Refund to different credit card

chipsdog

If I buy something using my AMEX and then return the goods to the shop for a refund, what happens if I get the refund back onto another card eg Visa? The shop assistants don't usually check if the card is the same as the one that was original used - can anyone see any problem with this?

jrrowleyws

Mostly in larger stores the terminal will reject the card if its not the same.

lisyloo

Everywhere I've been they DO check that it's the same card.

The reason is that they will not get their fees refunded and on AMEX these are high.
Perhaps it depends on what kind of store you go to.
Marks and Spencers certainly wanted the same card when I went in their recently and I think the vast majority of small businesses would.

If they haven't in your case then they've been slack.

I don't think it makes any difference to you unless you got cashback on the purchase in which case you will get to keep your cashback if it's refunded to a diferenct card.

chipsdog

They must have been slack as I have done it in Marks & Spencer, I don't get cashback on my credit card - so no worries there.

Thanks for all your replies

lisyloo

I don't get cashback on my credit card - so no worries there.

It's not a worry at all (it's the other way round).

You get cashback when you buy something.
On a refund it's gets taken off you.
If they refund another card you would get to keep your cashback for free.

To be honest I think you've been lucky or got someone on their first day.
Busineses almost always want the same card otherwise they don't get their fees back and they are out of pocket.

jamalfatty

And to a lesser extent it also cuts down attempts at money laundering.