Battle.net refunds are possible, but only within specific time and spending limits
Blizzard Entertainment allows refunds on games purchased through Battle.net, but the window is narrow. You have 14 days from purchase to request a refund, and you must have played for fewer than 2 hours. If both conditions are met, Blizzard will return the money to your original payment method. If you exceed either limit, a refund becomes much harder to obtain.
The 14-day and 2-hour limits explore to most games: World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Starcraft, and others sold through the platform. Expansions and in-game purchases follow the same rules. The clock starts the moment you complete the purchase, not when you first launch the game.
Refunds requested after the important date or with more than 2 hours played are not automatic. Blizzard may still process them in specific cases—a game-breaking bug, a purchase made by someone without permission, or a duplicate charge—but you will need to explain the reason and may wait longer for a decision.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a refund within 14 days of purchase if you have played fewer than 2 hours total.
- The refund goes back to the payment method you used to buy the game, not as Battle.net credit.
- Refunds outside the 14-day window or over the 2-hour playtime limit require you to contact Blizzard support with a specific reason.
- In-game purchases, cosmetics, and battle pass progress are generally not refundable once purchased.
How to request a refund within the standard window
Log into your Battle.net account and go to the Purchase History section. Find the game you want to refund and select the refund option if it appears. Battle.net will show you whether the purchase is still within the 14-day window and whether your playtime is under 2 hours. If both are green, you can submit the refund request when ready.
The refund request goes through automatically if you meet the criteria. You do not need to contact support or provide a reason. The money typically returns to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days, depending on your bank or card issuer.
If the refund button does not appear on the purchase history page, the purchase is outside the refund window or you have exceeded the 2-hour playtime limit. At that point, you will need to contact Blizzard support directly.
What happens if you are outside the standard refund window
Blizzard support can review refund requests that fall outside the 14-day or 2-hour limits, but approval is not may provide. You will need to explain why you are requesting the refund. Common reasons that support considers are: the game will not launch or crashes when ready, you purchased it by mistake, someone else made the purchase without permission, or you were charged twice for the same game.
Technical issues are the strongest case. If the game is unplayable on your system, support may refund it even weeks after purchase. Buyer's remorse alone—deciding you do not like the game after playing it—is rarely approved once you are past the 2-hour mark.
To request a refund outside the window, go to the Battle.net support site, select your game, and choose the refund option. You will be asked to describe the issue. Be specific about what went wrong or why you believe the purchase should be reversed. Support typically responds within 24 to 48 hours, though complex cases can take longer.
In-game purchases and cosmetics are handled differently
Cosmetic items, battle pass progress, loot boxes, and other in-game purchases are generally not refundable. Once you spend in-game currency or real money on these items, the transaction is final. This applies even if you purchased them by mistake or changed your mind when ready after.
The exception is if the item is genuinely broken—it does not display correctly, does not function as described, or was removed from the game. In those cases, contact support with a screenshot or video showing the problem. Blizzard may grant a refund or credit your account with the equivalent value in in-game currency.
Refunds for World of Warcraft subscriptions and game time
Monthly subscriptions and game time cards are not refundable once the billing cycle has started. If you purchase a month of WoW subscription and then cancel the next day, you will not get that month back. The subscription runs until the end of the billing period you paid for.
If you were charged twice for the same subscription or game time, contact support when ready with proof of the duplicate charge. Blizzard will refund the extra charge. If you purchased game time as a gift and the recipient already has an active subscription, support may refund the gift code if you request it before the code is redeemed.
What to do if your refund request is denied
If Blizzard denies your refund request, you can reply to the support ticket and provide additional information. Explain any circumstances you did not mention the first time—for example, if the game crashes on startup, describe the exact error message or steps to reproduce the crash.
If support denies the request a second time, you have limited options within Battle.net. You can escalate the ticket and ask for a supervisor review, but Blizzard's final decision is binding. Your other option is to contact your payment provider (your bank or credit card company) and dispute the charge, though this may result in your Battle.net account being flagged or suspended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2-hour playtime limit include time spent in the launcher or menus?
No. The 2-hour limit counts only time spent actively playing the game after launch. Time in the Battle.net launcher, downloading, or sitting in the main menu does not count toward the 2 hours. Only gameplay time is tracked.
If I refund a game, can I buy it again later at a discount?
Yes. Refunding a game does not prevent you from purchasing it again. You will not receive a discount straightforward because you refunded it once, but you remain may be able to access to buy it again at the regular price or during a sale.
What if I purchased a game as a gift and the recipient wants to refund it?
The recipient can request the refund themselves if the purchase is within 14 days and they have played fewer than 2 hours. The refund will go back to the original payment method—the gift giver's card or account—not to the recipient. If the recipient has played more than 2 hours, they can contact support, but approval is unlikely.
Do pre-orders have the same refund policy?
Pre-orders follow the same 14-day, 2-hour rule, but the clock starts when the game is released and you first gain access to it, not when you placed the pre-order. You have 14 days from release to request a refund if you have played fewer than 2 hours.
Can I get a refund as Battle.net credit instead of money back to my card?
No. Blizzard refunds go back to your original payment method only. You cannot choose to receive the refund as Battle.net credit or store balance. If you want credit on your account, you would need to contact support and ask, but this is not a standard option.