The Budget Fashionista provides this review of the Amazon return policy for informational purposes only. These policies are subject to change.
Amazon makes it so easy — maybe too easy — to shop, which means you likely will have to return something to the ecommerce giant at some point. Most Amazon returns can be simple and quick, but there are exceptions.
When you can return
For most purchases, you have 30 days from the day your order is delivered to start a return.
- Go to “Your Orders” in your Amazon account.
- Find the item in your order history and select “Return or Replace Items.”
- Choose the reason for your return and follow the steps to print your label or pick a drop-off option.
Exceptions to the 30-day return window
You have less time to return digital books, digital music, Apple products, and items sold in the Amazon Haul store. Digital products must be returned within seven days, while Apple and Amazon Haul products must be returned within 15 days.
Amazon Renewed products in good-to-excellent condition, many nonperishable baby products, mattresses, and registry purchases by someone other than the registry owner have longer return windows of 90 days or more.
Holiday returns
Most items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025 can be returned through Jan. 31, 2026. Amazon specifies separate terms for Apple products, however. Apple-branded products purchased in November or December can be returned through Jan. 15, 2026.
How to send it back and fees
Most Amazon orders will have one or more free return options. You might need to use a prepaid label or drop the product off at an Amazon Hub, UPS store, or Whole Foods location. You may or may not need a label or box — this should be specified when you select an item to return from your order history.
Amazon may charge you a return fee if you are returning a heavy item or you have a high return rate. Other fees you may incur in a return are:
- Late fee. If you miss the return by date, you may be charged 20% to 100% of the item price.
- Damage fee. You can be charged 50% to 100% of the item’s price if you return something damaged.
- Restocking fee. Opened software, video games, collectable cards, board games, and other categories can incur a 100% restocking fee.
Refunds
Once your package is received and checked, your refund will be sent to the same payment method you used when you bought it.
Refund timing can vary depending on the form of payment:
- Amazon gift card purchases are refunded in two to three hours.
- Credit card purchases are refunded in three to five business days.
- Rewards points purchases are refunded within five business days.
- Refunds on purchases made with debit cards or checking accounts can take up to 10 business days.
What you can’t return
Amazon does not allow returns of:
- Perishables
- Products with shipping restrictions
- Customized products
- Pharmacy or pet medication products
- Some digital products
- Cars
- Final sale items, unless they arrived damaged
Third-party returns
Third-party sellers on Amazon handle their own returns. They are supposed to provide a U.S. return address, prepaid labels, or the option to get a refund without returning the item.
Timing of refunds from third-party sellers can be different. I have had to wait up to 30 days after returning the product to receive an refund from a third-party seller.
Important details
To get your refund, your item must be in new, unworn condition.
- Items that are worn, washed, or damaged can’t be returned.
- If your item arrived defective or not as described, Amazon will help you get a replacement or refund.
- Shipping fees from your original order aren’t refunded unless the return is because of an error or damaged product.
- You must return all items purchased in a Bundle with Savings to receive a refund.
Does Amazon have a good return policy?
The Budget Fashionista rates the Amazon return policy as average, with a score of 3.7 points out of 5. There are usually free mail and walk-in returns, but third-party seller policies can be 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 find the official Amazon return policy here.