---
layout: default_v3
language: default
permalink: /glossary/refund-vs-void.html
i18n_link: refund-vs-void.html
updated: 2026-05-20
#--- article key-values ---#
collection: default_glossary
t_keyword: Refund vs Void
category: R
tags: 
type: glossary
page_id: 1561
hreflang_id: 1561

date_published: 2026-04-16
date_modified: 2026-05-20
#--- javascript schema ---#
javascript_schema:
- script: jquery_3_2_0_min
- script: bootstrap_min
- script: article_infinite_scroll
- script: article_mix_infinitescroll
- script: article_mix
- script: article_mix_faq
- script: article_mix_toc
#--- section schema ---#
section_schema:
- section: nav-main_menu
- section: glossary_body_v2
- section: footer
#--- page key-values ---#
meta_tags:
  t_meta_title: Refund vs Void- Key Difference Explained
  t_meta_description: Learn the difference between refunds and voids in restaurants and how they impact sales, reporting, and customer experience-
  t_meta_abstract:
  i_meta_image: 
article_body:
  json-ld_article:
    v_date_published: 2026-04-16
    v_date_modified: 2026-05-20
  author:
    p_author_id: 203
    t_author: Priyanka Bhadani
    p_author_url: priyanka-bhadani.html
    i_author: 203.png
    t_author_description: Jin is a content coordinator and SEO strategist for the Hubworks marketing team. When she's not busy writing and conducting research, she enjoys reading, binging Netflix, and exploring the outdoors with her rescue dog.
    p_author_facebook: //www.facebook.com/HubWorksApp
    p_author_twitter: https://twitter.com/HubworksApp
    p_author_linkedin: 
    p_author_instagram: 
  content:
    heading:
      t_title: What is the key difference between a refund and a void?
      t_description: Refunds and voids are different types of operations when an order is cancelled in a restaurant.
      image:
        i_image: credit-card-processing-101-how-it-works-best-options-1597884200-6489.png
        t_image_description: Credit Card Processing
        v_image_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/money-card-business-credit-card-256319/
        v_image_license: Creative Commons Zero
      v_video:
      t_text: <p>Refunds and voids are different types of operations when an order is cancelled in a restaurant. Although similar, they are distinct from each other, and in the long run, can affect your sales reports.</p><p>A <a href="https://plumpos.com/glossary/void.html">void</a> is a transaction that has not yet been fully completed. For example, when a staff member adds the wrong dish and removes it from the bill before payment is processed. That operation would be termed a void.</p><p>A <a href="https://plumpos.com/glossary/refund.html">refund</a> is made once the customer has already paid the full amount. The amount is returned to the customer if the order was incorrectly taken. The service was below standard, or there was an overcharge.</p><p>For many <a href="https://plumpos.com/">restaurant POS systems</a>, this distinction is more important than many would realize. Voids almost always indicate human error during service. Refunds basically happen when something big goes wrong, which leads to a bad <a href="https://plumpos.com/customer-experience-management.html">customer experience</a>.</p><table border="1"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Refund</strong></td><td><strong>Void</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Money is returned after payment is completed</td><td>The transaction is canceled before payment is completed</td></tr><tr><td>Used for complaints, overcharges, or service issues</td><td>Used for order-entry mistakes or quick corrections</td></tr><tr><td>Appears as refunded revenue in reports</td><td>Usually removed from final sales records</td></tr><tr><td>Customer sees a refund on their statement</td><td>The customer may never see a completed charge</td></tr></tbody></table>
---