Will EA Give Refunds? Understanding EA’s Refund Policies

The short answer is: yes, EA does offer refunds, but with significant limitations. Whether you’re eligible for a refund depends heavily on what you purchased, when you purchased it, and how you’ve used it. Navigating EA’s refund policies can be tricky, as they differ for games, DLCs, and subscriptions. This article provides a detailed overview of EA’s refund policies across various platforms and scenarios to help you understand your rights and options.

EA Game Refunds: A Closer Look

EA App and Origin (PC/Mac)

For full game downloads purchased through the EA app or Origin for Mac, you may be eligible for a refund. However, this is subject to strict conditions.

• 24-Hour Rule: You typically have 24 hours after first launching the game to request a refund.
• Game Launch Required: The 24-hour window begins once you’ve actually launched the game, not from the moment of purchase.
• Third-Party Titles: The 24-hour refund policy also sometimes applies to participating third-party titles purchased through EA platforms.
• Non-Refundable DLC: Importantly, expansion packs (DLC) and other downloadable content for games, like Sims 4 packs, are generally non-refundable if purchased separately, irrespective of the 24-hour window or if you dislike them. Even if you contact support a few hours after purchase, like the example in the provided text, a refund for an expansion pack is unlikely.

EA Play Membership Refunds

EA Play is a subscription service that grants access to a selection of EA games and other benefits. Understanding the rules around refunds is key when thinking about trying the service:

• Subscription Refunds: Generally, refunds for EA Play subscriptions are handled based on the platform (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, PC). You’ll typically have to abide by the rules of the platform.
• Cancellation is Key: If you no longer want EA Play, canceling your membership is the best way to avoid future charges. You will retain access until the current billing cycle ends.
• Trial Limitations: EA Play trials, often offering limited playtime on new releases, are time-bound (e.g., 10 hours for games not in the Vault). Once that time is up, you’ll need to purchase the game to continue playing.
• Losing Access: When you cancel your EA Play membership, you’ll lose access to the games you could play through the subscription. However, your save data is usually retained if you keep your files, so you can pick up where you left off should you resubscribe.

Platform-Specific Refund Policies

Refund policies often vary depending on the platform on which you made the purchase.

PlayStation Store

• 14-Day Window: PlayStation Store provides a 14-day window from the date of purchase to request a refund.
• Download/Streaming: If you have started to download or stream the content, you will typically not be eligible for a refund unless the content is faulty.
• Refund Processing Time: Once your return is received, it may take up to 5 business days for the refund to process, and up to 7 business days for it to reflect in your account.

Xbox Store

• 14-Day Window with Playtime Limits: For Xbox games, you usually have 14 days from the purchase date to request a refund, provided you haven’t accumulated a significant amount of playtime.
• Consumables: Refunds on single-use items like in-game currency are only usually given if they haven’t been used or redeemed.
• Abuse Prevention: Microsoft reserves the right to stop offering refunds if they believe they are being abused.
• Xbox Order History: You can request refunds through your Xbox order history page.

Google Play Store

• Request Through Google Play: Refunds for apps and games purchased through the Google Play Store can be requested via their website.
• Report a Problem: To begin, go to play.google.com, find your purchase in the “Payments & subscriptions” section, and select “Report a problem” to begin your refund request.

Digital Purchases: Ownership and Resale

Digital games, apps, and other content are generally licensed, not sold, meaning you technically do not have legal ownership of the game. This significantly impacts reselling.

• No Resale Allowed: Because of licensing, you can’t resell digital games on your EA account.
• Non-Transferable Codes: Digital game codes are usually linked to an account and can’t be transferred to another user.
• Uninstalling Games: Uninstalling digital games from your device doesn’t erase your right to the license. You can usually re-download the game from your purchase history.

Refund Process: Step-by-Step

While processes will vary based on platform, here’s a general overview of how you typically request a refund:

1. Find Your Order History: Locate your purchase history on the platform or store (e.g., EA app, Xbox, PlayStation, Google Play).
2. Select the Item: Choose the specific game, app, DLC, or subscription you want to return.
3. Request a Refund: Follow the platform’s prompts for requesting a refund. This may involve filling out a form or selecting a reason.
4. Submit Request: Review all your information and submit your refund request.
5. Wait for Processing: Refund processing times vary. It may take a few business days to receive a response from the vendor or for the refund to be reflected in your account.

Special Cases

Gifted Games

• Recipients Cannot Return: Generally, if a game is gifted to you, you cannot return it for a refund on your own.
• Gifter Must Request Refund: Only the person who purchased the gifted game can request a refund.

Fortnite Refund

• Class Action Settlement: If you are eligible for the Fortnite class action settlement due to unwanted purchases, you can apply for a refund online at the provided settlement website. Make sure to complete this before any deadlines.

In-Game Content and Currencies

• Usually Non-Refundable: In-game purchases like currencies, cosmetics, or other add-ons are often non-refundable if purchased separately.
• Limited Exceptions: In some rare cases, refunds may be offered if the content is faulty.

Key Takeaways

EA does offer refunds, but their policies are nuanced and restrictive. Here are some key points:

• 24-Hour Rule: For EA game downloads, a 24-hour refund window after the first game launch applies.
• DLC is Usually Non-Refundable: Expansion packs and DLCs are not usually refundable.
• Platform Differences: Refund rules and deadlines often depend on the platform (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, etc.).
• Playtime Limits: Platforms like Xbox have limits on the amount of playtime allowed for a refund.
• Digital Ownership: Digital games are licensed, not sold, so you don’t own the game in the same way as a physical copy.
• Subscriptions: Subscription services have unique refund policies, typically governed by the platform’s rules, and you must cancel the subscription to stop future charges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about EA refunds to help clarify common points:

1. Can I get a refund on Sims 4 expansion packs?

No, expansion packs and other downloadable content for The Sims 4 are generally non-refundable even if you request a refund shortly after the purchase.

2. What if I didn’t launch my game within 24 hours?

If you didn’t launch your game within 24 hours of purchase, you might lose your window for requesting a refund on the EA app or Origin.

3. If I uninstall a game, do I lose my purchase rights?

No, if you delete a game, you will still have access to download the title again under your account.

4. How do I cancel my EA Play membership?

You can cancel your EA Play membership through your account settings in the platform where you bought the subscription.

5. Can I get a refund for EA Play if I don’t like it?

Refunds for EA Play are subject to the terms of service for the platform from which you purchased the membership. However, you will have to cancel the subscription to avoid future charges.

6. Can I get a refund if I find a game buggy or unplayable?

If a game is truly faulty, it’s worth contacting support for the platform in which you purchased it (EA App, Playstation, Xbox). However, you should do this as soon as possible after the purchase.

7. Do I get to keep games if I unsubscribe from EA Play?

No, you lose access to games in the EA Play library when you unsubscribe, but your save data should remain available if you resubscribe.

8. What’s the 10-hour trial limit with EA Play?

With EA Play, certain new releases come with a 10-hour trial limit. Once you’ve used up this time, you’ll need to purchase the game to keep playing. This is not 10 hours per month.

9. Can I resell my digital copy of Sims 4 if I never installed it?

No, you generally cannot resell digital copies of Sims 4 as they are tied to your EA account.

10. Can you get a refund on gifted games on Xbox?

The recipient cannot return a gifted game, only the purchaser is able to request a refund.

11. What is meant by a “full refund”?

A full refund means you will get back the full amount you paid for the game or product.

12. Can I refund DLC and in-game currencies for Apex Legends?

Downloadable content (DLC) and in-game currencies, like Apex Coins, are not refundable if purchased separately.

13. How can I tell if a game is eligible for a refund?

Check the store or platform’s refund policy before making a purchase. Look for specific terms regarding refund eligibility.

14. What do I do if my refund is rejected?

Contact the support team for the platform and request details on why the refund was rejected.

15. Will I lose my progress if I refund and repurchase a game?

Your saved data is typically stored separately from the game license. If you repurchase a game, your game progress should remain.