When should a deposit be refunded?

There is no fixed rule for when a deposit must be refunded, because it depends entirely on your contract. If the supplier cancels your booking, they should refund your deposit in full, and you should expect that within a reasonable time, usually a few weeks. If they breach the contract, for example by not providing the service you paid for, you may also be entitled to a refund.

If you cancel, the deposit is usually non-refundable. Some contracts allow a partial refund if you cancel early enough, or a transfer to a new date. The timing of any refund will be set out in the contract, so read it before you sign.

If you are due a refund and it does not arrive, chase the supplier politely in writing. Give them a deadline, and if they still do not pay, you can consider a formal complaint or contact a consumer advice service. In England and Wales, you can also check GOV.UK for guidance on resolving disputes.

For deposits paid by card, you may be able to ask your bank for a chargeback if the supplier has not delivered what was agreed. That route has time limits, so act quickly if you think you are owed money.