Reversal of debit: what can be done?

Debit card refunds are important for both retailers and consumers to understand, as they affect everyone and require resolving any issues with purchases made with a debit card.

Guaranteed by law in the event of fraud, undue charges, or error, this is an important issue that needs to be understood so that the consumer knows their rights and the seller does not suffer losses.

See our article for everything you need to know about debit refunds.

What is a debit reversal?

A debit chargeback is a process in which a financial transaction that was paid with a debit card is canceled and the amounts are returned to the consumer.

This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as improper charges, fraud, typographical errors, and even customer regret. It's important to note that refunds can be issued for both credit and debit card purchases.

Therefore, we call a chargeback any cancellation of a purchase made with a credit or debit card, where the money is refunded.

What is the difference between a Debit Refund and a Chargeback?

Although they're used interchangeably and are part of the same financial process, there's a difference between a debit refund and a chargeback. Here's how it works:

• Debit reversal: refund to the customer of an amount that was paid through a debit card payment.
• Chargeback: Purchase reversal, when the money leaves the account to return to the customer or is no longer transferred.

More clearly, the customer receives a refund because they made the purchase. The recipient experiences a chargeback, the purchase reversal, and the money is debited from their account.

How do I reverse a debit?

There are two basic ways you can reverse a debit.

• Directly in-store: In case of an error or product return, the purchase can be refunded directly through the card terminal. This process usually takes 48 hours.
• At the bank: If you can't get a refund directly from the store, you can request one from your credit card issuing bank. To do this, you'll need to contact the bank and explain the reasons for the refund.

Who can request a debit refund according to the law?

The Consumer Protection Code provides legal support for refunds. According to the law, this type of refund can occur in several ways:

• Purchase regret: according to the law, you can request a refund and return of your money within 7 days of purchase.
• Debit reversal due to duplicate charges: machine errors can generate duplicate charges and make it necessary to request a debit reversal.
• Fraudulent transaction: in case of card loss, theft, card cloning, etc., the bank is responsible for canceling the card's use.
• Non-receipt of product: If a purchase fails to arrive within the stipulated timeframe, or the product is significantly delayed, a refund may be issued due to a product defect.
• Payment not authorized by the customer.

How does debit reversal work?

After a debit refund request is made, the debit card issuing bank begins analyzing the transaction to verify whether the cancellation is valid, that is, whether it truly complies with the rules.

If the error or fraud, or any other reason that led to the refund, is proven, the amount is refunded to the consumer's account.

What is the deadline for refunding a debit?

The refund time may vary depending on the card issuing bank, but it's generally up to 5 business days after the transaction cancellation request. However, you may receive the refund within 30 days, depending on the issuing bank.

In some cases, such as purchases made on weekends or holidays, the deadline may also be extended. Therefore, it's important to be careful when requesting a refund.

Who is responsible for refunding the customer?

The debit card issuing bank is responsible for refunding the customer. Therefore, it's important to contact the bank as soon as the issue is detected so that the refund process can begin as quickly as possible.

As we've shown, the debit refund can occur directly at the card machine, through the store, resolving the issue directly for the customer. However, the bank will ultimately transfer the money to the account.

Frequently asked questions

Below, we've compiled some frequently asked questions about debit refunds. Check them out!

Is it possible to cancel a debit card purchase?

Yes, you can cancel a purchase made with a debit card, provided it is in cases of purchase regret (refund), errors (such as duplicate payment), or card fraud.

Is it a crime to dispute a purchase?

It's not a crime to dispute a purchase, as long as the dispute is based on truthful facts and in good faith. According to the Consumer Protection Code, consumers have the right to dispute a credit card purchase in the event of an undue charge, fraud, unauthorized purchase cancellation, or any other irregularity in the transaction.

How do I know if the refund has been made?

There are a few ways to check if your debit has been refunded: you can check your account to see if the amount has been refunded through your bank's app, call your card center to see if it has been refunded, or go to your bank branch and get a statement. Remember that when you refund directly at the store, you'll receive a refund receipt.

Who is responsible for the chargeback?

Your card-issuing bank is responsible for refunding your debit. They will handle all the necessary steps to ensure your money is refunded.

Does the debit refund occur immediately?

No. The bank has a deadline to refund your money after requesting a refund. This can be anywhere from 5 to 30 days, depending on the bank and the transaction.

Does PIX refund work the same way as debit refund?

Generally, there are no refunds for PIX. This payment method helps when transferring money. However, care must be taken to ensure the transfer goes to the correct location.

In case of an error, you must contact the person who received it so that they can return the money to you.

In the event of fraud or crimes related to PIX, you must file a police report and notify your banking institution.

With these tips, you can feel confident when you need a refund.

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