Funds were transferred instantly. Refund takes 7 days. Why?

[tonytheskipper]

Funds were transferred to my bank instantly. However, a refund will take 7 days. PayPal HAS the money (my linked bank account was credited). I've told my buyer that I've refunded him. He says he'll have to wait 7 days. Is this just a way for PayPal to get 7 days interest on any refunds made?

[kernowlass]

@tonytheskipper

When someone pays a seller and uses their bank account as a funding source then it is never instant. Paypal CREDIT the seller the funds and then paypal take the wait for the funds to transfer from the buyers bank account. This is so there is no delay in sending out the item purchased. That is also why we get confused buyers on here saying there item is on the way but the funds have not left their bank accounts yet.

BUT with a refund its the buyer that takes the wait as paypal don't refund in advance. So once the funds clear from the sellers bank account to paypal then the buyer is credited.