To trace a refund, customers can use the reference number provided on the Stripe Dashboard. It could be an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN), a System Trace Audit Number (STAN), or a Retrieval Reference Number (RRN).
There are times when a customer might write in asking for the status of their refund. To do this, you can provide them with the Acquirer Reference Number (ARN), which allows them to work with their bank to trace the refund for all Visa and Mastercard charges. System Trace Audit Numbers (STANs) are sometimes required to track the status of a refund, like in cases of reversals. Some networks do not support ARN, in which case you can provide your customers the Retrieval Reference Number (RRN) if available. You only need one of the above references in order to track your refund.
What is an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN)?
An Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) is a unique number assigned to a credit card transaction as it moves through the payment flow. It can be used by banks to help trace your refund if it appears to be missing. An ARN will be available only for supported card networks, and marked as unavailable otherwise.
What the different ARN statuses mean
- ARN is available: The ARN will display within the refund
- ARN is processing: The ARN will show as processing when the refund has been created, but we have not finished processing the refund. This is the default status after a refund is created.
- ARN isn’t available for this refund: The ARN will be unavailable when it is not available or supported for the refund.
What is a System Trace Audit Number (STAN)?
A System Trace Audit Number (STAN) is a number generated by the cardholder bank that can be used to identify a transaction. STAN is a trace ID number most commonly used internally at the cardholders bank. It’s always a six-digit code, and therefore is not truly unique as the code resets after 999,999.
What is a Retrieval Reference Number (RRN)?
A Retrieval Reference Number is a 12-character identifier to a card transaction based on the ISO 8583 standard. The standard format for an RRN includes the date and hour of the authorization, making it somewhat unique. For some networks that do not support ARN, a RRN will be provided if it is available.
When customers should use ARNs vs. STANs vs. RRNs
In most cases, we recommend customers use an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) if available. An ARN is a unique number assigned to a credit card transaction as it moves through the payment flow. Because STANs are six digit codes, they are not truly unique, but are useful when ARNs are not available in cases such as reversals. Depending on network supportability, sometimes RRN is provided instead of ARN. RRN is somewhat unique and often useful to track single message network transactions.
Where to find references in the Dashboard
In your Stripe Dashboard, under the Timeline section of the payment details page, click "View details" under the refund entry. The reference can be found in the top-up window:
Can I get references for non-card refunds?
Some local payment methods, like SEPA Direct Debit, offer refund references which can also be found in the Stripe Dashboard if available.
FAQs
To do this, you can provide them with the Acquirer Reference Number (ARN), which allows them to work with their bank to trace the refund for all Visa and Mastercard charges. System Trace Audit Numbers (STANs) are sometimes required to track the status of a refund, though we recommend using ARNs whenever possible.
How do I track my Stripe Refund? ›
To trace a refund, customers can use the reference number provided on the Stripe Dashboard. It could be an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN), a System Trace Audit Number (STAN), or a Retrieval Reference Number (RRN). There are times when a customer might write in asking for the status of their refund.
What is the reference number for Stripe Refund? ›
For card refunds, it can be an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN), System Trace Audit Number (STAN), or Retrieval Reference Number (RRN). An ARN, STAN, or RRN is a reference number assigned to a card transaction as it moves through the payment flow.
How to track transactions with an ARN number? ›
If a customer wants to know when the refund will be made, it is easy to track the payment flow using the ARN number. Both the issuing bank (the customer's bank) and the acquiring bank (the merchant's bank) can access the number to trace a transaction. Either party can share the information with the customer.
How do I track my refund with trace number? ›
If you lost your refund check, you should initiate a refund trace: Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 and use the automated system, or speak with an agent by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).
How to check payment details by reference number? ›
Contact your bank: Reach out through phone, email, or in person, providing the reference number to inquire about the transaction status. Internet banking: Log in to your account and navigate to the transaction history or status section. Search or track transactions using the reference number.
How long does Stripe refund take? ›
After you initiate a refund, Stripe submits refund requests to your customer's bank or card issuer. Your customer sees the refund as a credit approximately 5-10 business days later, depending upon the bank.
How do I contact Stripe for a refund? ›
Stripe is unable to issue refunds on behalf of businesses using Stripe to accept payments. To initiate an exchange or refund, customers will need to reach out to the business directly. Through the charge lookup tool you can find which business charged you.
How do I identify a Stripe transaction? ›
If you see a charge from “STRIPE” on your credit card statement, it's likely you purchased something from a business that uses our services and the business name is just not reflected in the bank statement descriptor. Use the secure charge lookup tool to identify the business.
Can we track transaction with reference number? ›
Reference ID in a Bank
The unique ID connected to each online and offline transaction at a bank is known as a Reference ID. Thanks to these reference IDs, customers and banks can keep track of financial transactions.
If you're worried about your payment, you can contact the sending bank and request a trace on the wire transfer using the reference number¹. Many banks will do this, though you may have to pay an additional fee.
Can a transaction number be traced? ›
It is possible, but very improbable. The only way for someone to track a T-ID is if they have the exact identification number or access to the system that processed the transaction. This makes payment IDs pretty much untraceable for fraudsters.
How do I check my refund status with refund sequence number? ›
Step 1: Go to the e-Filing portal homepage.
- Step 2: Enter the user ID and password.
- Step 3: Go to e-File tab > Income Tax Returns > View Filed Returns.
- Step 4: Now you can check the refund status for the desired Assessment year.
- Status 1: When refund is issued:
- Status 2: When refund is partially adjusted:
Where's My Refund has the latest information on your return. If you don't have internet access, you may call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 for a current-year refund or 866-464-2050 for an amended return.
What is reference refund? ›
A referenced refund returns the funds to the payment method that was used for the original payment, not to the card the shopper is presenting in the store or as cash. This helps combat various return fraud types like returning stolen merchandise, receipt fraud, and cross-retailer returns.
