Guide · Online courses
Online Course Refund Policy: Options and Example Wording
How to set a refund policy for an online course: common guarantee types, conditions, example wording and how to reduce refund requests.
Most online courses offer a refund policy to reduce the risk of buying. Common options are a time-limited guarantee (for example, 14 or 30 days), a conditional guarantee (a refund if the student completes the work and is not satisfied), or no refunds after access for low-priced or downloadable products. Whatever you choose, state it clearly on the sales page and checkout, and check consumer protection rules where your students live.
Common options
| Policy | How it works | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Time-limited | Full refund within a set number of days | Most courses |
| Conditional | Refund if work is completed without results | Results-focused programs |
| Partial | Refund minus a fee or after a module | Cohorts with fixed costs |
| No refunds | Clearly stated before purchase | Low-cost downloads, where lawful |
Example wording
Example
Try Home Bakery Launch for 14 days. If it's not right for you, email us within 14 days of purchase and we'll refund you in full. No complicated forms.
Example (conditional)
Complete the exercises in Modules 1 to 3 within 30 days. If you've done the work and don't feel closer to your first sale, send us your completed workbook and we'll refund you.
Reduce refunds
- Be clear about who the course is for and not for.
- State the time commitment.
- Deliver a quick first win. See student onboarding.
- Respond fast to support questions.
Consumer rights, including cancellation periods for digital content, vary by country. Check the rules for where you sell.
Show your guarantee on the course sales page.
Frequently asked questions
Should an online course offer refunds?
Many do, because a guarantee reduces buying risk. Choose terms that suit your course and comply with consumer law where you sell.
What is a conditional guarantee?
A refund available if the student completes certain work, such as the exercises, and still does not get value.
How can I reduce refund requests?
Set clear expectations on the sales page, provide strong onboarding and a quick first win, and offer support.
Keep reading
- How to Create an Online Course: A Step-by-Step Guide From Idea to Launch
- How to Price an Online Course (Without Undercharging)
- How to Write a Course Sales Page That Converts: 12 Sections to Include
- Student Onboarding: What to Put in a Course Welcome Kit
- How to Outline an Online Course (Step-by-Step Module Planning)
- How to Launch an Online Course: A 4-Week Launch Plan
- How to Increase Online Course Completion Rates (12 Practical Ways)
Everything in one download
All Course Kits Bundle
Every course kit in the store: outline planners, sales pages, slide decks, workbooks and welcome kits for 10 course topics.
$3,799.99 Combined value $9,499.50