EA's refund process depends on where you bought the game and how long ago

Electronic Arts (EA) handles refunds differently depending on whether you bought through their own platform (EA App or Origin), through Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox, or Nintendo eShop. The time window matters most: EA's own store typically allows refunds within 24 hours of purchase if you haven't downloaded or played the game much, while other platforms have their own rules that may be stricter or more generous.

The fastest way to start is to go directly to the platform where you made the purchase, not to EA customer support. Each store has its own refund system, and they process requests faster than EA can. If you bought on EA App, you'll request through EA. If you bought on Steam, you'll request through Steam's refund page. This matters because the platform controls the money and the timeline.

Key Takeaways

  • EA's own store (EA App) refunds games within 24 hours of purchase if you haven't played much, but other platforms like Steam have different windows and rules.
  • You must request a refund through the platform where you bought the game, not through EA support, because each platform controls its own refund process.
  • Steam allows refunds within 14 days and under 2 hours of playtime; PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo have their own stricter policies that vary by region.
  • If a refund is denied, you can appeal once with more detail about why you want the refund, but platforms rarely overturn a second denial.

Refunding through EA App or Origin

If you bought the game directly from EA, log into your EA account on the EA App or Origin website. Go to your purchase history (usually under Account or My Games), find the game, and look for a refund or return option. You'll see this button only if you're within the refund window—usually 24 hours from purchase and before significant playtime.

Click the refund button and select a reason from the dropdown menu. EA asks why you want the refund (game didn't work, changed your mind, technical issues, etc.) but doesn't usually deny refunds based on the reason you pick during this window. The refund goes back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. If the button doesn't appear, you're outside the refund window and will need to contact EA support, though they rarely overturn the policy.

Refunding through Steam

Steam's refund window is longer than EA's: 14 days from purchase and under 2 hours of playtime. Log into your Steam account, go to your library, right-click the game, and select "Manage" then "Request a refund." Steam shows you exactly how many hours you've played and how many days have passed, so you'll know when ready if you're may be able to access.

Steam approves most refunds that fall within this window automatically, without asking why. If you're over 2 hours or past 14 days, the refund button won't appear. Steam rarely makes exceptions, even if you contact support afterward. The refund returns to your Steam wallet or original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.

Refunding through PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo

PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo have stricter refund policies than Steam or EA's store. PlayStation typically does not refund digital games once they've been downloaded, though you can contact support to request an exception if the game is broken or doesn't work. Xbox has a similar policy but is sometimes more flexible if you contact support within 14 days of purchase. Nintendo rarely refunds digital games at all.

To request a refund on these platforms, go to your purchase history, find the game, and look for a report or refund option. If none appears, contact that platform's customer support directly with your order number and reason. Be specific: "the game crashes on startup" or "the game won't read" gets more attention than "I changed my mind." These platforms process refund requests manually, so responses take 5 to 10 business days.

What happens if your refund request is denied

If a platform denies your refund, you can usually submit an appeal with additional information. Explain in detail what went wrong: include error codes, screenshots of crashes, or a description of how the game doesn't match its description. Platforms review appeals, but they rarely overturn a second denial if the first one was based on time or playtime limits.

If the game genuinely doesn't work (won't launch, crashes when ready, has a game-breaking bug), mention this in your appeal. Platforms are more willing to make exceptions for technical failures than for "I didn't like it." Keep your appeal to a few sentences and stick to facts rather than frustration.

Refunds for season passes, battle passes, and in-game purchases

Refunding add-ons (cosmetics, battle passes, season passes) is harder than refunding the base game. Most platforms treat these as non-refundable once purchased. EA, Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox all have policies that make exceptions rare. If you bought a battle pass by accident or it didn't work as described, contact support with a screenshot of what you purchased and what you received, but expect a denial.

In-game currency (like EA Points) is almost never refunded. If you spent currency on something that didn't work or didn't appear in your account, contact support with proof (a screenshot of your purchase and your current balance), but this is treated as a technical issue rather than a refund request.

What to do if you can't reach support or get a response

If a platform's support team doesn't respond within two weeks, you have other options. Check whether your credit card company or bank offers purchase protection or chargeback services. You can dispute the charge with your bank if the platform won't refund and won't respond to your request. This is a last resort because it can result in your account being banned from that platform, but it's available if support has genuinely ignored you.

Before going to your bank, send one final message to support with "final request" in the subject line and a clear explanation of what you want and why. Keep a copy of every message you send. If support still doesn't respond after a week, then contact your bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refund a game if I've played it for more than 2 hours?

It depends on the platform. Steam's limit is 2 hours; EA's store is usually 24 hours with "limited playtime"; PlayStation and Xbox rarely refund after any significant play. Contact support with a specific reason (the game doesn't work, not as described) if you're over the limit, but expect a denial.

Do I lose my progress if I request a refund?

Once a refund is approved, you lose access to the game on that platform. Your save files may remain on your device, but you won't be able to launch the game. If the refund is denied, your account and progress stay intact.

How long does a refund take to show up in my account?

Most platforms process refunds within 5 to 10 business days. If you paid with a credit card, it may take an additional 1 to 3 business days for your bank to post the credit. If you refunded to a Steam wallet or EA wallet, the money appears when ready.

What if the game is on sale and I paid full price?

Platforms do not refund the difference if a game goes on sale after you buy it. This is not a reason for a refund. If you bought at full price and it went on sale the next day, you can request a refund and buy it again at the sale price, but the platform won't automatically adjust.

Can I refund a game I got as a gift?

Most platforms allow refunds on gifted games if you meet the time and playtime requirements. The refund goes back to the original purchaser's payment method, not to you. Contact support if you're unsure whether a gifted game is refundable on your specific platform.