Still waiting on a Spotify refund?
Can you get a refund from Spotify ? Check eligibility first
You may be eligible for a Spotify refund in the following scenarios:
- 14-Day Cooling-Off Period → Cancel Premium within 14 days of purchase and request a refund (global policy, aligned with EU consumer law). Note: If you’ve heavily used Premium in that time, Spotify may consider your right waived.
- Accidental Renewal / Unused Time → Forget to cancel? Normally non-refundable, but support sometimes issues courtesy refunds if you act quickly.
- Duplicate Accounts / Double Charges → Spotify refunds duplicate billing (commonly 1–2 months; capped if long-running).
- Billing Errors → Wrong charge, trial billed incorrectly, or charged after cancellation → refund approved once confirmed.
- Gift Cards / Prepaid Codes → Non-refundable by Spotify. Return unopened cards to retailer under their policy.
- Third-Party Subscriptions (Apple, Google, Telco) → Refunds must be requested from the partner, not Spotify.
- Unauthorised Charges / Hacks → Treated as fraud → usually bank chargeback, though Spotify may refund recent charges as goodwill.
- Audiobooks → Refund requests allowed within 14 days if you haven’t listened extensively or had technical issues.
🚫 Not Eligible:
- Pro-rated unused subscription time.
- Long-term past months.
- Refunds just because you didn’t like the music/features.
How to get a refund from Spotify
- Cancel Premium → Log in > Change Plan > Cancel Premium. Always cancel auto-renew first.
- Check how you’re billed → Direct from Spotify (card/PayPal) vs. third party (Apple, Google, carrier). Third-party charges must be refunded by them.
- Contact Spotify Support → No phone support. Go via Spotify Support page > “Contact Us” > Live Chat or Email. You can also message @SpotifyCares on Twitter.
- Provide details → Account email, order ID, transaction info, reason for refund.
- State your case clearly →
- e.g. “I subscribed on [date], it’s within 14 days, I’d like a refund.”
- e.g. “I forgot to cancel and was just charged yesterday, can I get a courtesy refund?”
- e.g. “I’ve been double charged; here are the transaction IDs.”
- e.g. “I subscribed on [date], it’s within 14 days, I’d like a refund.”
- Support outcome → Either a refund, goodwill gesture (free Premium), or denial depending on eligibility.
- Get confirmation → Request an email confirmation or save your chat transcript.
- Follow up → Refunds usually arrive in ~7 days. If not, re-contact support with your case ID.
- Last resort → If Spotify refuses and you believe it’s unfair, file a chargeback with your bank. This may close your account, so use only if leaving Spotify.
Spotify ’s refund timeframe - how long it takes
- Standard refunds → 5–10 business days (cards) or ~1 week average.
- PayPal → Often instant → 1 day.
- Apple/Google → Apple usually decides within 48 hours. Refund hits card or Apple ID balance in a few days. Google refunds typically within 3–5 days.
- Delays → Some users reported waiting 15+ business days. Always confirm with Spotify support if refund is “completed” on their end.
- Communication → Refunds appear as a reversal on your bank/card statement. No in-app balance is shown.
Spotify ’s refund methods - how you'll get your money back
- Credit/Debit Card → Refunded back to the same card (bank posts as reversal).
- PayPal → Credited to PayPal account (and to linked bank if auto-withdrawal enabled).
- Apple App Store/iTunes → Refund processed by Apple to your card or Apple ID balance.
- Google Play → Refund processed by Google to your payment method or phone bill credit if carrier billing.
- Carrier Billing → Refund shows as a credit on your phone bill.
👉 Spotify does not refund via cheque, cash, or Spotify “account credit.”
Common refund issues with Spotify
- Forgetting to cancel → #1 issue. Refunds are rarely given unless within 14 days.
- Charged after canceling → Often due to duplicate/old accounts. Spotify refunds if proven.
- Duplicate subscriptions → Common mistake (multiple accounts). Refunds capped (e.g., max 24 months).
- Third-party billing confusion → Spotify can’t refund iTunes/Google charges. Users are frustrated when bounced.
- Unsupported requests → “Didn’t use much” or “forgot student discount” → denied.
- Customer service issues → Chat disconnects, scripted answers. Patience + persistence recommended.
- Fraudulent charges → Spotify directs you to your bank.
- Family/Duo confusion → Spotify won’t refund internal family plan disputes.
Spotify cases submitted through Ajust
I redeemed Qantas Frequent Flyer points for a Spotify Premium voucher, but when I tried to use it, Spotify wouldn’t process it because I already had an active Premium account. The voucher was essentially useless, and there was no clear option to refund or exchange it. I just wanted my points or value back for something I could actually use. - Tim
Customer experiences with Spotify refund cases
Trial auto-renew disappointment: User missed the trial end by 1 day → Spotify refused a refund, Premium continued until the end of the period.
Duplicate billing → Customer refunded for 24 months of double charges (~$240) but not older amounts. The complaint needed escalation.
Annual plan refund → A user cancelled within 14 days → Spotify fully refunded and reverted their account to Free.
How Spotify Refund Policy Compares to Competitors
- Apple Music → Refunds via Apple’s system. Strict, but first-time or billing error requests sometimes approved.
- YouTube Music (Google) → Non-refundable except for billing errors. Same stance as Spotify.
- Amazon Music Unlimited → Slightly more lenient on mistaken renewals (especially via Alexa sign-ups).
- Tidal/Deezer → No refunds for subscriptions; similar to Spotify.
⚖️ Summary: All music platforms treat subscriptions as non-refundable by default. Spotify’s only advantage: a clear 14-day refund window (global, consumer law-aligned).
Official Spotify Refund Resources & Links
Spotify Refund FAQs
Can you actually get a refund from Spotify, or are subscriptions always non-refundable?
Yes, you can get a Spotify refund, but only in specific situations. Spotify subscriptions are generally non-refundable, except during the 14-day cooling-off period or when there’s a clear billing issue. If you cancel within 14 days of purchase, you’re usually eligible for a full refund. Outside that window, refunds depend on errors like duplicate charges, accidental renewals, or billing mistakes, and are approved case by case.
What happens if Spotify renews my subscription by mistake or I forget to cancel?
Spotify does not automatically refund accidental renewals, but courtesy refunds are sometimes granted. If you were charged recently and haven’t used Premium much, contacting Spotify support quickly gives you the best chance. Be clear that it was an accidental renewal and provide transaction details. While not guaranteed, many users receive goodwill refunds when they act immediately after the charge.
Why can’t Spotify refund me if I paid through Apple, Google, or my phone provider?
Spotify cannot issue refunds for third-party subscriptions because it doesn’t control the payment. If you subscribed via Apple App Store, Google Play, or carrier billing, refunds must be requested directly from that provider. Spotify support will usually confirm who billed you, but the final decision and refund timing depend entirely on the third party’s policies and systems.
How long does a Spotify refund take, and how will I get my money back?
Most Spotify refunds take 5 to 10 business days to appear. Refunds are sent back to the original payment method, such as your card, PayPal, Apple ID balance, or phone bill credit. PayPal refunds are often faster, while Apple and Google refunds vary by provider. Spotify does not issue cash, cheques, or account credits, only payment reversals.
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