Written by NotALawyer Legal AI · Reviewed by External Legal AI · Published April 27, 2026 · Last reviewed June 26, 2026
When a seller won't refund money you're owed, you have several options—most faster than court. Here's the ladder, from quickest to most aggressive.
Status check — as of 2026-07-02
CFPB rule giving buy-now-pay-later loans credit-card dispute rights — withdrawn
The CFPB withdrew its 2024 interpretive rule in May 2025, so pay-in-four lenders (Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, and similar) are no longer federally directed to run credit-card-style billing disputes and refunds — check the provider's own dispute process, and if the installments are charged to a credit card, that card's chargeback rights still apply. Federal Register — CFPB withdrawal of interpretive rules, 90 FR 20084 (May 12, 2025)
Email or mail a clear, factual note: what you bought, what went wrong, what you've already tried, and the refund you want. Cite the warranty or return policy. A 'final' no often flips once it's in writing.
Paid by credit card? File a chargeback with your card issuer, usually within 60 days (sometimes longer). The merchant has to prove the charge was valid. When it applies, this is the fastest remedy.
Better Business Bureau complaints are public and often move reputation-conscious sellers. A complaint to your state Attorney General's consumer protection division adds pressure and can trigger an investigation in serious cases.
A demand letter that names your state's consumer protection or unfair-practices act—nearly every state has one—and the relief it allows, often treble (triple) damages and attorney's fees, frequently gets results. Look up your state's law by name first.
If the amount is under your state's small claims limit (often $5,000–$12,500), filing yourself runs $50–$100 and can be heard in 30–60 days. Many sellers settle once they're served.
More on this topic: the Consumer Rights hub
NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.