The Budget Fashionista provides this review of the Macy’s return policy for informational purposes only. These policies are subject to change.
Macy’s aggressive online sales can be compelling, but sometimes those on-sale pieces don’t fit the way you thought. No worries. Macy’s makes returns simple, whether you shopped online or in-store. Here’s what to know before you start.
When you can make a return
Macy’s refunds return-eligible items if you bring or mail them back within 30 days of purchase. Your original shipping fees are not refunded, and the items must be in original condition with tags still attached.
You can return gently used makeup or fragrance products if they didn’t work out for you.

Holiday returns
You can return items purchased between Oct. 6, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025 until Jan. 31, 2026.
In-store and online returns
- In-store. Bring your item and receipt to any Macy’s store for a quick and free return.
- Online. Star Rewards members get free return shipping. Non-members will have $9.99 plus tax deducted from their refund to cover return shipping.
- Third-party sellers. Some items sold through Macy’s partners must be sent back to the seller. You can start the process online to make it faster.
Refunds and credits
Refunds go back to your original form of payment once processed. If you used a “Buy One Get One” offer, your refund will reflect the discount spread across both items.
No receipt? Macy’s may still accept the return but will refund it as store credit for the item’s current price.
What you can’t return
- Final sale, personalized, and altered items can’t be returned.
- Food, drinks, live plants, and gift cards aren’t eligible for returns.
- “Last Act” items are final sale and sold as is.
Special return situations
Furniture and mattresses. Macy’s gives you 120 days to try your mattress. If it doesn’t work out, you can schedule one return or exchange. Keep in mind there’s a $99 pickup fee and a 15 percent preference fee, and delivery charges aren’t refunded.
Jewelry and watches. Returns are accepted within 30 days as long as the price tags are still attached. Macy’s inspects jewelry and watch returns, which can take up to 14 business days before you get your refund.
Gift registry items. If you got a Macy’s gift through a registry, you have 90 days from your event date to return or exchange it.
Designer items. Luxury brands like Burberry and Louis Vuitton have their own return rules, so check your receipt or contact customer service before heading to the store.
Quick tips
- Keep your packaging and receipt handy.
- Make sure all tags are still attached before returning.
- Star Rewards members save on return shipping.
- Contact Macy’s customer service for large items like rugs or lighting, as pickup fees or restocking charges may apply.
Does Macy’s have a good return policy?
The Budget Fashionista rates the Macy’s return policy as average-plus, with a score of 3.7 points out of 5. The department store waives the return shipping charge if you join the loyalty program, but return requirements for marketplace sellers are unclear.
Our Return Policy Score™ score evaluates the key return policy factors shoppers care about most: return window length, condition requirements, refund method, shipping costs, in-store return flexibility, marketplace transparency, processing speed, and overall policy clarity. Each category is rated on a 1 to 5 scale based on how generous, convenient, and easy to understand the policy is. The final score is an average of all categories.
You can view the official Macy’s return policy here.
Want to avoid Macy’s returns in the future? See: how to shop Macy’s. Also learn how to maximize savings at Macy’s with this overview of Macy’s Star Rewards.