how long does it take to issue refunds to gift credit cards?

[nageov3t]

so, I went to bestbuy this morning to buy a notebook (I know, I know, lolBB but they had it for the best price and they're not far out of the way when I'm going to work).

I had 3 amex gift cards totaling $300 that I wanted to apply to the order and pay the remaining balance with my real CC... somewhere along the line, though, the cashier made a mistake and had to void the order. unfortunately, the cards had already been charged and couldn't be used again because they're listing 0 balance. the BB guy said that the cards should be refunded at some point, but anyone know how long it usually takes? I was hoping to go back there and try again on my way home, but it's been 6 hours and the gift cards are all still showing a $0 balance.

 

[2Xtreme21]

Ugh, sounds like you're stuck in AMEX gift card hell. Hope you get your issue resolved better than these people got theirs.

 

[oogabooga]

Originally posted by: loki8481
so, I went to bestbuy this morning to buy a notebook (I know, I know, lolBB but they had it for the best price and they're not far out of the way when I'm going to work).

I had 3 amex gift cards totaling $300 that I wanted to apply to the order and pay the remaining balance with my real CC... somewhere along the line, though, the cashier made a mistake and had to void the order. unfortunately, the cards had already been charged and couldn't be used again because they're listing 0 balance. the BB guy said that the cards should be refunded at some point, but anyone know how long it usually takes? I was hoping to go back there and try again on my way home, but it's been 6 hours and the gift cards are all still showing a $0 balance.

Short answer : it depends, i'd guess a couple days.

If he did a true void where he is canceling the charge than AMEX doesn't even know it's not coming through yet. They won't for a couple days when they go "hrmm , BB hasn't made good on these auths, release the funds back to the gift card". If you call amex they might be able to release the funds sooner. At least that's how it goes with regular Credit Cards.

Also with a true void - In theory he could have run the transaction using the original approval and you'd have been fine.

If he "voided" in which he issued a refund back to your card, that will take longer probably (Still a couple of days). Even with regular Credit Cards returns the return don't usually get credited to available balance right away.

I'd call the number of the back of the card and confirm with AMEX if it has been a couple of days. If they say they did send the funds, i'd ask if they see the return, if they do then you gotta wait. if they dont time to go to best buy and ask for proof.

 

[QueBert]

it varies, a few days, maybe even 4 isn't untypical at all though.