Many users often overlook billing matters until they encounter an unexpected charge, such as an automatic subscription renewal. This guide aims to clarify how GitHub's refund process works, outlining who is eligible for refunds and providing a step-by-step approach to requesting a quick reimbursement. Whether you're seeking assistance for the first time or simply want to better understand your options, this resource is here to help you navigate the process with ease.
What You Should Prepare Before Applying For Refund
Account Information: Ensure you have your GitHub account username and email address associated with your account ready.
Transaction ID: Locate the transaction ID for the purchase you are seeking a refund for; this can typically be found in your purchase confirmation email.
Proof of Purchase: Gather any invoices or receipts related to the transaction, which will help verify your claim.
Type of Subscription: Specify whether the refund request is for a personal, organizational, or enterprise account, as this affects the refund policy.
Reason for Refund: Prepare a clear explanation of why you are requesting the refund, citing specific issues if applicable, such as service dissatisfaction or accidental purchase.
Billing Information: Have your billing information on hand, including the credit card or payment method used to make the purchase, to facilitate the refund process.
Documentation of Issues: If applicable, compile any relevant screenshots or documents that support your refund request, such as error messages or service downtime.
Usage History: If applicable, be ready to provide details on how the product/service was used, especially if your request is based on issues with its functionality.
Terms of Service Reference: Familiarize yourself with GitHub's refund policies as outlined in their terms of service, to ensure your request aligns with their guidelines.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund?
Payment method
How long it takes*
Credit Card
5-10 working days
PayPal
3-5 working days
Bank Transfer
7-14 working days
*Working days are Monday to Friday, and don't include public holidays.
What are my Rights? Am I eligible for a Refund from GitHub
Users of GitHub, a platform that primarily offers software development and version control services, may have specific rights regarding refunds. The eligibility for refunds generally depends on user circumstances, subscription types, and account management decisions.
For users of GitHub, the following situations may qualify for a refund or billing adjustment:
Downgrade of Subscription Plans: If a user downgrades from a paid plan to a free plan, they may inquire about any potential refunds for the unused portion of their subscription.
Service Disruptions: In the event of significant service outages that affect a user’s ability to utilize GitHub's services, users may reach out to understand whether any bill adjustments are applicable.
Account Inactivity: Users who have not utilized their paid subscription may explore options for a refund if they can demonstrate inactivity for a specific billing cycle.
Miscommunication on Features: If a user feels that there was a misunderstanding regarding the availability of certain features within their chosen plan, they might discuss eligibility for a refund based on this context.
Billing Errors: Users may seek clarification on any unexpected charges and explore potential resolutions for any discrepancies in billing information.
It is important for users to review GitHub’s specific refund policies, which outline these situations clearly, to understand their rights and options.
Step-by-Step Process to Request Your GitHub Refund Like a Pro
If you purchased through GitHub.com:
Log in to your GitHub account.
Navigate to the Settings by clicking on your profile icon in the top right corner.
Select Billing & Plans from the left sidebar.
Scroll down to the Billing History section.
Find the recent transaction you wish to get a refund for and click on View Receipt.
On the receipt page, click on Request a Refund.
In the message field, mention that the subscription renewed without notice and that you could not utilize the service.
Submit the request and keep an eye out for a confirmation email.
If you purchased through Apple:
Open the Settings app on your device.
Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
Select Subscriptions.
Find your GitHub subscription and tap on it.
Scroll down and tap Report a Problem.
Choose the reason for the refund, such as "subscription renewed without notice."
Emphasize that you were not able to use the service during the billing period.
Submit the report for Apple's review.
If you purchased through Google Play:
Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
Select Payments & Subscriptions.
Tap on Subscriptions.
Locate your GitHub subscription and select it.
Tap on Cancel Subscription.
After canceling, go back and select Report a Problem.
Indicate that the subscription renewed without notice and mention that you were not able to use the account.
Submit the request for a refund.
If you purchased through Roku:
Access your Roku device and navigate to the Home screen.
Select Streaming Channels from the menu.
Scroll to Manage Subscription under the channel you wish to request a refund from.
Select Cancel Subscription to stop future charges.
Go to the Channel Store and select the GitHub channel, then choose Customer Support.
In your message, state that the subscription renewed without your clear context, emphasizing that the service was not utilized.
Send the support message and wait for a response.
Disclaimer
Chargeback is an independent consumer resource that provides educational information to help users understand how to cancel, manage, or request refunds for various subscriptions. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the companies mentioned on this site. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners.
The information we provide is based on publicly available sources and user reports and may contain inaccuracies or become outdated over time. Our guides are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as official company instructions or legal advice.
Consumers are solely responsible for reviewing their own contracts, terms of service, and refund or cancellation obligations before taking any action. Nothing on this site should be interpreted as legal, financial, or contractual guidance.
Chargeback does not encourage or condone disputing valid charges, misrepresenting transactions, or taking any action that could violate a company's terms, service agreement, or applicable laws. We promote fair, transparent, and lawful communication between consumers and businesses.
I would like to request a refund for the amount of [Amount] due to [describe reason].
If applicable, I have attached relevant documentation to support this request.
I would appreciate your confirmation within 3-5 business days.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number]
Common refund statuses
Status
Meaning
What It Means for You
Pending
Your refund request is being reviewed.
Please allow up to 5 business days for processing. No action needed.
Processing
Your refund is currently being processed by our team.
Expect your funds to be available within 3-7 business days.
Completed
Your refund has been successfully completed.
You should see the funds reflected in your account shortly.
Partially Refunded
A portion of your order has been refunded.
Check your account for the refunded amount. The remaining balance will stay active.
Canceled
Your refund request has been canceled.
No further actions are required. If you need a refund, please submit a new request.
Denied
Your refund request was not approved.
Review the email for details and consider contacting support if you need assistance.
Real User Scenarios: When and How Refunds Were Successfully Claimed
Real User Scenarios: When and How Refunds Were Successfully Claimed
Accidental Subscription Upgrade: A user intended to maintain their GitHub Free plan but accidentally upgraded to the Pro plan during a promotional period. After realizing the mistake, they contacted GitHub support, explained the situation, and provided details about their account. They received a prompt refund for the difference in charges.
Service Period Change: A developer moved to a new job and could no longer use their existing GitHub Teams account for the scheduled renewal. They reached out to customer service to inquire about canceling the service early and successfully obtained a refund for the unused month they had already paid for.
Billing Cycle Confusion: An organization misinterpreted their billing cycle and believed they were charged for a service that should have expired two weeks earlier. After clarifying their account settings and service term with support, they were granted a refund for the renewal fee they believed was incorrectly billed, given the circumstances.
Failed Payment Resolution: A user experienced a failed payment due to an expired credit card but had already switched to a new plan during the same period. Once they updated their payment information and contacted GitHub, they successfully received a full refund for the charges incurred due to the billing issue while maintaining their account access.
The Easiest Way to Get a GitHub Refund
If you're frustrated trying to get a refund from GitHub—or if you didn't even realize you were being charged—Chargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or card account, and we'll take care of the rest.
How to Track Your Refund Status Efficiently
If you're awaiting a refund from GitHub, tracking its status is straightforward with the right steps. Here’s how to efficiently keep tabs on your refund process:
Email Notifications: GitHub typically sends updates via email when a refund is initiated or processed. Be sure to check your inbox (and spam folder) for these important messages, which will detail the refund status and any next steps.
Account Dashboard: To view your refund status, log into your GitHub account and navigate to your account dashboard. From there, you can access your billing information, including any recent refunds.
Order History: Within your account settings, look for the 'Billing' section. Here, you can find your order history that lists all past transactions, including refunds, where you’ll see relevant statuses.
In-app Notifications: If you have the GitHub mobile app, keep an eye out for in-app notifications, which may alert you to any updates regarding your refund status in real-time.
Support Resources: If you need further assistance, you can consult the GitHub support documentation or contact their support team directly for detailed updates on your refund progress.
FAQ
If you forget to cancel your GitHub subscription on time, unfortunately, refunds for unused time are generally not provided. It's always a good practice to manage your subscription settings actively to avoid unexpected charges. For assistance or more details on your specific case, consider reaching out to GitHub Support.
Refunds typically take 3 to 5 business days to process after they have been approved. However, the exact time for the funds to appear in your account may vary depending on your bank or payment provider.
If you see a charge but do not have an active subscription, first check your account settings to ensure no subscriptions are active. If you need further assistance, please contact GitHub support with your account details and the charge information for clarification.
If you're unable to secure a refund directly from GitHub, consider reaching out to their customer support team again for further assistance. You can also escalate your request within GitHub's support system, which may help address your concerns more effectively. Additionally, reviewing your account details and previous correspondence may provide clarity on the situation.
If GitHub refuses to issue a refund, it's advisable to review their refund policy to ensure your request aligns with their guidelines. You can also consider reaching out to their support team for further clarification or additional assistance. Additionally, double-checking your account details might help clarify any misunderstandings.
Chargeback and the Chargeback trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Chargeback and its affiliates. The use of any other trade name, copyright, or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the copyright or trademark holder of their product or brand. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
¹ Total savings is calculated based on internal annualized estimates of savings for customers. ² Average requests times may vary depending on volume of requests
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