Many users only consider billing issues when an unexpected charge catches them off guard—such as an automatic subscription renewal. This guide is designed to help you understand how Ancestry refunds work, who qualifies for them, and the straightforward steps you can follow to request your money back promptly. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and easy as possible, ensuring you have the information you need to feel confident in managing your subscriptions.
What You Should Prepare Before Applying For Refund
Account Login Credentials: Ensure you have your Ancestry account username and password to access your account information.
Transaction Information: Gather details about your recent transaction, including the date and amount charged.
Subscription Details: Identify your subscription type and the renewal date if applicable.
Reason for Refund: Prepare a clear explanation of why you are requesting the refund, including any issues encountered with the service.
Payment Method: Documentation for the method used to pay, such as credit card details or PayPal confirmation.
Confirmation Emails: Locate any confirmation emails related to the purchase or subscription for reference.
Transaction ID: Find the transaction ID from your payment receipt, which may be required for processing the refund.
Evidence of Service Issues: Collect any screenshots or emails that illustrate the problems faced while using the service.
Customer Support History: Document any previous interactions with customer support regarding your account or service issues.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund?
Payment method
How long it takes*
Credit/Debit Card
5-7 business days
PayPal
5-7 business days
Apple Pay
5-7 business days
Google Pay
5-7 business 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
At Ancestry, users have specific rights regarding their subscription services and the eligibility for refunds. Understanding these rights can help users make informed decisions about their accounts and subscriptions. Refund eligibility is primarily determined by the circumstances surrounding subscription management and account usage.
Subscription Cancellations: If users cancel their subscription before the next billing cycle, they may be eligible for a refund for the unused portion of their subscription, depending on the timing of the cancellation relative to the billing date.
Service Disruptions: In instances where users experience significant disruptions to the service that impact their ability to access features and content, they might qualify for a refund based on the nature of the disruption.
Account Downgrades: If users decide to downgrade their subscription plan, they may be eligible for a pro-rated refund depending on the terms of the new plan relative to the previous subscription.
Trial Periods: Users taking advantage of a trial period who choose not to continue with a subscription before the trial ends may not be charged and therefore may not be eligible for a refund, as they are not billed initially.
Product Purchases: For one-time product purchases, users may qualify for a refund if the product is defective or not as described, following Ancestry's return policy.
Users are encouraged to review their account history and subscription details to determine their eligibility for refunds based on these criteria.
Step-by-Step Process to Request Your Ancestry Refund Like a Pro
If you purchased through Ancestry.com:
Visit the Ancestry.com website and log in to your account.
Navigate to your Account Settings by clicking on your profile name in the top right corner.
Select Membership from the left-side menu.
Locate the Payment History section and find the transaction you want refunded.
Click on the Request Refund option next to the concerned transaction.
In the message field, mention that the subscription renewed without prior notice or that the account was unused.
Submit the refund request and check your email for confirmation.
If you purchased through Apple:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
Select Subscriptions.
Find your Ancestry subscription in the list and tap on it.
Scroll down and select Report a Problem.
Choose Request a Refund and specify the reason, such as the subscription renewed without notice.
Follow the prompts to complete your request.
If you purchased through Google Play:
Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
Select Account and then tap on Purchase History.
Find the Ancestry subscription charge and tap on it.
Choose Refund and fill out the required information.
Mention that the subscription renewed without prior notice or that the account was unused.
Submit your request and monitor your email for further instructions.
If you purchased through Roku:
Go to the Roku website and log in to your account.
Select Manage Account on the main menu.
Click on Subscriptions.
Locate the Ancestry subscription and select Manage.
Choose Cancel Subscription to stop future charges.
Visit the Roku Help Center for refund assistance.
In your request, say that the subscription renewed without notice and you’d like to request a refund.
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.
Please find attached documentation regarding this matter.
I would appreciate your confirmation of this request within 3-5 business days.
Thank you for your assistance.
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 being processed.
You will receive an update once your request has moved to processing. This typically takes 1-3 business days.
Processing
Your refund is currently being reviewed and processed by Ancestry.
This stage may take up to 5 business days. No further action is needed from you at this moment.
Refunded
The funds have been successfully returned to your original payment method.
Check your bank account or payment method; the amount should reflect shortly. This process can take 3-7 business days depending on your bank.
Partially Refunded
A portion of your order was refunded due to a specific issue.
You will receive a confirmation of the amount refunded. Please check your payment method for the updated balance.
Completed
Your refund process is complete, and all relevant funds have been returned.
You can now access your account or order history for the updated status.
Canceled
Your refund request was canceled either by you or due to policy limitations.
If you believe this is an error, please contact Ancestry support for clarification on your refund options.
Real User Scenarios: When and How Refunds Were Successfully Claimed
Users often find themselves in various situations related to their Ancestry accounts where refunds may be applicable. Here are a few realistic scenarios that illustrate when and how refunds were successfully claimed:
Subscription Downgrade: After using the premium features of Ancestry for several months, a user realized that they didn't need the highest tier subscription. They decided to switch to a lower tier but were charged for the next billing cycle at the premium rate. Upon contacting Ancestry support, they explained their situation and were able to receive a refund for the difference after successfully downgrading their plan.
Account Cancellation Timing: A long-time user intended to cancel their subscription before the next billing date but accidentally missed the deadline. They reached out to Ancestry's customer service, expressing their intent to cancel. After a brief discussion, they were granted a refund for the upcoming charge since they had canceled within a reasonable time frame relative to their usage.
Service Interruption: During a brief period of maintenance, Ancestry experienced a service outage, preventing users from accessing genealogical records. A user who relied heavily on that access for ongoing research contacted support regarding the downtime. The customer service representative acknowledged the inconvenience and offered a pro-rated refund for the subscription fee corresponding to the downtime.
Product Mistake: After ordering a DNA kit, a user realized they had mistakenly selected a test type that didn’t meet their needs. They reached out to Ancestry's customer support team, who guided them through the return process. Shortly after confirming the return, the user received a refund for the kit, even before it was received back at the fulfillment center.
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 straightforward and user-friendly. Here are some efficient ways to keep an eye on the progress of your refund:
Check Your Email: Ancestry typically sends email updates regarding your refund status. Look for messages with subject lines mentioning refunds, which provide important updates.
Use the Ancestry App: If you prefer to track refunds on-the-go, open the Ancestry mobile app. Navigate to your account settings where you can find notifications and updates related to your refund.
Visit Your Account Dashboard: Log in to your Ancestry account on their website. Go to the 'Account Settings' section, then click on 'Billing & Orders' to find detailed information about your refund status.
Review Your Order History: Within your account dashboard, access the 'Order History' section. This area provides a timeline of your purchases and any corresponding refund updates.
Refund Progress Information: Ancestry usually provides a status indicator for your refund. You may find terms like 'In Progress' or 'Completed' that give you clear insights into where your refund stands.
Contact Customer Support: If you need further assistance or have specific questions regarding your refund, reach out to Ancestry’s customer service directly through their help center for personalized support.
FAQ
If you forget to cancel your Ancestry subscription before the renewal date, refunds are generally not provided for the charges incurred. However, it's always best to reach out to their customer service team for assistance, as they may review your situation and provide options based on their policies.
Refunds from Ancestry typically take 5 to 10 business days to process, depending on your bank or payment provider. Once the refund is initiated, you can expect to see the funds reflected in your account shortly thereafter. Please keep in mind that processing times can vary between financial institutions.
If you see a charge but do not have an active subscription, first check your email for any recent communications from Ancestry regarding your account status. If you still need assistance, please contact Ancestry's customer support for clarification on the charge and to verify your account details.
If you're unable to receive a refund directly from Ancestry, consider reaching out to their customer service again for further assistance. You can also explore escalating your inquiry within their support system for additional review. Additionally, reviewing your account details and usage patterns may provide clarity on your subscription and any related charges.
If Ancestry refuses to issue a refund, you may want to review their refund policy for specific guidelines related to your situation. Additionally, consider reaching out to their customer support again to clarify your account details and discuss your case further. Sometimes, providing more context can assist in reaching a satisfactory resolution.
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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