The Budget Fashionista provides this content about the DSW return policy for informational purposes only. These policies are subject to change.
Shopping for shoes at DSW is always fun, but sometimes a pair just isn’t the right fit. Knowing the return policy makes it easier to get your refund or exchange without any stress. Here’s what you need to know before starting your return.
When you can make a return
DSW accepts most unworn, undamaged, or defective items within 60 days of purchase.
- In-store returns are free.
- Mailing your return costs $8.50 when you use their prepaid label.
- Final sale items cannot be returned.
- Items bought through DoorDash or Uber can be returned within 30 days for a merchandise credit.
If your return is received after 60 days, you will get store credit instead of a refund.
Holiday returns
Online and in-store purchases made between Nov. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025 at dsw.com or at any DSW US retail store will have a return and exchange period of 90 days from the date of purchase.
Returning in store
The easiest way to return an item is to bring it to any DSW store. Just take your item and receipt, and you’ll get a refund to your original form of payment.
If you do not have a receipt, bring a valid ID and DSW will issue store credit for the item’s current selling price. The store may limit the number of no-receipt returns.
If your return is a gift, you can receive store credit or make an even exchange when you have a gift receipt.
Returning by mail
If going to a store is not convenient, DSW also accepts mail returns. You can print a prepaid shipping label or get a paperless drop-off code to show at FedEx. Mailing costs $8.50, and that amount is taken out of your refund.
Once DSW receives your package, it usually takes 7 to 10 business days to process your return and send the refund.
Exchanging an item
If you ordered the wrong size or color, you can exchange it for free in store or by mail. For mailed exchanges, DSW will ship your new item once the return is scanned at FedEx.
But if you prefer a different style altogether, just process a regular return and place a new order.
After the 60-day mark
If you miss the 60-day deadline, you can still return the item with your receipt and get store credit instead of a refund. The same applies to late exchanges.
DoorDash and Uber orders
If you bought something from DSW through DoorDash or Uber, you can return it within 30 days at any DSW store for merchandise credit. Be sure the item is unworn, in its original box, and that you have your DoorDash or Uber receipt.
How refunds are issued
Refunds are credited back to your original payment method whenever possible.
- PayPal refunds go to your PayPal account.
- If you used both PayPal and a gift card, the full refund goes to a gift card.
- PayPal, Venmo, and Afterpay purchases can only be exchanged in store.
Rewards and discounts used for your purchase are not reissued after a return unless you make an exchange on the same day.
A few tips before you return
Hold on to your receipt or order confirmation until your refund is complete. It helps make the process faster and easier. If you are unsure where to start, visiting a DSW store is always the quickest way to sort out a return or exchange.
Does DSW have a good return policy?
The Budget Fashionista rates the DSW return policy as good, with a score of 4.25 points out of 5. The 60-day return window is generous, as is the option to return an item after the window for merchandise credit.
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 DSW return policy here.