This is a problem the creator isn't responsible for. He's not pulling a fast one. Creators can't make an account to pledge to them, unless complex foul play was involved using hackers or hacked accounts.

To refund, there must be some $ in the account. Once the payout happens, it goes back to 0 and refills slowly until the next schedule (usually around the first week of the month).

What he's offering is an alternative form of payment. If you really don't want it and just want the refund, just say you want the refund instead. If your money did go in, it should indicate it in the 3-month history in the backend, and all he needs to do is click on the refund button.