Kohl’s Return Policy: Here’s How It Actually Works + Tips for Success
The Kohl’s return policy has long been thought of as one of the best in the known universe. But with all of the creative ways to save money at Kohl’s, returns can get a little fuzzy. Things like Kohl’s Cash, coupons, and reward points create a lot of confusion when it comes to returns. But alas, this article answers all of your burning questions so you can enter a Kohl’s store for a return and know exactly what their return policy is.
How Many Return Days at Kohl’s?
90 days.
The Kohl’s “Hassle-Free” return policy now gives you a whooping 90 days to return items.
While still generous, this is a drastic change from their “forever policy” which did NOT have a time limit on returns.
If you buy with your Kohl’s Card you get an extra 30 days and have 120 days to make your return.
See Also: 6 Kohl’s Shopping Secrets That’ll Change the Way You Shop
Any Exceptions to the 90 Days?
Yes, there are a few exceptions.
All “Premium Electronics” come with a 30-day return policy and “Sephora at Kohl’s” items come with 60 days.
Make sure you keep the original packaging and receipt to make the return go smoothly.
Here is a full list of all the electronics brands that fall under this 30-day return policy.
Also, you CANNOT return beverages and unsealed breast pumps along with pumping accessories.
PRO TIP: HOW TO RETURN SOMETHING AFTER 90 DAYS
If you have something you want to return to Kohl’s (with the tags attached) and it’s been longer than 90 days, you’re better off making the return without your receipt.
You probably won’t get back the full amount that you paid, but most locations will give you merchandise credit for the current selling price of the item.
This credit is essentially a gift card and does not expire. It can be used either in-store and online at the Kohl’s website.
If they deny your return, and you have a legitimate reason for the late return, you should call Kohl’s customer service at 855-564-5705 and see if they can help. In many cases, they’ll help you out and give you a “return exception”.
Do I Need My Receipt to Make Return?
No, you don’t need your receipt.
In most cases, Kohl’s can look-up your purchase on their computer system. This is done via your credit card or Kohl’s account.
If you paid cash and don’t have your receipt, NO worries.
They’ll simply check the item SKU number and the price. You’ll have to settle for the current price of the item so hopefully it’s not on clearance.
Can Items Be Worn or Washed?
I asked this question to a Kohl’s live chat operator and they told me YES, you can return items even if they’ve been worn and/or washed.
They even said “No questions would be asked.” Crazy.
PRO TIP: RETURNING AN ITEM NO LONGER ON SALE?
Some shoppers have complained that when they try to exchange an item that is no longer on sale, they’re given store credit instead of a straight exchange. This forces them to have to re-buy the item at a higher price than what they originally paid. This seems to mainly be an issue with those exchanging items with a gift receipt.
A great way to avoid this is is to try and make the exchange without your receipt as you stand a good chance of getting a straight exchange.
What About Returning Items Bought With Kohl’s Cash?
If you’re returning something you used Kohl’s Cash to purchase, you can expect to get that Kohl’s Cash back in-full.
This also applies for price adjustments.
You’ll be able to redeem this Kohl’s Cash at any time within 30 days.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re returning a purchase that earned you Kohl’s Cash, the value of your coupon will also be decreased.
What About Returning an Online Purchase?
Returning online purchases in-store is the fastest and cheapest way to get your money back. Be sure to bring in your order invoice or packing slip for a quick return.
But if this is not an option, you can return items via the mail.
Unfortunately, you’re responsible for ALL return shipping charges unless the problem is Kohl’s fault.
Visit this page to get the online return process started.
Also, it’s worth noting that purchases made in-store CANNOT be returned online.
You’ll have to take the items into your local Kohl’s store for a return or exchange.
PRO TIP: AVOID RETURN SHIPPING CHARGES
The fact that Kohl’s makes shoppers pay for all the return shipping charges is ridiculous for a retailer of this size.
I have spoken with many Kohl’s shoppers who are very reluctant to buy from the Kohl’s website for this reason, especially if they have to travel a significant distance to their nearest Kohl’s store to make a return.
Avoid this fate by only buying from the Kohl’s website if you know you can easily make the return in-store if necessary.
See Also: The DSW Return Policy: Here’s Exactly How It Works
What Happens to My Kohl’s Reward Points When I Make a Return?
According to Kohl’s, “Your rewards points balance will be correspondingly adjusted for any returned merchandise.”
This may result in a negative balance if you’ve already converted your points into a rewards certificate.
Does Kohl’s Have an Extended Holiday Return Policy?
Yes, but it only applies to premium electronics, Sephora products, and watches.
If you buy these items between November 1st – December 25th, they can be returned up until January 31st with the original packaging and receipt.
What About Returning Items Bought With a Gift Card?
If you return something you bought with a Kohl’s gift card, you’ll get a refund back to the gift card if you still have it in your wallet.
If you used the full balance, then threw the card away, you’ll have to settle for store credit.
How About Returning Items With a Gift Receipt?
When returning something to Kohl’s with a gift receipt in-hand, you can expect to get store credit or an exchange.
Unfortunately they won’t give you cash.
Ask the Reader: What has been your experience with the Kohl’s return policy? Any tips you want me to add to this article?
By Kyle James
Photo credit to Mike Mozart.
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
I’ve had several discount stores try and pay me their sales price for my return instead of what I paid – is this legal?
What if you have purchases over 180 days from Kohl’s.. will they exchange or return items for account credit?
It often depends on the manager, many will give you store credit for the lowest price in the past 90 days. Always worth asking.
I bought a gift and gave the person the gift and a gift receipt they went to return with the gift with the gift receipt and kohls was going to give them less then what was paid ex. I paid 350.00 for gift and with gift receipt they were going to give them 220.00 back. I happened to also give them the original receipt and the total amount 350.00 was put back on my credit card. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t get the full amount from the gift receipt. So if they would have just used the gift receipt they would have only gotten back 220.00 but I would have still been paying 350.00 on my credit card. This makes no sense can anyone explain this. Is kohls keeping money when you return with a gift card.
I have had a horrible experience with Kohls return policies. I bought an item and the next day it went on Sale. I went in for a price adjustment and they said they needed the original receipt. I looked on my kohl’s online account and there was no record of my I’m store purchases – only online purchases.
They also wouldn’t look it up from my credit card – they said they needed the original receipt. I probably should have kept it but I didn’t. So I’m going to end up re-buying it at the sale price, and then returning the other item which I can do with my credit card. So much extra work for them and me.
so I have returned items to Kohl’s several times over the years where I had lost the receipt and paid cash. Instead of allowing me to exchange or giving me store credit, they claimed I would receive a check in the mail, (a check for cash on a no receipt return? what?!). to the address on my ID.
I Told them I wasn’t at that address anymore. and basically was told “oh well. that’s your problem.” when I said I changed my mind and no longer wanted to return it, they refused to give me my items that I had PAID for back to me. next time a few months later, another store said the same thing only this time I made sure I had my correct address on my id!” get this though, the check never came!
The reward has happened 3x for all together over $350 in merchandise. when I tried to find out what happened they said they had no way to look it up..needless to say I don’t shop there anymore. anyone else ever get the check in the mail scenario?
You were somehow flagged in their system. I work in retail and I’ve witnessed similar procedures happen to customers that they thought might have stolen the products or the system would flag them for too many unreceipted returns, especially high dollar items. They would keep the items and either issue a store credit (that could be canceled) or send you a refund basically after its been researched. Kohl’s has recently aggravated me with a return so I understand not wanting to shop with them anymore.
Does Kohl’s accept store return if the order is paid thru PayPal online? I know some other don’t like Nikes.
I have had great experiences returning items. My store has friendly employees, and make going into browse, buy items a pleasure. I always find something new and fresh.
Told me all they could do was give me a $4.00 store credit on a $44.00 pair of jeans with a receipt , I didn’t want a refund or credit just a even exchange. I won’t be shopping there anymore
Hey just wanted to say thank you very much. For laying it out so simply and directly with no blurry or vague explanations. The way you explained everything is truly under appreciated. So again thank you for taking the time and effort to document this info onto the web. Ur efforts are beyond helpful compared to countless other policy explanations that are pathetically vague at best. Have a good day.
I bought an item at full price. In my mail later that day was a 30% off coupon valid in two days. Will I be able to return that item and then rebuy it with the 30% off?
Do I need the credit card to make an exchange with the receipt or will they automatically put it back on my card?