EA's refund window and how to request one

EA allows refunds on most games purchased through their platform within 24 hours of purchase, as long as you have not downloaded or played the game. If you have downloaded or launched the game, the window closes immediately — you cannot get a refund after that point, even if you stop playing within the 24 hours.

To request a refund, log into your EA account, go to your purchase history, find the game, and select the refund option if it appears. The system will ask you to confirm the reason. Once submitted, EA processes the request and returns the money to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.

If the refund button does not appear in your purchase history, the game is outside the refund window or has already been downloaded. In that case, you can contact EA Support directly through their website, but they will likely deny the request unless there is a technical problem with the game itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 24 hours from purchase to request a refund, but only if you have not downloaded or played the game.
  • Refunds go back to your original payment method and take 5 to 10 business days to appear.
  • Once you download or launch a game, the refund window closes permanently.
  • EA Support can sometimes override the policy for technical issues or defective games, but this is rare and requires direct contact.

What counts as downloading or playing

EA's system tracks whether you have launched the game, not just whether you clicked download. If you download the game but never open it, you may still be within the refund window — but the moment you start the game, even for a few seconds, the refund may be able to access ends.

Pre-orders and early access games follow the same rule: the 24-hour clock starts when the game becomes available to download, not when it officially releases. If you pre-order a game and download it early, your refund window may close before the official launch date.

Refunds for DLC, battle passes, and in-game currency

DLC, cosmetics, battle passes, and in-game currency (like FIFA Points or Apex Coins) have stricter refund policies than full games. Most of these purchases are non-refundable once bought, even within 24 hours, because they are consumable or immediately accessible.

The one exception is if the DLC or currency is defective or does not work as advertised. In that case, contact EA Support with details about the problem. They may refund it, but you will need to provide evidence that the purchase did not function correctly.

Refunds through Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox

If you bought an EA game through Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Game Pass, EA's 24-hour policy does not apply. Instead, you follow the refund rules of that platform.

Steam allows refunds within 14 days of purchase as long as you have played for fewer than 2 hours. PlayStation Store and Xbox Store typically do not offer refunds on games once they are downloaded, though they may make exceptions for technical issues. Check each platform's refund policy directly, because EA cannot override their rules.

What to do if EA denies your refund request

If you submitted a refund request and EA denied it, your options depend on how you paid. If you used a credit card or debit card, you can contact your bank and file a chargeback, though this should be a last resort because it can flag your account with EA.

Before escalating to your bank, try contacting EA Support again and explain the situation in detail. If the game has a known bug or technical problem, mention that. If you have a legitimate reason — such as the game not running on your system despite meeting the listed requirements — EA Support may reconsider.

If you paid through PayPal, you can open a dispute through PayPal's resolution center. PayPal often sides with buyers on digital goods, especially if you can show that the game did not work as advertised.

Refunds for games with technical problems

EA is more likely to approve a refund outside the 24-hour window if the game has a serious technical issue — such as crashes on startup, missing files, or incompatibility with your system despite meeting the minimum requirements. In these cases, contact EA Support with details about the problem and include screenshots or error messages if possible.

Describe the exact steps you took to reproduce the problem and what you have already tried to fix it. The more specific you are, the better your chances of getting approval. EA Support may ask you to try additional troubleshooting steps before approving the refund, so be prepared for back-and-forth communication.

How to avoid refund problems before you buy

Check the game's system requirements against your computer or console specs before purchasing. Read recent user reviews on Steam or Metacritic to see if other players are reporting crashes or performance issues. If the game is new, wait a few days for patches and for more reviews to surface.

If you are unsure whether a game will run on your system, download the free trial or demo if one is available. Many EA games offer limited-time trials that let you test performance before committing to a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I bought the game on sale?

Yes. The refund amount is the price you actually paid, not the original price. If you bought a game for $20 on sale and it normally costs $60, you get $20 back. The discount does not affect your refund may be able to access.

What if I bought a game as a gift?

If the gift has not been redeemed, the person who received it can request a refund through their own EA account. If it has been redeemed, only the person who redeemed it can request a refund, and they have 24 hours from the moment they download or play it. The original purchaser cannot request a refund on behalf of the recipient.

Do I lose my refund if I play for just a few minutes?

Yes. EA's policy is strict: any launch of the game closes the refund window. Even if you play for 30 seconds and stop, you are no longer within the refund period. There is no grace period or minute threshold.

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

Refunds typically appear in your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. Credit card refunds may take longer depending on your bank. If more than 10 business days have passed, contact EA Support to check the status of your refund.

Can I refund a game if I just did not like it?

No, not outside the 24-hour window. EA's policy is based on whether you downloaded or played the game, not on whether you enjoyed it. If you played the game and then decided you did not like it, you are outside the refund window and cannot get your money back through EA.