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Refunds & Credit Returns

Sometimes things don't go as planned. An email server doesn't respond. A batch can't be fully processed. When that happens, we automatically return your credits.

This guide explains when credits are refunded, how it works, and what to do if you need help.


Automatic Credit Refunds

Credits are automatically returned to your account in these situations:

Unknown Verification Results

When we can't determine if an email is valid or invalid, the result is marked as "Unknown."

Why it happens:

  • Email server didn't respond
  • Server timed out during verification
  • Aggressive anti-verification measures blocked our check

Refund: 1 credit returned per unknown result

You're not charged for emails we couldn't verify. If you upload 1,000 emails and 50 come back as "Unknown," you get 50 credits back.

Unprocessed Emails in Bulk Uploads

Sometimes emails in a bulk upload can't be processed at all.

Why it happens:

  • Server temporarily unreachable
  • Network issues during verification
  • File processing errors

Refund: Credits returned for every unprocessed email

Example:

  • You upload 10,000 emails
  • 9,500 are processed successfully
  • 500 couldn't be processed
  • Result: 500 credits refunded

Unprocessed emails are available as a separate download so you can retry them later.

API Errors

If an API verification request fails due to a system error, the credit is returned.

Refund: 1 credit per failed API request


What's NOT Refunded

Credits are used (not refunded) for:

ResultWhy No Refund
Valid/SafeSuccessful verification
InvalidSuccessful verification (email doesn't exist)
DisposableSuccessful verification (temporary email detected)
Catch-AllSuccessful verification (server accepts all)
Role AccountSuccessful verification (team email detected)
Spam TrapSuccessful verification (trap detected)
RiskySuccessful verification (risk assessed)

Any definitive result - whether the news is good or bad - means the verification worked. Credits are only refunded when verification couldn't complete.


Duplicates Are Never Charged

When you upload a bulk list with duplicate emails:

  1. System detects duplicates before verification
  2. Duplicates are removed automatically
  3. You're only charged for unique emails

Example:

  • You upload 5,000 emails
  • 200 are duplicates
  • System charges 4,800 credits (not 5,000)
  • Duplicates aren't charged, so there's nothing to refund

This happens automatically when the "Remove Duplicates" option is enabled (it's on by default).


Where Refunded Credits Go

All refunds go to your PAYG bucket.

Even if the original credits came from your Monthly or Rollover bucket, refunds always land in PAYG.

Why? PAYG credits never expire. This ensures your refunded credits don't disappear at your next renewal - they're yours to keep permanently.


When Refunds Appear

Refunds are instant.

As soon as verification completes:

  • Refunded credits appear in your balance
  • Transaction shows in Credits History
  • Details explain why credits were returned

You'll see an entry like:

TypeChangeDetails
Refund+500Refund: 500 emails could not be processed

Viewing Your Refunds

To see all refunds:

  1. Go to Credits History in the sidebar
  2. Use the filter dropdown
  3. Select Refund

This shows only refund transactions, making it easy to track what's been returned.


Cash Refunds

Credit Purchases

Purchased credits are generally non-refundable. However, PAYG credits never expire, so you can use them whenever you're ready.

Subscriptions

You can cancel your subscription anytime. When you cancel:

  • You keep access until the end of your billing period
  • Remaining credits are available until renewal date
  • No partial refunds for unused time

Exceptions

We handle refund requests on a case-by-case basis for situations like:

  • Unauthorized charges
  • Duplicate billing errors
  • Extended service outages
  • Technical issues preventing credit usage

For these situations, contact our support team.


How to Request Help

If you believe you're owed a refund or have billing questions:

Email Support

refunds@validemailchecker.com

Include:

  • Your account email
  • Transaction details (date, amount)
  • Description of the issue

Contact Form

Visit our Contact Us page and fill out the form.

Live Chat

Click the chat icon in the bottom-right corner of the dashboard for immediate assistance.


Refund Policy

For complete details on our refund policy, including terms and conditions, see our Refund Policy.


Common Questions

Why did I get a partial refund on my bulk upload?

Some emails in your list couldn't be processed (servers unreachable, timeouts, etc.). You were refunded for those specific emails. Download the "Unprocessed Emails" file to see which ones and retry them later.

I see "Unknown" results but no refund?

Refunds for unknown results are automatic and instant. Check your Credits History - look for a "Refund" entry around the same time as your verification. The refund might be bundled with other unprocessed emails in a single transaction.

Can I get a refund if I don't like the results?

No. If verification completed successfully (even if the result is "Invalid" or "Risky"), the credit was used as intended. Refunds are only for emails that couldn't be verified.

My credits came from a subscription. Will the refund go back there?

No. All refunds go to your PAYG bucket regardless of the original source. This is actually better for you - PAYG credits never expire.

How do I get a cash refund?

Contact support with your situation. Cash refunds are handled case-by-case for billing errors, unauthorized charges, or service issues.


Quick Reference

SituationRefund?Where?
Unknown resultYesPAYG bucket
Unprocessed emailsYesPAYG bucket
API errorYesPAYG bucket
Duplicates removedNot chargedN/A
Valid/Invalid/Other resultsNoN/A
Unused subscription creditsNo cash refundN/A

Next Steps

-> Credit System - How the 3-bucket system works

-> Pricing & Bonus Credits - Credit packages and pricing

-> Understanding Your Results - What each result means