Billing for subscription services often goes unnoticed until an unexpected charge appears, such as an automatic renewal. This guide is designed to walk you through how Ancestry's refund process works, who is eligible for refunds, and the necessary steps to request your money back swiftly and easily. With clear instructions and helpful tips, we aim to ensure that you feel confident navigating the refund process.
What You Should Prepare Before Applying For Refund
Account Information: Ensure you have your Ancestry account details ready, including your username and the email address associated with your account.
Transaction ID: Locate the specific transaction ID for the purchase you are requesting a refund for. This can usually be found in your account transactions or the confirmation email.
Subscription Details: If applicable, note the start date and type of subscription plan (e.g., monthly or annual) that you wish to refund.
Reason for Refund: Be prepared to provide a clear reason for your refund request, as Ancestry may require this information.
Payment Method Information: Have your payment method details accessible, as you may need to confirm how the original payment was made (e.g., credit card, PayPal).
Previous Correspondence: If you have had any prior discussions related to the refund, keep records of emails or messages exchanged with customer support.
Cancellation Confirmation: If you have cancelled a subscription, include any confirmation emails or messages that verify the cancellation.
Proof of Payment: Gather invoices or receipts that confirm the payment details for the service or product you wish to refund.
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
3-5 working days
Google Pay
3-5 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 Ancestry
When utilizing Ancestry's services, users have certain rights regarding their accounts and potential refunds based on specific criteria related to subscription management and usage of services. Ancestry primarily offers a subscription-based model, allowing users access to various genealogical tools, records, and collections. Understanding eligibility for refunds is crucial for managing your experience effectively.
Here are specific situations related to Ancestry's offerings that may qualify users for a refund:
Subscription Downgrades: If a user has downgraded their subscription plan within the billing cycle, they may qualify for a partial refund for the days unused on the higher plan.
Free Trial Conversion: For users who opted for a free trial and later chose not to continue their subscription, it’s advisable to check the trial’s terms. If automatic billing occurs and the user did not intend to continue, they might be eligible for a refund if they reach out promptly.
Non-Access to Paid Features: If a user encounters issues accessing features or records they have paid to use, this might lead to eligibility for a refund, especially if the issue persists over a reasonable period.
Account Closure Requests: If a user decided to close their account and no longer wishes to utilize Ancestry's services, they could inquire about their eligibility for a refund based on the timing of the request in relation to the billing cycle.
Users are encouraged to review Ancestry's specific terms and conditions related to refunds for a clearer understanding of their rights and responsibilities regarding their subscriptions.
Step-by-Step Process to Request Your Ancestry Refund Like a Pro
If you purchased through Ancestry.com:
Log in to your Ancestry account.
Navigate to the ‘Account Settings’ section.
Locate and click on ‘Membership’.
Find the option for ‘Billing History’ and select it.
Identify the recent transaction you wish to request a refund for.
Click on ‘Help’ and select a contact method (chat or email).
When messaging support, mention that the subscription renewed unexpectedly.
Use phrases like “I haven’t used my account” or “the renewal was not anticipated” to strengthen your request.
If you purchased through Apple:
Open the ‘Settings’ app on your device.
Tap your name at the top to access your Apple ID.
Select ‘Subscriptions’.
Find and tap on your Ancestry subscription.
Select ‘Cancel Subscription’ if that option is available.
In your message, state that the subscription was renewed without notice.
Mention that you did not actively use the service in your explanation.
If you purchased through Google Play:
Open the Google Play Store on your device.
Tap the menu icon and select ‘Account’.
Go to ‘Purchase History’.
Find your Ancestry subscription in the list.
Tap on it and select ‘Refund’.
Fill out the refund request form; indicate that the subscription renewed unexpectedly.
Use phrases like “I haven’t used my account” to emphasize non-use.
If you purchased through Roku:
Go to the Roku home screen and select ‘Settings’.
Navigate to ‘Billing’.
Select ‘Manage Your Subscriptions’.
Locate your Ancestry subscription from the list.
Contact Roku customer support via their website.
When messaging support, mention that the subscription renewed automatically.
Highlight that the account was not in use to support your request.
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].
Attached you will find relevant documentation for your reference.
Could you please confirm receipt of this request within 3-5 business days?
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Common refund statuses
Status
Meaning
What It Means for You
Pending
Your refund request has been received but is not yet processed.
The refund is currently under review. Processing may take 3-5 business days.
Processing
Your refund request is being processed by our team.
You will be notified once your refund has been completed, which can take an additional 3-7 business days.
Refunded
The refund has been successfully issued.
The funds have been returned to your original payment method. Please allow 5-10 business days for your bank to process the credit.
Partially Refunded
A portion of your refund has been processed.
You will receive a refund for a part of your order, with details provided via email.
Completed
The refund process has been completed successfully.
You can now check your account for the refunded amount.
Cancelled
Your refund request has been cancelled.
If you believe this is an error, please contact customer service for further assistance.
Real User Scenarios: When and How Refunds Were Successfully Claimed
Users often find themselves needing assistance with their Ancestry accounts, especially regarding subscriptions and service access. Here are some real user scenarios where refunds were successfully claimed:
A user realized that their subscription was set to renew just a day before the renewal date and decided that they no longer needed the service. They contacted Ancestry support, explained their decision, and were granted a refund for the recent renewal to reflect their change of mind.
After upgrading to a higher-tier subscription, a user discovered that they couldn't access certain anticipated features. After reaching out to Ancestry's customer service for clarification, it became clear that the features were part of a different package. The user was promptly refunded the difference in subscription fees.
A customer intended to purchase a single month subscription for an upcoming family reunion but accidentally selected a three-month plan. Upon realizing this error, they reached out to Ancestry. In discussion with support, the user was able to get a refund for the two months they did not intend to purchase.
After completing a DNA test, one user encountered issues accessing their results due to technical difficulties on the site. They communicated with Ancestry's support team, who acknowledged the issue and provided a full refund as a goodwill gesture for the inconvenience experienced.
The Easiest Way to Get a Ancestry Refund
If you're frustrated trying to get a refund from Ancestry—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 Ancestry is a straightforward process when you know where to look. Here are some efficient ways to stay updated on your refund progress:
Email Notifications: Keep an eye on your inbox for refund updates. Ancestry typically communicates refund status changes via email, so be sure to check your spam folder if you haven’t seen any recent messages.
Account Dashboard: Log into your Ancestry account and navigate to your account dashboard. Here, you can access your Order History, where any pending or completed refunds will be listed with their statuses.
Billing Section: Under the Billing section of your account settings, you can view detailed information about recent transactions, including any associated refunds. This area provides insight into the timeline for your refund processing.
Mobile App Notifications: If you are using the Ancestry mobile app, ensure that notifications are enabled. The app may send you updates regarding your refund status in real-time, ensuring you're always informed.
Support Inquiries: If you don't receive any updates, feel free to reach out to Ancestry Support. You can provide them with your order details via the contact form or through their help section, which can also assist in expediting your refund inquiries.
FAQ
Unfortunately, if you forget to cancel your subscription before the renewal date, the payment is typically non-refundable according to the terms of service. However, you may reach out to Ancestry's customer support to explain your situation, as they may be able to provide assistance or options based on your individual circumstances.
Refund processing times can vary based on your payment method and financial institution. Generally, you can expect to see the refund processed within 5 to 10 business days. However, it may take longer for the refund to appear in your account, depending on your bank's policies.
If you see a charge but do not have an active subscription, we recommend checking your account details to verify your current status. You can also review any previously held subscriptions or services linked to your account. If you need further assistance, please contact our customer support for clarification.
If you are unable to get a refund directly from Ancestry, consider reaching out to their customer service again for further assistance. You can also explore escalating your inquiry within Ancestry's support system for additional options. Additionally, reviewing your account details and previous communications may provide helpful insights.
If Ancestry declines your refund request, you can review their refund policy to ensure you meet the necessary criteria for eligibility. It may also be helpful to reach out to their customer support team for further clarification or to discuss your situation in more detail. Additionally, checking your account details can provide insight into your subscription status and any relevant terms.
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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