Many Shutterstock users seldom contemplate billing until they encounter an unexpected charge, such as an automatic subscription renewal. This guide is designed to clarify how refunds work at Shutterstock, outlining who is eligible for a refund and providing clear steps to request your money back swiftly. We aim to ensure you have a smooth and informed experience when it comes to managing your subscriptions.
What You Should Prepare Before Applying For Refund
Shutterstock Account Information: Log into your Shutterstock account to gather your account details, including your username and email associated with your subscription.
Transaction History: Access your transaction history to locate the specific purchase you wish to refund. Make sure to note the transaction ID for the item.
Proof of Purchase: Obtain any receipts or confirmation emails related to the purchase, which will be required to verify your claim.
Specific Image/Asset Details: Have the exact titles, image IDs, or asset file names of the items you wish to refund on hand.
Reason for Refund: Prepare a clear and specific reason for your refund request, as Shutterstock requires an explanation for processing.
Subscription Information: If you're requesting a refund related to a subscription, include details about your subscription plan, billing cycle, and any terms specifics that may apply.
Cancellation Confirmation: If applicable, ensure you've documented any previous cancellation notices if you are canceling a subscription as part of your refund request.
Contact Method: Choose a preferred method for contacting customer support, whether through email or their support portal, for efficient communication.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund?
Payment method
How long it takes*
Credit/Debit Card
5 to 7 working days
PayPal
3 to 5 working days
Wire Transfer
7 to 14 working days
Apple Pay
5 to 7 working days
Google Pay
5 to 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 Shutterstock
At Shutterstock, users engage with a subscription-based service or through one-time purchases of high-quality images, videos, and music. As such, eligibility for refunds primarily revolves around the specific circumstances of a user's account management, subscription status inquiries, and billing clarifications.
The following situations may qualify users for a refund or account credit related to Shutterstock:
Unused Downloads: If users have a subscription plan and find that they haven't utilized their download credits before the expiration of their plan, they may inquire about potential credit options.
Subscription Downgrades: Users who choose to downgrade their subscription plan may be eligible for a proportional refund for any unused periods, depending on the timing of the change.
Account Cancellations: If a user cancels their subscription before the end of the billing cycle, it is worth reviewing the terms related to final billing to see if any credit may be applied.
Order Issues: Users who find that their purchased content (images, videos, or music) is not available or has technical discrepancies may inquire about refund eligibility for that specific order.
Subscription Plan Changes: Should there be any concerns regarding the billing cycle after changing a subscription plan, users can explore their options regarding potential pro-rated refunds.
For specific inquiries about refund eligibility, users are encouraged to review Shutterstock's terms of service or contact their support team directly for assistance tailored to their account and circumstances.
Step-by-Step Process to Request Your Shutterstock Refund Like a Pro
Complete the form with your account details and specify the reason for the refund:
Be sure to mention that the subscription renewed without notice.
State that the account was unused during the period charged.
Submit your request and note the confirmation number provided.
Check your email for updates on your refund request status.
If you purchased through Apple:
Open the Settings app on your device.
Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
Select Subscriptions.
Find and select your Shutterstock subscription.
Tap Report a Problem and choose the relevant option.
In the message field, state that the subscription renewed unexpectedly.
Submit your report and follow up via email for confirmation.
If you purchased through Google Play:
Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines), then select Subscriptions.
Locate your Shutterstock subscription and select it.
Tap Manage, then select Report a problem.
In your message, emphasize that the account was unused for the billing cycle.
Submit the request and wait for an email confirmation.
If you purchased through Roku:
Go to the Roku Home Screen and select Streaming Channels.
Navigate to My Channels to locate your Shutterstock channel.
Select Manage Subscription.
Request a refund by tapping Support on the Roku website.
In the message, mention the subscription mistakenly renewed.
Complete your request through the support contact form.
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 in the amount of [Amount]. I have attached relevant documentation for your review.
Please confirm the status of my request 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
Refund request has been submitted but not yet reviewed.
Your request is under review. Please allow up to 5 business days for processing.
Processing
Refund request is being processed by our team.
The refund is being handled. You will receive an update once it's completed.
Refunded
Full amount has been refunded to the payment method used.
The refund has been completed. Check your account for the transaction.
Partially Refunded
Only a portion of the original amount has been refunded.
You will receive the partial refund, but charges may apply to the remaining balance.
Completed
Refund process has been completed successfully.
You can now expect the funds to reflect in your account.
Canceled
Refund request has been canceled by the user or the team.
No refund will be processed. You can initiate a new request if needed.
Real User Scenarios: When and How Refunds Were Successfully Claimed
Understanding how to effectively manage your Shutterstock subscription can lead to successful refund claims. Here are some realistic user scenarios that illustrate when refunds were successfully requested and processed:
Subscription Change Error: A user intended to upgrade their Shutterstock subscription but accidentally selected a plan with a higher rate. Upon realizing the mistake, they quickly contacted customer service, explained the situation, and were able to revert to their original plan while receiving a refund for the difference in charges.
Unused Credits: After purchasing a credit pack for image downloads, a user found that they would not actually be able to utilize the credits within the allotted time. They reached out to Shutterstock's support team to inquire about the possibility of extending the expiration period or receiving a refund, given their unique circumstances. The support team reviewed their request and granted a refund, appreciating the user’s proactive communication.
Account Mix-Up: A subscriber managed multiple accounts and mistakenly renewed a subscription that they no longer needed. After realizing the error, they promptly contacted customer support, clarified the confusion, and successfully requested a refund for the renewal fee, which was processed swiftly after verification of the situation.
Billing Cycle Confusion: A user experienced confusion regarding the renewal date of their subscription and ended up renewing earlier than intended. By reaching out to Shutterstock’s customer service team, they provided their account details and were able to confirm their misunderstanding, resulting in a full refund for the accidental renewal.
The Easiest Way to Get a Shutterstock Refund
If you're frustrated trying to get a refund from Shutterstock—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 with Shutterstock is straightforward when you know where to look. Here are some efficient ways to ensure you're updated on your refund process:
Email Notifications: Keep an eye on your email inbox for updates from Shutterstock. They will send you notifications regarding your refund status, including any changes in progress or issues that may need your attention.
Account Dashboard: Log into your Shutterstock account and navigate to the Order History section. Here, you can see details about your purchases and any refunds that are currently being processed.
Billing Section: Within your account settings, check the Billing section. This area provides comprehensive information about your transactions, including refund status and estimated processing times.
Mobile App Alerts: If you use the Shutterstock mobile app, enable push notifications. This will ensure you receive real-time updates regarding your refund status directly on your smartphone.
Customer Support: If you have questions about your refund that aren't addressed by your account details, contact Shutterstock's customer support. They can provide specific information based on your account activity.
Status Update Timing: Shutterstock typically processes refunds within a few days. During this time, you can check for any updates in your email or dashboard at least every 48 hours for the latest information.
FAQ
If you forgot to cancel your Shutterstock subscription on time, refunds are generally not provided for charges that have already been processed. However, it's always a good idea to reach out to customer support for assistance, as they may offer options or alternatives depending on your situation.
Refunds from Shutterstock typically take between 5 to 10 business days to process, depending on your bank or payment provider's policies. Once initiated, you should see the funds returned to your account within that timeframe.
If you see a charge from Shutterstock but do not have an active subscription, please check your account to verify any past purchases or trial activations. If you need further assistance, contact Shutterstock’s customer support with your account details and the transaction information for clarity on the charge.
If you are unable to obtain a refund directly from Shutterstock, consider reaching out to their customer service team again for further assistance. Additionally, you may want to escalate your inquiry within their support system to ensure it receives appropriate attention. Reviewing your account details and usage history may also provide insight into available options.
If Shutterstock refuses to issue a refund, you can start by reviewing their refund policy to ensure that your request aligns with their guidelines. Additionally, consider contacting their customer support team again for further clarification or to address any specific concerns. Checking your account details for any relevant information may also help in understanding the situation better.
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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