Online Shopping and Returns in Canada
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Surprise: there's no general right to a refund in Canada just because you changed your mind. The store's posted policy is the policy. What the law does give you is a cooling-off period for distance and internet sales — provincial, and the length depends on where you bought from:
- Ontario: 10 days (Consumer Protection Act, 2002, s. 40)
- British Columbia: 7 days (Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, s. 49)
- Quebec: 7 days (Consumer Protection Act, art. 54.8)
These windows apply to qualifying distance sales over $50. The seller has to give you proper disclosure — their name and address, a description of the product, total price, delivery date, and cancellation rights.
The other useful rule: if delivery is more than 30 days late, you can cancel. And the credit card chargeback is the lever most people forget — typically a 120-day window from the transaction.
When does it apply?
- Purchases made online, by phone, or by mail from sellers operating in Canada.
- Cooling-off rules apply to distance sales over $50.
What to Do If an Online Seller in Canada Refuses to Refund You
- Keep every order confirmation and receipt. Email folders are fine.
- Read the cancellation policy before you click buy — that's still the document the dispute will turn on.
- Exercise cooling-off rights in writing inside the deadline — email or registered mail.
- Request a chargeback through your card issuer when the seller stonewalls. It's your strongest practical lever.
- Escalate to the provincial consumer protection agency if the issue holds.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you can always return. "Change of mind" isn't a Canadian consumer right.
- Don't drift past the cooling-off deadline. The window closes hard.
- Don't use debit for big online buys. Debit doesn't get chargeback protection.
- Don't shrug off an undelivered order. Day 31 is your cancellation right — use it.
Use the jurisdiction bar at the top of the page to pick your province — you'll see how provincial law differs from Canadian federal law.
6 provinces available
Common Questions
When does online shopping and returns apply?
Purchases made online, by phone, or by mail from sellers operating in Canada.Cooling-off rules apply to distance sales over $50.
What should I do if an online retailer in Canada won't give me a refund or my order never arrived?
Keep every order confirmation and receipt. Email folders are fine.Read the cancellation policy before you click buy — that's still the document the dispute will turn on.Exercise cooling-off rights in writing inside the deadline — email or registered mail.Request a chargeback through your card issuer when the seller stonewalls. It's your strongest practical lever.Escalate to the provincial consumer protection agency if the issue holds.
What mistakes should I avoid with online shopping and returns?
Don't assume you can always return. "Change of mind" isn't a Canadian consumer right.Don't drift past the cooling-off deadline. The window closes hard.Don't use debit for big online buys. Debit doesn't get chargeback protection.Don't shrug off an undelivered order. Day 31 is your cancellation right — use it.
Online Shopping and Returns in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.