PSN refusal to transfer voucher credited to main account but intended for sub account

parkside_stroller

Hi All

I wonder if anyone has any experience of challenging a similar issue to this.
I have PSN account but rarely use it for gaming - an under 18 yrs family member uses a sub account. I bought FIFA 17 voucher for additional players, in game features or something, I really don't know as I just did as asked when presented with the cash and "can you do this for me as I don't have a bank card" - with the code to be entered electronically on behalf of sub account user.
I bought this on a well known legitimate website and it transferred me straight in to my Sony account at click of a button as I have bought voucher before for 12 months access.
No option on the screen it linked to on PSN main account to credit to sub account and no warning on the page where the code is entered that if crediting my voucher to my account I would not then be able to transfer it (unused in the game) to the sub account. I made assumption, mistakenly but in good faith, that I would be able to transfer it to the sub account on the next screen .. how wrong could I be?

I checked the help section on the website when I realised what had happened and there was (perhaps) an indication that the voucher would not be credited to the desired account - it really was not that clear.
I don't play FIFA 17 and I have no interest in it - the credit will sit there forever unused.
I called them straight after I realised so it's not as if I could have been using the game for days and getting the benefit of the voucher - they refused to transfer the voucher to the sub account - said it is not possible.
I emailed and they replied (text of reply below) -

"Thank you for contacting PalyStation Support.

There is no way to transfer content between your Sony Entertainment Network Account and your Sub-Account , this also applies to PlayStation Plus subscription, trophies and funds on the portfolio SEN account.

You could find information about Sub Account limitation following this link : - https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/get-help/help-library/my-account/parental-controls/sen-sub-account-parental-controls/

- http://manuals.playstation.net/document/gb/ps4/settings/subaccount.html
-http://manuals.playstation.net/document/gb/ps4/basic/kids.html

We cannot offer a refund as the points were granted by reedeming a voucher

You can find more information in this link :
-https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/legal/sen-voucher-code-terms-and-conditions/

If you have additional questions, I invite you to a direct reply to this email or call us using the data below.

Thanks,"

yeah - thanks for nothing Playstation support - next console may not be Sony I think. I don't really have an "additional question" for them but I have some for my fellow forum members.

The 3rd link (the legal one) is the most relevant it would seem to me but just because they say that the points cannot be transferred .. do people think it is it really on such a sound legal footing or is there anything in consumer law that would suggest otherwise?
I wonder is it more that they won't transfer the voucher code to the intended recipient rather than can't - do they not have the technology to do this?
I do feel they could have done more to keep me as a customer.
Does anyone have any similar experiences or have thoughts on how best to proceed to try to persuade them to change their minds - it wasn't a large amount of cash but it was a significant amount to the family member who asked me to purchase it on their behalf.

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to give their thoughts on this.
The online retailer who sold the electronic voucher as been great with customer service so that angle is covered - I am more concerned about PSN's failure to transfer the code to the sub account.

Wickedkitten

Is the subaccount under your main account? If so, you shouldn't have to transfer it. Just have them buy the game under their account and the amount will come out of the credit in your wallet.

dannyrst

I assume the purchase was for FIFA points? If so, when buying on xbox via paypal, there is a clear warning that by purchasing the points, you waive all rights to cancel the purchase as the points are made available immediately. This is inline with the Consumer Rights Act 2016 (although, you could potentially argue that whilst the points are available, they haven't been used, therefore could in theory be returned).