IRCTC says your refund is done — "refunded," "credited," or "amount sent to your bank" — but it is not in your account. This is frustrating, but it almost always means the money is stuck on the bank's side, not lost. Here is why, and how to get it.

Why This Happens

IRCTC's refund has two stages. First IRCTC processes the refund and sends it to your bank or payment provider with a reference number (an ARN). Then your bank credits it to your account. When IRCTC shows "refunded" but you have not received it, stage one is done and stage two is pending at the bank. So the status is accurate from IRCTC's side — the delay is in the final bank credit.

First, Check the Real Timeline

A processed refund usually reflects in your account within a few working days of IRCTC sending it. If it has only been a day or two, it is likely still in transit. For the full windows, see IRCTC refund time.

Step 1: Find Your Refund Reference (ARN)

Log in to IRCTC and open My Transactions → Refund History (or Cancelled Ticket History). Note the refund reference / ARN and the date IRCTC processed it. This number is the key to tracing the payment with your bank.

Step 2: Check With Your Bank Using the ARN

Contact your bank or payment app and give them the ARN and transaction date, and ask them to trace the credit. Important checks:

• UPI and wallet reversals sometimes post under a different description, so scan your statement carefully.
• Card refunds can take a little longer to reflect than UPI.
• Confirm the account/card used for booking is the one you are checking.

Step 3: Escalate If Still Missing

If the ARN shows the money was sent but your bank cannot locate it after a few working days:

• Raise an IRCTC grievance with the PNR and ARN, and
• File a complaint with your bank quoting the ARN.

For the full escalation path, see IRCTC refund not received.

Keep These Records

Save the PNR, transaction ID, ARN and dates. A clear record gets a stuck credit resolved far faster with both IRCTC and your bank.

Enter your PNR on our PNR status tool to keep your booking details handy while you trace the refund.

Bottom line: "credited but not received" means IRCTC has sent the refund and the bank credit is pending — trace it with the ARN at your bank, and escalate with the reference if it does not arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does IRCTC show refunded but I have not received the money?

IRCTC has processed the refund and sent it to your bank with a reference (ARN), but the bank has not yet credited your account. The status is correct from IRCTC's side; the delay is the final bank credit.

What is an ARN and where do I find it?

An ARN is the refund reference number that lets your bank trace the payment. Find it in IRCTC under My Transactions → Refund History, along with the date the refund was processed.

How long after "credited" should the money arrive?

Usually within a few working days of IRCTC sending it. Card refunds can take slightly longer than UPI. If it is beyond that window, trace it with your bank using the ARN.

The refund shows sent but my bank can't find it — what now?

Give your bank the ARN and transaction date to trace it, and check for a reversal posted under a different description. If still missing, raise an IRCTC grievance and a bank complaint quoting the ARN.

Can a UPI or wallet refund post under a different name?

Yes. UPI and wallet reversals sometimes appear with a different description on your statement, so scan carefully before assuming it has not arrived.

Tracing a refund? [Check your PNR status](/pnr) and keep your booking details ready with ConfirmYatra.