Unexpected charges can often catch users off guard, leaving them unsure about their options. If you've recently encountered a billing situation with GoFundMe, you're not alone. This guide will provide clear insights into how GoFundMe refunds work, who qualifies for them, and the straightforward steps you can take to request your money back efficiently. We are here to help you navigate this process with ease.
What You Should Prepare Before Applying For Refund
Gofundme Account Information: Ensure you have your account email and password ready to log in.
Campaign URL: Have the specific URL of the campaign you are seeking a refund for accessible.
Transaction ID: Locate the specific transaction ID for the donation you wish to refund, which can be found in your donation confirmation email.
Donation Amount: Write down the exact amount you donated, as it will be necessary for processing the refund.
Reason for Refund: Prepare a concise explanation of why you are requesting the refund, as Gofundme may require a reason.
Proof of Donation: Keep a copy of your donation receipt or confirmation email as evidence of your transaction.
Contact Information: Verify that your contact details are accurate in your Gofundme account to facilitate communication regarding the refund.
Timeframe of Donation: Note the date and time the donation was made, as this may affect refund eligibility.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund?
Payment method
How long it takes*
Credit/Debit Card
5-7 working days
PayPal
3-5 working days
Apple Pay
5-7 working days
Google Pay
5-7 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 Gofundme
Gofundme provides a platform for individuals to raise funds for various causes, from personal needs to charitable events. Users contributing to a campaign, as well as those creating campaigns, may have specific circumstances under which they could be eligible for a refund. It is important to note that Gofundme's policies are designed to facilitate effective fundraising while respecting the integrity of the donations made.
The following scenarios may qualify for a refund consideration:
Campaign Termination: If a campaign is terminated before reaching its fundraising goal, donors may inquire about potential refund options for their contributions.
Duplicate Donations: In cases where a user accidentally makes a duplicate donation to a campaign, they might be eligible for a refund of the additional contribution.
Fraudulent Activity: If there is evidence that a campaign is associated with fraudulent activity, donors may be eligible for a refund upon review.
Inactive Campaigns: Donations made to campaigns that remain inactive or unfulfilled for an extended period could be subject to review for refund eligibility.
Funding Goals Not Met: If a campaign does not meet its target funding goal and the contributors wish to retract their donation, this scenario may provide grounds for a refund inquiry.
Users are encouraged to review Gofundme’s refund policies directly and reach out to their support team for assistance with any specific concerns regarding their contributions or campaign statuses.
Step-by-Step Process to Request Your Gofundme Refund Like a Pro
If you purchased through Gofundme.com:
Visit the Gofundme website and log into your account.
Click on your profile icon located at the top right corner.
Select Your Donations from the dropdown menu.
Locate the transaction for your membership or subscription and click on it.
Look for the Request Refund button and click it.
In the message box, mention that the subscription renewed without notice or that the account was unused.
Submit your refund request and await confirmation via email.
If you purchased through Apple:
Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
Select Subscriptions.
Find your Gofundme subscription and tap on it.
Scroll down and tap on Report a Problem.
Select Subscription under the type of issue.
In the message, emphasize that the account was unused and request the refund.
Submit your issue and monitor your email for a response.
If you purchased through Google Play:
Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
Select Subscriptions.
Find your Gofundme subscription and tap on it.
Tap Cancel Subscription if applicable.
Open your browser and visit the Google Play Help Center.
Locate the section for Refunds and follow the prompts to request a refund.
In your message, mention that the subscription renewed unexpectedly.
If you purchased through Roku:
On your Roku device, navigate to the Home screen.
Select Streaming Channels and go to My Channels.
Locate the Gofundme channel and select Manage Subscription.
Note any applicable cancellation steps.
Visit the Roku Support website for refund requests.
Fill out the refund request form, mentioning that the account was unused.
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 am writing to address a billing situation that has arisen regarding my account. [describe reason]
As a result, I would like to request a refund in the amount of [Amount]. I have attached relevant documentation for your review.
Could you please confirm the status of this request within 3-5 business days? Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your attention to this request. Should you need to reach me, my phone number is [Your Phone Number].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Common refund statuses
Status
Meaning
What It Means for You
Pending
The refund request has been submitted and is awaiting approval.
You will be notified once the refund is processed or if additional information is needed.
Processing
The refund is currently being processed by our financial team.
Refunds typically take 5-10 business days to complete during this stage.
Refunded
The refund has been successfully issued to the donor's original payment method.
Funds should appear in your account within 3-5 business days.
Partially Refunded
A portion of the original donation amount has been refunded.
You will receive a notification detailing the amount refunded and what remains.
Completed
The refund process is complete.
You have received full or partial funds back, and the status is final.
Canceled
The refund request has been canceled and will not be processed.
If you believe this is an error, please contact support to discuss further options.
Real User Scenarios: When and How Refunds Were Successfully Claimed
GoFundMe is a platform that allows individuals to raise funds for various causes, from medical expenses to community projects. Occasionally, users may find themselves in situations where a refund is appropriate. Here are some real user scenarios where refunds were successfully claimed:
Incorrect Fundraising Goal: A user set an initial fundraising goal of $5,000 for a community project, but realized they mistakenly entered $10,000. They promptly reached out to GoFundMe support, explained the error, and received a refund for the excess contributions within days.
Cancelled Campaign: After launching a fundraising campaign for a family member's medical bills, a user decided to cancel the campaign before any funds were raised due to changed circumstances. They submitted a request through their account settings, and GoFundMe facilitated a refund of the small processing fee that had been charged.
Donation Refund Request: A supporter mistakenly donated $500 to a campaign meant for someone else. The donor contacted the campaign organizer, who then assisted in submitting a request through GoFundMe's platform. The donation was quickly refunded after confirming the misunderstanding, ensuring a smooth resolution for both parties.
Payment Method Update: A user realized that their payment method for donations was incorrect after trying to contribute to a campaign. They updated their payment details and, upon realizing the initial contribution did not go through, followed up with GoFundMe to clarify the situation. The platform assured them that they hadn’t been charged, which relieved their concern.
The Easiest Way to Get a Gofundme Refund
If you're frustrated trying to get a refund from Gofundme—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
Tracking your refund status on GoFundMe is a straightforward process, thanks to their user-friendly interface and communication methods. Here’s how you can efficiently keep tabs on your refund.
Check Your Email: GoFundMe sends email updates regarding your refund request. Look for emails that contain specific details about the refund status and any action required from you.
Visit Your Account Dashboard: Log into your GoFundMe account and navigate to your account dashboard. Here, you can find a summary of your campaigns, including any pending refunds.
Review the Order History: In your account settings, check the order history section. This will list all transactions associated with your fundraising, including the status of any refunds you’ve requested.
Utilize the Mobile App: If you have the GoFundMe mobile app, you can check refund updates directly through the app. Go to the profile section to see your campaign details, including any refund requests.
Understand Refund Progress Messaging: GoFundMe will provide information regarding the progress of your refund, indicating whether it has been processed, in queue, or completed. Pay attention to the language used in notifications.
Follow Up via Help Center: If you have concerns about the refund process, utilize the GoFundMe Help Center for specific articles on refund statuses and how to get further assistance.
FAQ
If you forgot to cancel your GoFundMe donation before the cutoff date, unfortunately, refunds cannot be processed for contributions made after that time. It's always a good idea to keep track of your donations and their deadlines. For specific questions regarding your situation, you can reach out to GoFundMe's support for assistance.
Refunds from GoFundMe typically take 7 to 10 business days to process and appear in your account, depending on your bank's processing times. It's important to keep in mind that the exact duration can vary based on individual bank policies.
If you see a charge but don’t have an active subscription, first check your email for receipts or confirmations related to the charge. If you still have questions, please reach out to GoFundMe’s support team for assistance with your inquiry.
If you are unable to get a refund directly from GoFundMe, you can try reaching out to their customer service again for further assistance. Additionally, consider escalating your request within GoFundMe's support system or reviewing your account details to ensure all relevant information is accurately presented.
If GoFundMe refuses to issue a refund, consider reviewing their refund policy for specific guidelines related to your case. You may also want to reach out to their customer support team again for clarification or additional assistance. Additionally, double-check your account details to ensure everything is accurate and up to date, which might help in resolving any concerns.
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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