Finance Tools

Refund vs Store Credit Comparison Calculator

Compare a cash refund vs store credit to see which option is worth more after fees, delays, and bonus credit.

Refund vs Store Credit Comparison Calculator

Compare a cash refund vs store credit by factoring in fees, delays, and store-credit bonuses.

This is the amount you paid (or the refund base amount).
Option A: Cash Refund
How many days until you actually receive the refund.
Option B: Store Credit
Store credit can have restrictions (expiry, limited categories, one-store only). This tool compares estimated value only.
Time value assumption (optional)
Used to discount delayed value. If you don’t want this, set it to 0.

Results

Fill in the inputs and click Calculate to compare both options.

How it works

This tool estimates the value of a cash refund after fees and discounts delayed money using a simple opportunity-cost rate. Store credit is increased by any bonus percent and can also be discounted if you cannot use it immediately.

FAQ

Should I set the annual rate to 0?
If you don’t want to discount delayed value, set the rate to 0 and it becomes a simple fee/bonus comparison.
Why might store credit be worse than the number suggests?
Expiration dates, category restrictions, and being locked to one store can reduce real-world value.

How to use this refund vs store credit comparison calculator

  1. Enter the purchase amount you would get refunded.
  2. Enter refund fees (percent and fixed fee) and an estimated delay in days.
  3. Enter store credit bonus percentage and how soon you can use it.
  4. Click Calculate to compare the effective value of each option.

Example

If a $200 refund has a 5% fee and arrives in 7 days, but store credit gives a 10% bonus available today:

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