Finance Tools

Is Claiming a Refund Worth It Calculator

Estimate whether claiming a refund is worth it after fees, time cost, and approval probability.

Is Claiming a Refund Worth It Calculator

Estimate whether requesting a refund is worth it after fees, time cost, and approval probability.

How much you expect to receive if approved.

Shipping, processing, filing, restocking, etc.

Time spent contacting support, forms, packing, etc.

Use your wage, freelance rate, or a personal value.

If unsure, use 50–80% as a starting point.

Recommendation
Worth it
Expected value (refund × probability)$96.00
Fees-$5.00
Time cost (hours × hourly value)-$37.50
Expected net benefit$53.50

This is an estimate using expected value. Even if it’s “not worth it,” you might still request a refund for fairness or policy reasons.

How to use this is claiming a refund worth it calculator

  1. Enter the refund amount you expect to receive.
  2. Enter any fees you must pay to claim the refund.
  3. Enter how many hours it will take and your hourly value.
  4. Enter the probability the refund is approved.
  5. View the expected net benefit and recommendation.

Example

You expect a $120 refund, it takes 1.5 hours, your time is worth $25/hour, there’s a $5 fee, and approval chance is 80%.

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