application and provide proof of purchase with your card and need to make the claim within 30 days.
What if I don't have the receipt from my purchase?
In order to claim for refund protection you need to have some proof that you used your card to make the purchase. If you don't have a receipt then you might be able to use your credit card statement as proof.
Do I have to pay extra for refund protection?
Added security features like refund protection are usually a complimentary service offered by the card provider.
Can I make a claim if I only used my card to pay for part of an item?
Generally, card providers will allow you to do this, although the amount you are able to claim will depend on the percentage of the payment you made with the card.
I have an unresolved complaint regarding a failed claim. What do I do?
Most card providers have dispute resolution processes in place to deal with unresolved complaints and issues. You should contact your card provider to find out how to go about this.
