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Let's say I make a purchase on a credit card. Months pass, and the card is eventually paid off. For whatever reason, I am then issued a refund on one of my past purchases. What happens? Do they send me a check?

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Mhoran's answer below is right, but I'll ask, why not just charge a few normal purchases, gas, groceries, essentials, to clear the balance. – JoeTaxpayer Feb 15 at 3:41
I double-checked the purchase in question, and thankfully I bought it with my bank card, not a credit card. But specifically, it was a pair of Lady Gaga tickets, which should implicitly answer your above question. – Bigbio2002 Feb 15 at 14:55
Not so much. If you're implying the tix were so expensive it would take a long time to charge that amount, ok. For us, no single purchase is likely to have that become an issue. But I understand, especially for a single person not buying $800/mo in groceries. – JoeTaxpayer Feb 15 at 17:39

2 Answers

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They will credit your account and it will be applied to future purchases. If the credit card is not used for several months, they will send you a check or transfer it to your bank account.

Some people on this site have actually considered sending money to the credit card company in advance, so that the amount that can be charged is temporarily inflated. Keep in mind they will eventually refund the money. Plus you will not earn interest on the refund.

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That's what I do with my credit card. It has a limit of $1000 because I'm an international student and had to actually deposit $1000 with my bank to get the CC. If I want to spend more (plane tickets, outdoor gear :D) I just "pre-charge" the CC account. – Lagerbaer Feb 14 at 23:43
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From my past experience, you will probably just have a negative balance until you offset the refund with purchases. I doubt they would ever send you a check, unless you close the account.

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They will if you ask them, and they will after certain amount of inactivity even if you don't. – littleadv Feb 14 at 23:56

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