The Budget Fashionista provides this review of the Nordstrom return policy for informational purposes only. These policies are subject to change.
Nordstrom has always been known for great service, and that includes how they handle returns. If something doesn’t work out, they make it simple to send it back or exchange it, whether you bought it in-store or online.
Ways to make a return
You can return most Nordstrom purchases either in-store or by mail.
- In-store. Bring your item to any Nordstrom store and visit a register for help. Refunds usually appear within 3 to 5 business days after processing.
- By mail. Start your return online to receive a prepaid shipping label. You can print it at home or show the QR code at a participating USPS or FedEx location to have them print it for you. Mailed returns are processed in about 8 to 12 business days, and refunds follow within 3 to 5 business days after that.
Nordstrom no longer includes return labels in packages, so you’ll need to print your own or use the QR option. Be sure to match each label with the correct item, as packages sent with the wrong label may not be refunded or returned.
How Nordstrom handles returns
Every return is reviewed individually, and Nordstrom aims to treat customers fairly. The company stands behind the quality of its products and services, so if you’re unhappy with an item, they’ll do their best to make it right.
- Refunds are usually issued to the same payment method used for the purchase.
- If a record of sale isn’t available, Nordstrom may ask for identification and issue the refund on a Nordstrom gift card at the current selling price.
- Shipping charges aren’t refunded.
Special rules for certain items
Some categories have their own return process:
- Fine jewelry. Can be returned by mail or at Nordstrom stores with a Fine Jewelry department. Mail-in jewelry returns must be insured for the item’s full value and sent with signature required.
- Balsam Hill. Must be returned within 30 days or before Dec. 25, whichever comes first. Contact customer care to get a shipping label. These cannot be returned in stores.
- Casper beds. Contact customer care directly for return assistance.
- Watchfinder & Co. items. These pre-owned pieces are final sale and can’t be returned or exchanged.
- Gift cards. All sales are final and cannot be returned or redeemed for cash unless required by law.
Refund timing
Once Nordstrom receives your item:
- Credit card refunds post within 3 to 5 business days.
- Nordstrom Note credits appear within 72 hours.
- PayPal, Afterpay, and gift card refunds are returned proportionally based on the payment methods used.
If you paid with a gift card, keep it until your refund is complete, even if it has a zero balance. Refunds generally return to the same card used for the original purchase.
Returns without a receipt
If you don’t have a receipt, Nordstrom can often locate the purchase in their system. If no record is found, a refund may still be issued at the item’s current selling price on a Nordstrom gift card. You’ll need to show identification to complete this process.
Nordstrom’s return policy is all about fairness and flexibility. Whether you return in-store or by mail, they make the process easy, quick, and customer-focused. Keep your receipt when you can, and you’ll be on your way to a hassle-free refund.
Does Nordstrom have a good return policy?
The Budget Fashionista rates the Nordstrom return policy as very good, with a score of 4.6 points out of 5. The does not specify a return window and instead evaluates each return individually. Nordstrom also does not charge a fee for return shipping.
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 Nordstrom return policy here.
Want to avoid Nordstrom returns in the future? See: How to shop Nordstrom.