Return Policy Comparison Chart: Every Major Retailer (2026)
The definitive cheat sheet for 2026 return policies. Compare return windows, restocking fees, and receipt rules for Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and more.
Keeping track of return windows is a full-time job. Did you buy that shirt at Target (90 days) or TJ Maxx (30 days)? Did you need the box for Best Buy, or just the receipt?
We've compiled the definitive 2026 Master Chart of Return Policies for every major US retailer. Bookmark this page—it will save you money.
The 2026 Return Policy Master Chart
| Store | Return Window | Receipt Required? | Restocking Fee? | Notes / Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 30 Days | No (Online Record) | No* | *Some 3rd party sellers charge fees. Holiday returns often extend to Jan 31. |
| Apple | 14 Days | Yes (or Serial #) | No | Very strict 14-day window. Holiday extension usually runs Nov-Jan 8. |
| Best Buy | 15 Days* | No (Account lookup) | Yes (activatable devices) | *60 days for Plus/Total members. $45 restocking fee on phones/cameras/drones. |
| Costco | Unlimited* | No (Member lookup) | No | *90 days for electronics (TVs, PCs). 100% satisfaction guarantee otherwise. |
| Gap / Old Navy | 30 Days | Yes (or Card lookup) | No | Must be unwashed/unworn. Online returns can be made in-store. |
| Home Depot | 90 Days* | No (Card lookup) | No | *365 days if bought with Home Depot Credit Card. |
| IKEA | 365 Days* | Yes | No | *365 days for unopened, 180 days for opened. Must show ID. |
| Kohl's | 180 Days | No (Account lookup) | No | Premium electronics have shorter windows. No-receipt returns get lowest sale price. |
| Lowe's | 90 Days* | No (Card lookup) | No | *365 days with Lowe's Advantage Card. 48-hour window for major appliances. |
| Macy's | 30 Days | Yes (or Sticker) | No | "Last Act" items are final sale. |
| Nordstrom | Unlimited* | No (Account lookup) | No | *Case-by-case basis. No hard time limit, but treating it like a rental will get you banned. |
| Nordstrom Rack | 30 Days | Yes | No | drastically stricter than mainline Nordstrom. Paper tag must be attached. |
| Sam's Club | Unlimited* | No (Member lookup) | No | *Same as Costco: 90 days for electronics. |
| Sephora | 30 Days | No (Account lookup) | No | Days 31-60 qualify for store credit only. Gently used items accepted. |
| Target | 90 Days* | No (Card/App lookup) | No | *1 year for Target Owned Brands (Cat & Jack, Goodfellow, etc.). 1 year if paid with RedCard. |
| TJ Maxx | 30 Days | Yes | No | No receipt = merchandise credit at current selling price. |
| Ulta | 60 Days | No (Account lookup) | No | Must have at least 50% of product remaining. |
| Walmart | 90 Days* | No (Card lookup) | No | *30 days for electronics. 14 days for cell phones. |
| Zara | 30 Days | Yes | $3.95 (Mail only) | Free returns in-store. Online returns deduct $3.95 from refund. |
Key Trends in 2026
1. The "Member" Advantage
Retailers are actively punishing "guest" checkout. Best Buy offers 60-day returns (vs 15) if you pay for membership. Target offers 1 year (vs 90 days) if you hold their card. Lesson: If you shop somewhere often, join their free or paid loyalty program to unlock better return terms.
2. The Rise of "Keep It" Returns
Amazon, Walmart, and Target increasingly tell customers to "just keep" inexpensive items (under $10-$20) rather than shipping them back, as the logistics cost exceeds the item value. You get the refund, and you keep the item (or donate it).
3. Strict Serial Number Tracking
For electronics, "swapping" old items for new ones is impossible. Retailers scan the serial number on the box and the device. If they don't match the sales record, the return is denied instantly.
How to Track It All
You don't need to memorize this chart. Purchy tracks your return windows automatically. When you buy something, Purchy imports the receipt, identifies the store policy, and alerts you before your return window closes. Never get stuck with an unwanted item again.
Sources
- Consumer Reports 2026 Retail Guide: ConsumerReports.org
- Individual Store Policies: Verified via official policy pages of Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, and others as of March 2026.
Related reading: best return policies compared, return policy laws by state, and all retailer return policy overviews.
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