Returning shop items using debit card from a joint bank account

Toomz

Quite often my wife buys things in shops using her debit card from our joint bank account, decides she doesn't want them really and then asks me to return them using my debit card from the joint account.

It seems some shops are happy to do this (Primark, Asda) but other shops will refuse it and say it has to be done on the original card that the items were purchased on (Next, Matalan).

What are the rules regarding this, should the shop accept the other card from the joint account or is it their right to decline it?

I just need to convince my wife now to stop buying things she doesn't really want.

InsideInsurance

A merchant cannot tell if its a joint account or not only if the bank card number matches or not - some joint cards do allegedly have the same number, certainly most dont.

Regulation is very rarely black & white or that prescriptive and anti-money laundering laws fully fit in that category. The actual "rules" talk about taking reasonable precautions without actually stipulating what they are. Making sure you only ever refund to source is a very standard process to prevent fraud or money laundering.

Some may argue its also to ensure they get their transaction fees refunded for the original transaction but for most large corporations its unlikely to make a material difference and the cost of staff arguing with customers probably outweighs it.

Toomz

Thanks for your response, it's kinda pot luck then on who will do it and who wont

kingfisherblue

Your wife should also be aware that a shop does not have to refund, or offer an exchange or credit note, if the only reason for the return is that she has changed her mind. Whilst most large companies have a generous returns policy which does allow this, many smaller companies cannot afford to be so generous.

If your wife has a habit of buying things that she doesn't really want, maybe you could consider a couple of options. You could ask her to return stuff herself (from your post it sounds as though you are asked to return unwanted items - does your wife prefer to avoid this for some reason?). You could also ask her to take cash only, and then she can only buy what she has enough cash for. Another idea is to walk around other shops or go for a coffee before making the final decision on buying. Is there a resaon she buys unwanted items? Some people shop for comfort.

I know you didn't ask for advice on how to stop your wife buying unwanted items, so I apologise if I have caused any offence. I'm just trying to help as the last line of your post reads:

I just need to convince my wife now to stop buying things she doesn't really want.

halibut2209

Also you have no right to return even if the item is faulty as the contract is between the shop and your wife.