> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lightswap.me/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Refunds

> When LightSwap swaps get refunded, how refundAddress works, and what to tell your users.

Most swaps complete. When one can't, the deposit comes back. This page covers how that works and what your integration should do.

## When a swap gets refunded

A swap ends as `refunded` when the route can't complete after a deposit arrived. The common triggers:

* The deposit arrived after the deadline.
* The deposit was underpaid and the route couldn't settle it.
* A route failure made the swap impossible to complete.

`refunded` is a terminal status. Once you see it, the funds are on their way back.

## Where the refund goes

`POST /swap` accepts an optional `refundAddress`: an address on the **sending** network that receives the funds back.

When you don't set one, LightSwap uses its configured network refund address for that network. If your users might need refunds routed to their own wallets, collect a refund address from them at swap creation. You can't add one after the deposit is sent.

<Warning>
  The refund address must belong to the sending network. A BTC deposit refunds to a Bitcoin address, not to an Ethereum one.
</Warning>

## What your integration should do

* Show the `refunded` status plainly, with the refund destination.
* Keep polling `underpaid` swaps. Underpaid is not terminal; don't promise a refund or a top-up until the status resolves.
* Don't ask users to send more funds to a swap unless LightSwap support tells you to.
* For `failed` swaps and stuck cases, contact support with the `externalId`, swap ID, and deposit transaction hash.
* For swaps paused by a compliance check, follow the [risk and hold policy](/integrations/direct-api/risk-policy), including the refund terms and review timelines.

## What to tell your users

Three honest sentences that cover almost every case:

1. If a swap can't complete, the deposit is refunded to the refund address.
2. Crypto transfers can't be reversed, so a refund goes out as a new transfer and needs network confirmations.
3. Support can trace any swap with the order ID and transaction hash.