How Groupon refunds work

Groupon refunds depend on whether you bought a Groupon voucher (a discount coupon for a business) or a Groupon Goods item (a physical product). For vouchers, you can request a refund within 30 days of purchase if you haven't redeemed it. For Goods items, you have 30 days to return unopened products. After 30 days, refunds are not available through Groupon's standard process, though you may still contact the merchant directly.

The refund goes back to the payment method you used — credit card, debit card, or Groupon account balance. If you paid with a gift card or promotional credit, the refund returns as Groupon account balance, not cash. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after Groupon approves your request.

Key Takeaways

  • Voucher refunds are available within 30 days of purchase if you have not redeemed the Groupon.
  • Goods refunds require the item to be unopened and requested within 30 days of delivery.
  • Refunds return to your original payment method and take 5 to 10 business days to process.
  • After 30 days, you can contact the merchant directly to request a refund, though Groupon cannot process it.

Requesting a refund for a Groupon voucher

Log into your Groupon account and go to "My Groupons" to see all your purchases. Find the voucher you want to refund and click on it. If the refund window is still open (within 30 days), you will see a "Request a Refund" button. Click it and select a reason from the dropdown menu — common reasons include "Changed my mind" or "Found a better deal."

After you submit the request, Groupon reviews it. Most refund requests are approved automatically if they fall within the 30-day window and the voucher has not been redeemed. You will receive an email confirming approval or denial. If approved, the money returns to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.

If the "Request a Refund" button does not appear, the 30-day window has closed. At that point, you can contact the merchant listed on the voucher directly and ask if they will honor a refund outside Groupon's system.

Requesting a refund for Groupon Goods

Groupon Goods are physical items shipped to you, not vouchers. To return a Goods item, go to "My Groupons," find the order, and click "Return Item" if the button is visible. This option appears only if the item is unopened and within 30 days of delivery. You will need to print a prepaid shipping label that Groupon provides and send the item back to the warehouse address listed.

Once Groupon receives and inspects the returned item, they process the refund. This takes an additional 5 to 10 business days after they receive the package. Track your return using the shipping label number so you know when it arrives.

If the item is opened or damaged, Groupon may deny the return. Some Goods items are marked "Final Sale" at purchase and cannot be returned at all — check the product page to see if this applies to your item.

What to do if your refund request is denied

Groupon denies refund requests when the 30-day window has closed, the voucher has already been redeemed, or the Goods item is opened or damaged. If your request is denied and you believe it should have been approved, you can contact Groupon's customer service through the Help section of your account.

Explain your situation in writing and include your order number. Groupon's support team may make an exception in some cases, though they are not required to. Response times vary, but you should expect a reply within 5 to 7 business days.

If Groupon will not refund you, your next option is to contact the merchant directly. For vouchers, the business that sold the Groupon may offer a refund or exchange even after Groupon's window closes. For Goods, contact Groupon's Goods supplier through the product page.

Refunds for unused vouchers after the merchant closes

If you bought a Groupon voucher for a business that has since closed, you may still request a refund from Groupon even after 30 days. Groupon sometimes honors these requests because the merchant is no longer able to honor the voucher. Go to "My Groupons," find the voucher, and select "Report a Problem" instead of "Request a Refund."

Explain that the business is closed and you cannot use the voucher. Include any details you have — the closure date, if you know it, or a note that the location no longer exists. Groupon will investigate and may issue a refund or Groupon credit as a goodwill gesture.

Refunds through your credit card company

If Groupon denies your refund request and you paid with a credit card, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer. Contact your bank or credit card company and explain that you requested a refund from Groupon but were denied. Provide your order number and the reason you believe the charge should be reversed.

Your card issuer will open a dispute and ask Groupon for documentation. This process takes 30 to 60 days. If your card issuer rules in your favor, the charge is reversed and the money returns to your account. Note that disputing a charge may affect your ability to use Groupon in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I already used part of the Groupon?

No. Groupon refunds only unused vouchers. If you have redeemed any portion of the voucher at the merchant, Groupon will not refund it. You would need to contact the merchant directly to discuss a partial refund or credit.

What if I bought a Groupon as a gift and the recipient doesn't want it?

The original purchaser can request a refund within 30 days of buying the Groupon, even if someone else received it as a gift. The refund goes back to the payment method used at purchase. After 30 days, the gift recipient can contact the merchant to ask about an exchange or refund.

Do I have to return a Goods item to get a refund?

Yes, for most items. You must ship the unopened item back to Groupon using the prepaid label they provide. Some items marked "Final Sale" cannot be returned at all. Check the product page at purchase to see the return policy for that specific item.

How long does it take to see a refund in my account?

After Groupon approves your refund request, it takes 5 to 10 business days for the money to appear in your original payment method. If you paid with a gift card or Groupon credit, the refund appears as account balance when ready after approval.

Can I exchange a Groupon instead of getting a refund?

Groupon does not offer exchanges through their system. You can request a refund and then purchase a different Groupon, or contact the merchant directly to ask if they will exchange your voucher for a different service or experience.