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Can You Refund a Preorder on EA? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can refund a preorder on EA, but the process and eligibility depend on a few factors. This article will provide a detailed overview of how to cancel your pre-order, the conditions that apply, and the steps you need to take. Whether you’ve changed your mind, found a better deal, or the game isn’t what you expected, understanding your refund options is crucial.

EA Pre-Order Refund Policy: What You Need to Know

EA’s policy allows you to request a refund for a pre-ordered game under specific circumstances. The key is timing and whether you’ve engaged with the game content. Here’s a breakdown of the most important points:

Refund Window: You can typically get a refund for your pre-order within 14 days of being charged. This is a crucial timeframe to keep in mind.
Pre-Release Cancellation: If you haven’t been charged yet, you can usually cancel your pre-order at any time before the game is released. This is straightforward and avoids the need for a refund.
Post-Charge Refund: If you’ve already been charged, you can still request a refund within 14 days of the charge, as long as you haven’t launched the game. If you download or launch the game, you may forfeit your right to a refund.
No Play Time: Importantly, EA generally requires that you haven’t played or downloaded the game to be eligible for a refund.
EA App Refunds: Refunds are requested directly through the EA app or the EA website, providing a central location for managing your orders.

How To Cancel Your EA Pre-Order

Log in to Your EA Account: Go to the EA Account Settings portal and log in using your credentials.
Navigate to Order History: Find the Order History section within your account. This will list all your purchases, including pre-orders.
Locate Your Pre-Order: Find the pre-ordered game you wish to cancel. You might need to click on a plus sign (+) to expand the details of the order.
Cancel the Pre-Order: Under the Status column, you should see a Cancel option. Click on it to begin the cancellation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation.
Refund Request (If Applicable): If you’ve already been charged, you’ll need to request a refund instead of simply cancelling. Look for the “Request a Refund” link next to the product in your order history. Complete and submit the Refund Request Form.

Important Notes About EA Pre-Orders

Payment Timing: EA will charge you for a pre-order at different times depending on your payment method. If you use account credit, it’s taken immediately. If you use a credit card, the charge typically happens about 10 days before the game launches.
Authorization Hold: EA may place an authorization hold on your card when you pre-order, but this is not an actual charge. The hold will eventually expire, but make sure your payment information is correct to avoid issues.
Pre-order Bonus Items: Most pre-orders come with bonus items, such as loan player items for EA SPORTS FC™ games. These are usually tied to the game itself, so refunding the pre-order means you won’t get the bonuses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EA Pre-Order Refunds

Here are some frequently asked questions to give you a better understanding of refunding a pre-order on EA.

1. How long do I have to refund my EA pre-order?

You have 14 days from the date you were charged to request a refund for your pre-ordered game, provided you have not launched the game.

2. What if I haven’t been charged yet? Can I still cancel?

Yes, if you haven’t been charged yet, you can cancel your pre-order at any time before the game releases. Simply follow the steps in the “How To Cancel Your EA Pre-Order” section.

3. What happens if I pre-order a game and then decide I don’t want it?

You can cancel your pre-order if you haven’t been charged yet. If you have been charged, you can request a refund within 14 days of the charge, as long as you haven’t downloaded or launched the game.

4. Does EA refund pre-orders if I’ve already downloaded the game?

No, EA generally does not issue refunds if you have downloaded or launched the game. Once the content is accessed, the pre-order refund window closes.

5. What should I do if the ‘Cancel’ option isn’t available in my order history?

If the ‘Cancel’ option isn’t available, you have likely already been charged and are past the cancellation point. In that case, you need to request a refund through the link that should appear next to the game.

6. How long does it take to get a refund after requesting it?

Refund processing times can vary. Generally, it takes a few business days to receive the refund, but it might take longer depending on your payment method and bank.

7. Can I get a refund on an EA Play subscription?

No, EA Play memberships are not refundable. This is a key difference from game pre-orders; once you’ve subscribed, you cannot get a refund for your EA Play fee.

8. If I used multiple payment methods, how will I get a refund?

EA will typically refund the funds to the original payment methods you used for your purchase. If you split the payment, each payment method will receive a respective portion of the refund.

9. What happens to my pre-order bonus if I get a refund?

When you refund a pre-order, any pre-order bonuses like cover star loan players or ambassador loan player items will be removed from your account. You’ll lose access to these perks.

10. How can I be certain that I haven’t accidentally launched the game?

Make sure you have not clicked ‘play’ on the game, and have not downloaded any of the files related to the game on your device. If there has been any game activity, it could disqualify you for the refund.

11. What happens to an authorization hold if I cancel the pre-order?

If you cancel a pre-order before you are charged, the authorization hold will be released by your bank, and no actual payment will be made. This usually takes a few business days.

12. Is there a difference in refund policy for different EA games?

EA’s refund policy applies consistently to all games and DLC pre-ordered through their platform. However, make sure to read the fine print on game specific offers for any potential variations.

13. How do I confirm I successfully cancelled or requested a refund?

You will usually receive an email confirmation from EA when you successfully cancel a pre-order or submit a refund request. Always make sure to check your email and your order history to confirm the cancellation status.

14. Can I refund a pre-ordered physical copy of an EA game?

The refund policies for physical copies of EA games may differ depending on the retailer you made the purchase from. Check the individual return policy of the retailer where you bought the pre-order.

15. What if my refund request is denied?

If your refund request is denied, review the terms and conditions that may be available on EA’s website, or contact EA’s customer support directly to appeal the decision. Provide all the necessary details regarding the refund.

Conclusion

Pre-ordering games can be exciting, but sometimes plans change. Fortunately, EA provides a clear refund policy for pre-orders, allowing you to cancel or get a refund under specific conditions. By understanding the 14-day refund window, the pre-release cancellation option, and the importance of not playing or downloading the game, you can manage your pre-orders effectively and ensure you have the best gaming experience possible. Always keep a close eye on your order history and account status to stay informed about your pre-orders.

Can you refund a preorder on EA?