In this guide
Do you qualify?
- OpenAI states that subscription fees are non-refundable, which is the default position its other rules cut into.
- It states that accidental purchases are generally eligible for a refund if you contact it within 14 days of the charge.
- It states that residents of the EU, the UK and Turkey are eligible for a refund if they cancel the subscription within 14 days of purchase.
- An Apple charge is outside this policy: OpenAI states that cancellations and refunds for subscriptions made through Apple must be requested directly from Apple, which applies its own rules.
- API money is separate and harder. OpenAI states that purchased prepaid credits are non-refundable unless required by law or contract or an approved exception applies, and that cancelling a plan does not independently make remaining credits refundable.
- Workspace credits follow the same logic: OpenAI states that credits are not refundable except where required by law or in cases of confirmed account compromise.
ASK WHOEVER TOOK THE MONEY
How to request a ChatGPT Plus refund.
Charged by OpenAI on the web
OpenAI runs this through its support chat rather than a billing form, and checks eligibility before you reach an agent.
- Log in to ChatGPT with the account you want the refund for.
- Open the OpenAI Help Center and select the chat widget at the bottom right of the page.
- Follow the refund flow: OpenAI states the system shows a summary of your refund eligibility before you are connected with an agent.
- Give the charge date and amount, and say whether the purchase was accidental, since OpenAI names that case specifically.
OpenAI states that an eligible web refund is processed within 5 to 7 business days.
Charged by Apple through the iOS app
OpenAI puts this entirely with Apple: it states that cancellations and refunds for Apple subscriptions must be requested directly from Apple.
- Go to reportaproblem.apple.com and sign in with the Apple Account that was charged.
- Tap or click "I'd like to", then choose "Request a refund".
- Choose the reason for the request, then choose Next.
- Choose the ChatGPT purchase or subscription, then choose Submit.
- Cancel the subscription in iOS Subscriptions as well, since a refund request does not stop the renewal.
Charged through Google Play
This is the asymmetry worth knowing: OpenAI does not send Play refunds to Google, it handles them through its own support.
- Navigate to ChatGPT and log in with the account you would like a refund for.
- Go to the OpenAI Help Center and select the chat widget at the bottom right of the page.
- Ask for the refund and give the charge details from your Play receipt.
- Cancel the subscription in Google Play as well if it is still active.
OpenAI states that if you are eligible it will process a Play refund within 10 business days.
What happens next?
- OpenAI states that an eligible refund on a web subscription is processed within 5 to 7 business days, and a Google Play one within 10 business days.
- A refund is not a cancellation. If the subscription is still live, cancel it in the channel that bills it, or the next charge arrives while the refund is being handled.
- An API cancellation does not settle what you already owe. OpenAI states that cancelling does not automatically refund charges already accrued during the current billing month and does not clear unpaid usage charges, and that you may still be charged for outstanding usage afterwards.
- Unused prepaid API credits stay usable rather than returnable. OpenAI states that cancelling a prepaid plan turns off automatic reloading and that you can continue using your remaining credits.
WHEN THE ANSWER IS NO
If you are refused.
OpenAI says my subscription fee is non-refundable
That is its stated default, and it is not the whole policy. OpenAI also states that accidental purchases are generally eligible within 14 days of the charge, and that EU, UK and Turkey residents are eligible if they cancel within 14 days of purchase. Say which of those applies to you rather than asking in general terms.
The refund chat says I am not eligible
OpenAI states that its system shows a summary of your refund eligibility before you reach an agent, so that screen is the policy being applied rather than an agent's judgement. If the charge came through Apple, the summary is beside the point: that request has to go to Apple.
I want my unused API credits back
OpenAI states that purchased prepaid credits are non-refundable unless required by law or contract or an approved exception applies, and that cancelling your plan does not independently make remaining credits refundable. The practical step is turning off automatic reloading so no more are bought.
I was refunded but charged again the next month
A refund does not end a subscription. Check every channel that could hold one: OpenAI states that subscriptions can be billed through the web, the App Store and the Play Store, and that with more than one you may be charged separately.
GOOD TO KNOW
Questions, answered.
What is the ChatGPT refund window?
OpenAI states that accidental purchases are generally eligible if you contact it within 14 days of the charge, and that EU, UK and Turkey residents are eligible if they cancel within 14 days of purchase. Its baseline position is that subscription fees are non-refundable.
How long does a ChatGPT refund take?
OpenAI states 5 to 7 business days for an eligible refund on a web subscription, and within 10 business days for a Google Play purchase.
Who refunds a ChatGPT subscription bought on iPhone?
Apple. OpenAI states that for subscriptions made through Apple, cancellations and refunds must be requested directly from Apple, at reportaproblem.apple.com.
Does OpenAI refund API usage?
It states that cancelling an API billing plan does not automatically refund charges already accrued during the current billing month, does not clear unpaid usage charges, and that purchased prepaid credits are non-refundable unless required by law or contract.
Provider resources
- OpenAI: how do I request a refund for my ChatGPT subscription?
- OpenAI: how do I cancel my ChatGPT subscription?
- OpenAI: cancelling API pay-as-you-go service
- Apple: request a refund for apps or content
Instructions reviewed .
Subex is independent of ChatGPT Plus. Refund eligibility is decided by the company that billed you, and terms vary by plan, billing provider and country.