Macy’s Return Policy: Confused? Join the Club as Their Policy Gets Worse
The Macy’s return policy WAS liberal, but not now as they only allow for 30 return days. Plus, it has many exceptions that are worth noting. The slow decline of their policy is an indicator that the store isn’t doing very well financially. Hopefully they can turn things around. Here’s everything you need to know about the current state of their return policy, both online and in-store.
Return Window Lowered to 30 Days
As of March 2023, Macy’s now ONLY gives shoppers 30 days to return items.
Their policy used to be 180 days but was cut in half in 2019, and now it has been reduced again.
They state that “items being returned must be in their original condition.”
The one big exception is cosmetics and fragrances as they can be in “gently used” condition.
PRO TIP: HOLIDAY RETURN POLICY IS GENEROUS
For all Macy’s purchases made in-store and online, between October 2 – December 24, 2024, you have until January 31st, 2025 to make your return.
Receipt Is Not a Always Needed
If you lost your receipt Macy’s can usually look up your purchase internally.
They’ll do it via your credit card, return label, packing slip, or even a registry number.
If they can’t find any evidence of your purchase, they’ll typically give you store credit for the lowest selling price in the past 180 days.
See Also: Order Online From Macy’s, Return Item to Store, Save BIG Money
PRO TIP: WORTH A SHOT TO TRY TO RETURN ITEM IN THE 30-60 DAY WINDOW
According to a Macy’s manager that commented on this Reddit thread, they will often “make an exception” on returns just past the 30-day return window.
They explained that the “secret sauce” is when a customer politely explains the situation, it’s not too far past 30 days, and the item is still in sellable condition.
If you do get a manager to do an override for you, it unfortunately creates another potential problem if you don’t have your receipt. Unfortunately, after 30 days, your purchase is no longer connected to your Macy’s credit card or return label. So you’ll be stuck with merchandise credit for the lowest selling price of the item.
There Are Some Exceptions to the 30 Days
Yes, there are a bunch of exceptions to the 30 days.
Here’s a quick summary of each…
Gift Cards – Gift cards can’t be returned, but if you lose your Macy’s gift card they can re-issue one with proof of purchase.
Apple Products – iPhones must be returned within 14 days, all other Apple products get 30 return days.
Area Rugs – Rugs bought online still have 30 days, call 1-800-289-6229 to facilitate your return. Rugs bought in-store also have 30 return days.
Backstage Items – 30 days.
Beauty Box – Not eligible for a return or exchange.
Bridal Salon by Demetrios – All items are final sale and not returnable.
Bonus Gifts – If you return an item that came with a bonus gift, you must return bonus gift as well. If you don’t, you’ll be charged for it.
Designer Brands – Burberry, Gucci, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, and Tous only come with a 14 day return window.
Dresses (Juniors and Socials) – These come with a 60 day return window.
Finish Line – All Finish Line items come with a 30 day return policy.
Furniture – You must contact Macy’s within 3 days of delivery if you want to return furniture.
Fur Vault – 30 days.
Gourmet Food & Wine – Not returnable.
Jewelry (including Cosmetic Jewelry) – 30 days.
Mattresses – Try for 120 days and if you don’t like it, you have 14 days after your 120-day trial to contact them for a 1-time re-selection or mattress return.
Last Act Items – 30 days.
Locker Room by Lids – 30 days.
Optical – 30 days.
Style Your Ring – 30 days.
Tech Accessories – 14 days.
Online Purchases Can Be Returned to Any Macy’s
Just return your item, and invoice, back to any Macy’s for a return.
If you don’t have your invoice, you can simply print your email confirmation and that will suffice.
If you don’t have that either, you can CLICK HERE and get online access to your order details and print them.
See Also: Nordstrom Return Policy: We Answer ALL Your Questions
Online Returns are “Easy”
They call this their “Easy Return” system, while it may be “easy” it’s gotten WAY more expensive to ship something back. (more on this below)
Any purchase made at Macys.com will be returned via UPS and you just have to drop it off at any UPS Access Point.
Visit this page and follow the detailed instructions.
You’re On the Hook For Return Shipping Fees
Not that long ago, Macy’s would pay the return shipping fees on ALL purchases that were originally made online.
Those days are LONG gone.
These days you’re stuck paying $9.99 for return shipping fees unless you’re a Star Rewards member and spend at least $500 annually on your Macy’s credit card, then you don’t have to pay the $9.99.
Seriously Macy’s, this policy is TERRIBLE and will only make shoppers think twice about shopping on the Macy’s website. Way to go.
Unfortunately, you cannot return purchases made in-store via the mail or UPS.
Here’s How to Return Gifts
This is a fairly easy process with a gift receipt.
Just return to a Macy’s location and they’ll give you store credit for the purchase amount.
Without a gift receipt you’ll need to plead your case and depending on the Macy’s location, they may or may not be able to help.
It’s always worth a shot. If you get turned away just sell your loot on eBay.
What About Getting a Price Adjustment?
Yes, Macy’s does offer price adjustments.
If the item you bought goes on sale within 10 days, just bring back your receipt and get a credit for the difference in price.
This includes both online and in-store purchases.
Online Purchases Made With PayPal
If you need to return an item that you bought with PayPal, it’s an easy process.
You just mail back your return like you normally would and your PayPal balance will be credited accordingly.
Ask the Reader: Have you recently used the Macy’s return policy? Was it an easy experience?
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)
“Liberal” return policy? Not really. Their return policy was liberal when it was 180 days (now it’s 90??) and that also used to cover the majority of their products. Then they started adding all kinds of exceptions that are not in plain sight and most customers don’t even thinks to look for until it’s too late. Then there are exceptions that aren’t even posted anywhere in writing, which is completely deceptive. Even if the store manager wants to be helpful and take an item back outside the return window, the system won’t let them. This is one of the reasons I rarely shop there anymore and prefer to give my business to Nordstrom.
sounds like you want to take advantage of store returns. good thing a lot of stores are getting wiser with their policies.
Macy’s return policy is not only fair but gives the customer a very lenient amount of time to decide if the item is for them. Ninety days?….THREE MONTHS is not long enough to know if you like something or not? If Nordstrom gives more time than that, go for it, but Macy’s HAS a very business-wise, yet customer fair return policy for everyone.
Kohl’s has the best return policy. I just returned a dress that I bought more than 4 years ago. They took it back no questions asked. All their returns are no questions asked and you get full refund, unless no receipt, after 6 months, then it’s sale price. Plus if you have a Kohl’s charge then you never need a receipt to return anything. And you get 5% back on all purchases as well as Kohl’s Cash which is $10 for every $50 spent…no limits. Kohl’s policies are why it is doing so well financially. Very generous to all it’s Customers.
As of March 2023 the return policy as decreased from 90 days to 30 days. So now no longer liberal or cool. Plus now they no longer accept returns on last act items even if it was purchased online. Which means the item may not fit or may be different than described online and you’re just stuck with it.
I returned a shirt yesterday unaware of the change and they said it was 37 day return??? And they will accept the return but mail a in- store credit. Sounds like they are having financial trouble
How do I get a return slip?
I want a return slip
Jewelry is 60 days not 30
I received 2 items of clothing as Christmas gifts. The giver is out of the country so I don’t have access to a receipt but both items have a Customer Return Label. Can I return them? Thanks
When you buy (or order on line) something from MACY’S, be sure to check back on line for the next several days…because they are CONSTANTLY reducing their “sale” prices.
Unfortunately, they will only give you a price adjustment for a lower price for those 10 days. But if you are getting something sent, you often will not get it for 10 days. And then, they will not adjust it no matter what.
So, I have ended up re-ordering the item at the lower price, and take the higher priced item back to the store for a full refund. I am sorry, but sometimes it might be a $20-$30 difference. If MACY’S would wise up, they might have fewer returns.
I returned a Michael Kor’s smart watch. I received the email that said it was returned to them, along with the order number. They sent me an email stating that they had received it. HOWEVER… I Still have NOT, , I repeat NOT gotten my money back. I have called several times, and I keep getting the run around
I ordered on May13th, 2023 took to UPS May 18 to return, received email saying order had arrived and now it’s May 31st and I still haven’t seen my hundred dollar plus credit on PayPal. I’m starting to become upset.
It looks like Macy’s changed their return policy to 30 days for EVERYTHING!!! All my March and April purchases now say return period has expired although it was 90 days at the time I bought the items….
Thank you I looked before when I bought and it was way out into June and now all of a sudden I’m past the return window on some things. WTH I’m still going to return and just argue it.
did they accept your return? I am in the same boat right now. I never knew about a 30 day policy.
Yeah I didn’t know about the 30 day policy as I ordered different sizes. They sent the pants back to me, so like someone said now I just have merchandise that doesn’t fit. I now have a pair of shoes that I need to return but see the price is now double for the shoes I purchased 2 days ago. I will see if I can get a price adjustment.
I bought a Calvin Klein purse as a gift for my daughter in February and it completely fell apart. It is July, less than 6 months later and Macys won’t return it. It is garbage.
I won’t buy anything from there anymore now that their return policy is so bad. Just be warned. It you buy merchandise that is garbage, they will say “Go back to the manufacturer>:
I purchased a 2 TH suit almost $900 last year and one of the jacket he did not have a chance to wear it yet brand new just hang in the closet with all all original tags attached and then just this year he gained a few pounds and the jacket no longer fit him properly.
I think that it is unreasonable and unfair not able to exchange to a right size while the store still selling the exact item. I can understand if the store no longer sell the item, out of style or it is used or tags are missing.
My son jacket is in brand new condition with all tags attached store can easily sell them then why I have to stuck with something he cannot wear! I am no longer a Macys customer with this unfair and unreasonable return policies
I’m just going to say that the math in the beginning of this article doesn’t add up lol.
I am a Platinum card member. This 30 day return policy is absolutely ridiculous. I am shopping now for the holidays because Macys is having the VIP sale.
With this 30 day policy it will only give you 3 weeks to do holiday shopping