Can I get a refund for a charge I never authorized?
Last updated: 2026-07-11 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Yes. A charge you never authorized is money taken without a right, which the recipient must return under Civil Code Article 2154 (solutio indebiti), and RA 11765 §4(g) (Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act) requires financial service providers to obtain consent for every charge and to redress unauthorized ones. Demand the refund in writing from the merchant or provider; if you paid by card, also dispute it with your issuer under RA 10870 §18 (report within 30 days of the statement). If the refund is refused, escalate to the BSP under RA 11765 or file small claims.
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Frequently asked
What legal basis do I cite for the refund?
Two: Civil Code Article 2154 (solutio indebiti) — the recipient of money delivered by mistake or without a right must return it; and RA 11765 §4(g), which requires a financial service provider to get consent for charges and to redress unauthorized ones. Cite both in your demand.
How long does the provider have to refund?
RA 11765 §6 requires a financial service provider to act on a written complaint (a common benchmark is 15 business days). For a card charge, RA 10870 §18 separately requires the issuer to act on a reported error within 10 business days. Frame your demand around these and keep proof of the date.
What if it is a small amount they keep ignoring?
Even small unauthorized charges are recoverable. Send a dated written demand, escalate to the BSP under RA 11765 if a bank/card is involved, and for ₱1,000,000 or below you can file small claims without a lawyer.
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