Depop refunds typically take 5 to 10 business days after the seller accepts the return, but the full timeline depends on whether you're returning an item and how the original payment was made

The clock on a Depop refund starts when the seller marks your return as received in the app — not when you first request it or when you drop the package at the post office. From that point, Depop processes the refund to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. If you paid with a debit or credit card, the money goes back to that card. If you used PayPal, it returns to your PayPal account. If you used Apple Pay or Google Pay, the refund goes to the card linked to that service.

The catch is that your bank or payment provider may take another 1 to 5 business days to show the refund in your account, even after Depop has sent it. This means the total time from "seller marked return received" to "money visible in your account" can stretch to 15 business days in the slowest cases. Weekend and holiday delays can add more time.

Key Takeaways

  • Depop processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days after the seller confirms receipt of the returned item in the app.
  • Your bank or payment provider may take an additional 1 to 5 business days to display the refund, so total time can reach 15 business days.
  • Refunds go back to the payment method you originally used — the same card, PayPal account, or digital wallet.
  • If a refund does not appear after 15 business days, contact Depop support with your order number and the date the seller marked the return received.

What happens between requesting a return and the refund processing

When you open a return request in Depop, the seller has 7 days to respond. If they accept, they'll send you a prepaid shipping label (or instructions on how to return the item, depending on your location). You then ship the item back using that label. This step can take anywhere from 2 to 7 business days depending on the carrier and distance.

Once the seller receives the package, they have up to 3 days to inspect it and mark the return as complete in the Depop app. Only after they click "return received" does Depop begin processing your refund. If the seller doesn't mark it received within a few days, you can contact Depop support to escalate — but the official window is 3 days.

During this inspection period, the seller is checking that the item matches the original listing and is in the condition described. If they believe the item doesn't match or is damaged, they may reject the return. If that happens, you'll see a message in the app explaining why, and you can dispute it with Depop support.

How payment method affects refund timing

Credit and debit cards usually show refunds within 3 to 5 business days after Depop sends them, though some banks take up to 10 business days. Visa and Mastercard process faster than American Express in most cases. Your bank's processing speed depends on their internal systems, not on Depop.

PayPal refunds appear in your PayPal account within 1 to 3 business days after Depop initiates them, but if you then transfer the money to a linked bank account, that transfer can take another 1 to 3 business days. Apple Pay and Google Pay refunds go to the card you linked to those services, so timing follows that card's processing speed.

If you're unsure whether your refund has been sent, check your Depop order history. The order page will show "refund processed" or a similar status once Depop has sent the money. This status appears before your bank shows the money, so it's a useful checkpoint.

Tracking your refund status in the Depop app

Open the order in your Depop account and scroll to the return section. You'll see the current status — either "return requested," "return accepted," "return shipped," "return received," or "refund processed." Each status tells you where you are in the timeline. "Refund processed" means Depop has sent the money to your payment method, but it hasn't necessarily arrived in your account yet.

If the status is stuck on "return shipped" for more than a week, the seller may not have marked it received. Contact the seller through the app to ask if they've received it. If they confirm they have but haven't marked it in the app, ask them to do so. If they're unresponsive, contact Depop support with your tracking number and ask them to follow up.

What to do if your refund doesn't arrive after 15 business days

Count 15 business days from the date the seller marked the return received (not from when you shipped it). If the money hasn't appeared in your account by then, open a support ticket in Depop. Go to the order, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Report a problem." Choose "Refund issue" and explain that the refund hasn't arrived. Include the order number and the date the seller marked it received.

Depop support will check whether the refund was actually sent and, if it was, contact your payment provider to investigate. If the refund was never sent, they'll resend it. If it was sent but your bank lost it (rare but possible), your bank's fraud department may need to trace it. This investigation can take 5 to 10 additional business days.

In the meantime, check your spam or promotions email folder for any notification from your bank or PayPal about the refund. Sometimes refund notifications land there instead of your inbox. Also confirm that you're looking at the right account — if you've changed banks or payment methods since the purchase, the refund went to the old one.

Refunds for cancelled orders versus returned items

If you and the seller agree to cancel the order before it ships, Depop refunds you within 3 to 5 business days instead of 5 to 10. The money goes back to your original payment method on the same timeline as a return refund, but there's no shipping step, so the process is faster overall.

If the seller cancels after you've already paid but before they ship, you'll see a cancellation notice in the order. Depop automatically initiates the refund — you don't need to do anything. The 3 to 5 business day window starts when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my refund faster if I contact Depop support?

No. Depop's 5 to 10 business day processing window is fixed, and support cannot speed it up. They can only investigate if a refund is missing or wasn't sent. If you need the money urgently, your best option is to contact your bank or payment provider to ask if they can expedite the deposit, though most cannot.

What if the seller never marks the return as received?

Contact Depop support with your tracking number showing delivery. They can see the delivery confirmation and may mark the return received on your behalf or contact the seller to do so. Without this step, your refund won't process, so escalating quickly is important.

Do I lose money on shipping when I return an item?

No. Depop provides a prepaid return label, so you don't pay for return shipping. However, if you used a different carrier or paid out of pocket, you'll need to submit a receipt to Depop to be reimbursed for that cost. Include it in your support ticket.

Will my refund include the original shipping cost?

Yes. Depop refunds the full purchase price, including any shipping you paid. The refund amount should match what you originally paid.

Why is my refund showing as pending in my bank account?

Your bank may hold refunds for 1 to 5 business days before finalizing them, especially if the original purchase was recent. This is normal. If it's been longer than 5 business days, contact your bank to ask about the status of the pending transaction.