> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.withacclaim.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Refunds

> Return funds to payers after a completed payment. Issue full or partial refunds and track their status through completion.

Refunds allow you to **return funds to a payer after a payment has been completed**.

They are used to correct errors, handle cancellations, or resolve customer issues.

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## How refunds work

Refunds follow a simple flow: **initiate**, **process**, and **complete**.

1. **Initiate a refund**
   Select a completed payment and specify the amount to return.

2. **Process the refund**
   The refund is submitted through the original payment method.

3. **Complete the refund**
   Funds are returned to the payer, and the refund reaches a final state.

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## Full and partial refunds

You can issue:

* **Full refunds** — return the entire payment amount
* **Partial refunds** — return a portion of the payment

Multiple partial refunds can be issued up to the original payment amount.

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## Eligibility

Refunds can only be issued for payments that have:

* Reached a **Succeeded** state
* Not already been fully refunded

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## Refund methods

Refunds are typically sent using the **original payment method**.

* Card payments are refunded back to the card
* Direct debit payments are returned to the payer’s bank account

The exact behavior depends on the payment method and network.

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## Timing

Refund timing depends on the payment method:

* **Cards** — typically processed within a few business days
* **Direct debit** — may take multiple business days

The payer’s bank may also affect how quickly funds are received.

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## Status and tracking

Refunds are tracked separately from the original payment.

You can:

* View refund status in the **Console**
* Track refund progress via **webhooks**
* Associate refunds with the original payment

Refunds typically move through:

* Processing
* Completed

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## Impact on reconciliation

Refunds affect your financial records and reporting.

* The refunded amount is deducted from your balance
* The original payment remains recorded
* Refunds are linked to the original transaction

Ensure your reconciliation process accounts for both payments and refunds.

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## When to issue a refund

Use refunds when:

* A payment was made in error
* A service or transaction is canceled
* You need to return funds to the payer

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## Best practices

* Confirm the refund amount before initiating
* Use partial refunds when only a portion needs to be returned
* Communicate refund timing to the payer
* Track refunds alongside original payments for reconciliation

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## Summary

* Refunds return funds to a payer after a completed payment
* They can be full or partial and are tied to the original payment
* Timing depends on the payment method and network
* Refunds should be tracked and reconciled alongside payments