How Long Do Steam Refunds Take?

Did you just buy a game on Steam, and it’s not working or giving you issues? No problem! You can always request a refund for the game if the purchase is not over 14 days and you have not played the game for more than 2 hours.

By the way, this not only works if there are problems with the game, but you can request a refund for pretty much any reason, for example, if you don’t like the game. But let’s talk about it, how long do steam refunds take? How many days would you have to wait to receive your Steam Refund money? In this article, I’ll provide answers to all of these questions and more.

Typically, the refund takes one to seven days. In rare cases, the money was refunded after one day. But in our experience, the money was usually transferred back to our account after 3 to 5 days. But according to Steam, the refund can take 7 days max. If your refund takes longer than that after approval, perhaps that’s because you’re using an international payment method. If not, you should contact your bank.

We always received the repayment via PayPal and as a Steam credit. But the refunds take a little longer if you return a game in the current Steam sale. Maybe this is related to the higher volume of refunds due to the sale.

We’ve already sent several refund requests to Steam and haven’t had any issues.

How to Get a Refund on Steam No Matter What

You can’t just play through new games and then ask for a refund. Special conditions apply to Steam Refunds. The requirements for returning a Steam game and getting a refund no matter what are the following:

The purchase must not date back more than 14 days
The game must not have been played for more than two hours
You bought the game via Steam (not a key shop).
You have not been locked out of the game by the Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) system.
If you purchased a game outside of Steam and only activated it on Steam, you cannot refund the game on Steam either.

Since 2015 it has been possible, under these conditions, to return games that you have bought directly via Steam.

If you comply with the above conditions, you can return the games without giving a reason and get a full refund of the purchase price.

Special rules apply to returns for additional content, pre-orders, or bundles.

Downloadable contents (DLC) can be returned up to 14 days after purchase if the main game has not been played for more than two hours. However, this does not apply to content that irrevocably improves a character, for example.

In-game purchases can be returned within 48 hours if they have not been modified, consumed, or transferred.

Pre-orders via Steam can be cancelled at any time before release. However, post-launches and pre-orders will be subject to the normal game return policy.

Also, each game is subject to the normal return policy for games you bought in a bundle. In addition, you can have individual games refunded up to 14 days after purchase, as long as you have not played them for more than two hours.

If a refund is not possible for an item, this will be stated on the respective shop page. If your return and refund application are successful, it will be approved.

How to return a Steam game

1. Step 1

At the top of the Steam client, click the Help > Steam menu. Select Games, software, etc. below. Do this even if Steam already shows the game you want to return.

2. Step 2

Enter the game name you want to return into the search box below. Do this even if Steam is already displaying the game in question.

3. Step 3

Under Recent Purchases, click on the game entry you want to return.

4. Step 4

Above, you can see payment information for the game. Below that, click I want to request a refund.

5. Step 5

Select I want to request a refund again.

6. Step 6

Under Request a Refund, set the type of repayment you want to use. You can select Paypal or Steam credit. Below that and under “Tell us why,” you can give why you’re returning the game.

Choose the appropriate option from the drop-down menu. Then confirm the refund request by tapping on the button Submit request. Steam will send you a message to your email address when the game return request has been approved and when it has been refunded.

After you submit your refund request, it may take a little while for the request to be processed and to receive your refund. This can range from a few hours to a few days.

Suppose you have selected that you want the refund as Steam credit. In that case, you will see the respective amount in your Steam profile after processing. The money will then be transferred to you within seven days.

Tips: Do not select “I want to permanently remove this game from my account” for a return. This selection will remove the game, but you will not receive a refund.

Steam Refund: FAQs

Can you cancel a Steam refund?

If you have applied for a refund, you can cancel it anytime. All you have to do is go to the Steam help page and cancel the refund request as long as it hasn’t been processed. Then you can keep the game in your account and not get any money back.

Can I return Steam games I have played for more than two hours?

Usually, you can only return games you haven’t played for more than two hours. But there are exceptions now and then. For example, when the MMORPG Bless Online launched on May 28, 2018, it had many problems that enraged the players. They complained about bugs, missing features, and poor performance and let their anger run free in the ratings.
Valve then made an exception and refunded the players their money—even those who had played Bless for 20 hours or more. So refunds after more than two hours of gameplay are only offered at Steam’s discretion.

How is a Steam gift refunded?

Gifts that have not yet been redeemed can be refunded like other games within 14 days or under two hours of game time. Redeemed gifts can be reimbursed under the same conditions, but the recipient must request a refund. The money for the purchase will then be credited to the original purchaser.

How Long Do Steam Refunds Take? – Everything You Need to Know