All the Stores That Allow You to Return Items Without a Receipt
Have you ever been stuck with something that’s brand spanking new that you know you’ll NEVER need or use? Whether it be that Tiger King t-shirt your Mom gave you, or that 2nd crock pot from the in-laws, there is always something you wish you could return if you just had the dang receipt. Well, now you can. I researched a bunch of popular retailers that will happily take back items without proof of purchase.
Costco
Because Costco keeps track of all your purchases in their computer system, they don’t require a receipt to make a return.
As long as you have your membership number they can look up your buying history and verify the purchase.
Pretty handy, especially since they allow you to return items at practically any point in the products lifespan.
The only exception is electronics which has a 90 day return policy.
I have personally returned a Keurig coffee maker without a receipt over a year after I originally purchased it. They took it back with no questions asked.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
According to the Dick’s return policy, “If you no longer have your receipt from an in-store purchase, contact our Customer Service team by phone at 1-877-846-9997 or chat now to have a copy of your receipt sent to you, if available.”
If they can’t find it, they’ll ask for a photo ID and issue you store credit for the lowest selling price.
See Also: These Stores Let You Keep Some Items You Try to Return
Home Depot
If you try to return items to The Home Depot sans receipt you won’t be completely out of luck.
According to their return policy, “Returns made without a valid sales receipt or an expired receipt may be exchanged or refunded to a Home Depot store credit or a Home Depot Commercial Account for the lowest advertised price.”
Store credit is WAY better than being stuck with a set of wrenches that you’ll never use.
HOME DEPOT’S STORE CREDIT SOLUTION
After buying a set of wrenches from Home Depot, I realized I didn’t need them. But being the dummy that I am, I had lost the receipt.
The store associate informed me that without a receipt, they could offer store credit for the lowest advertised price which fortunately was the same price that I had paid.
I did have to provide my ID, but they issued the store credit, allowing me to purchase other stuff I needed.
Home Goods
If you lose your Home Good receipt you’re not completely out of luck.
They’ll give you merchandise credit buy you’ll have to show them your I.D. so they can track your return history.
Their website also states that the name on the merchandise credit must match the name on the photo ID if you ever want to actually use the credit in-store.
Kohl’s
According to the Kohl’s return policy, if you don’t have you receipt, no problem.
From their website, they can “cannot locate your original purchase and/or for non-receipted returns, information from your valid ID will be stored to monitor your return activity.”
Kohl’s won’t give you cash back, but they will give you merchandise credit based on the lowest price of the item in the past 13 weeks.
Lowe’s
According to the Lowe’s website, “In most instances, your receipt can be retrieved by using the original credit card, checking account number, MyLowe’s card or by your phone number.”
Lowe’s also leaves the option open to only give store credit (at the current selling price) on returns without a receipt in case they are unable to retrieve it.
5/15/20 Update: I received a comment from someone saying that Lowe’s has placed a $100 limit on items you can return without a receipt if you’re requesting CASH. Any truth to this? Let me know in the comments.
Macy’s
Macy’s claims they will take back items without a receipt as long as the product still has the original tags or price stickers on it.
As I wrote about here, they can also look up your purchase using “the credit card you used to make your purchase, your return label, packing slip, order or shipping confirmation email or registry number.”
Nordstrom
Nordstrom should be able to help you find your purchase but they’ll probably need your original form of payment to do so.
If they can’t find it, they’ll ask for a valid ID, track your return, then give you credit via a Nordstrom gift card.
Office Depot
The folks at Office Depot will work with you if you don’t have a receipt but there are a bunch of caveats.
First, all returns without a receipt require a valid ID card and tech products without a receipt are NOT returnable.
From the Office Depot website, all other items returned without a receipt “that are active in our computer system will be refunded in the form of an Office Depot or OfficeMax Merchandise Card in an amount equal to the lowest retail price during the preceding 90 days.”
REI
Not only will REI let you return something for up to a year after you bought it, but you don’t even need your receipt to make it happen in most cases.
If you’re a REI member they can look up your purchase easily, if you’re not, they can use your original form of payment to track it down.
You might be stuck with store credit but that ain’t so bad.
ROSS – Dress for Less
While it can be a bit tricky to return an item to Ross without a receipt, it can be done.
From their website, “Merchandise returns without a receipt will require a valid picture ID and if approved by the refund system, will be refunded in the form of a store credit or exchanged at the item’s current selling price.”
Hey, always worth a shot. Return items sooner, rather than later, as stuff gets lowered in price quickly at Ross and you’ll want to get the highest price-point possible.
Sam’s Club
Similar to Costco, Sam’s Club has some solid ways to find your receipt so you can make a return.
First off, you can visit this page, login using your membership number, and print any receipt from the past 3 years.
In most cases, you can also show up at a Sam’s location and they can lookup your purchase history so you can make a return without your receipt.
Worst case scenario you’ll get store credit or a partial refund if they can’t find any proof of purchase.
Staples
Staples will do their best to try and find your purchase using your debit or credit card.
If they can’t find it, and the item is still in sell-able condition, they will issue you store credit for lowest price in the past 30 days.
They reserve the right to say “no return for you” if they feel you are abusing their “no-receipt” return policy.
Target
Target has the ability to look up your purchase, making an original receipt totally optional.
If the item was a gift, and you don’t have a receipt, you are going to be stuck with store credit.
But if you made the purchase with a Target RedCard, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, or Discover card they can usually find your purchase.
If they can’t find any evidence they will deny the return or give you store credit.
RETURNING GIFTS WITHOUT A RECEIPT
My wife got a gift recently from Target but it was the wrong size so she decided to test out their policy.
Here is how it went, “I received a Target gift without a receipt and wanted to exchange it. The store associate informed me that without proof of purchase, they could offer store credit for the current price. I provided my ID, they processed the return, and I was able to exchange it for the correct size. Couldn’t be easier.”
TJ Maxx
TJ Maxx will happily give you store credit if you return items without a receipt but a valid ID will have to be provided.
Your store credit is redeemable both online or at any retail location.
If you’re returning an online purchase you can use your email confirmation if you lost your packing slip.
Tractor Supply Co
Tractor Supply has no problem taking your return if you don’t have the receipt, but be prepared to show a valid ID as they’ll track your returns that way.
If it’s a large order it will require manager’s approval.
You won’t get cash back but they’ll give you store credit for the item’s current price.
Walmart
Walmart also has a fairly liberal return policy when you return items without a receipt.
With NO receipt, Walmart gives customers the option of a cash refund (if the purchase was under $25), or a gift card (if it was over $25), or an even exchange for an identical product.
It has also been suggesting in the comments that the number of allowed “no receipt” returns at Walmart varies from state to state.
ALWAYS TRY TO MAKE THE RETURN SANS RECEIPT
From blog reader Tina, “I bought a kitchen gadget from Walmart but decided it wasn’t necessary. Without the receipt, I was concerned about returning it. Walmart offered a cash refund for items under $25 or a gift card for items over $25.
I provided my ID, and they issued a gift card for the item’s current price, making the return process convenient.”
Ask the Reader: Do you know of any other popular stores who will take something back without a receipt? Let me know in the comments and I will check them out.
By Kyle James
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)
Walmart will not allow returns without a receipt on items totaling more than $50 each.
damn then, i was planning on returning my 60 dollar xbox one controller. aw well
I have returned an Xbox controller with no receipt before for store credit no problem
Lies. I just returned a $69 controller, no receipt, no problem, they just gave me store credit
Tiffany and Aaron would be correct, maybe there is a certain amount of discretion given to the customer service associates. I’ve returned birthday gifts I didn’t have receipts for a nice webcam I believe was in the sum of $80 with no problem. Obviously they didn’t give me cash but store credit was fine with me and was all I expected.
The answer to all your problems? KEEP YOUR DAMN RECEIPT! Problem solved. There is so much theft in retail it’s unbelievable! “I got this as a gift, I don’t know where they bought it but I want to return it to your store.” Is a scenario we hear every day. It’s your own fault you are not responsible enough to keep a receipt; not the retailers. Grow up, become adults and be responsible for your own crap! I know so difficult.. poor babies.
Unbelievable don’t you realize the dye ink they use on Cvs walgreem
Use disappearing dye so a lot of these receipts will fade these stores do not want you to return wow uninformed
I keep all my receipts, but here’s the problem lately I fold and put in wallet and when I need to return something you can’t read them. I had one go blank in just 10 days wasn’t able to read anything on it. I don’t know if it’s the paper or printer or conspiracy but it happens too much.
and if they are left in car in bag, heat makes ink disappear!
People like you who don’t know each and every situation, but since you’re a know it all and consider other people stupid are the reason this country is the way it is. Don’t judge and I bet your the cell phone, slow in the fast lane driver that gets upset when someone who is doing the speed limit wants to pass. So judge Judy I’m sorry nobody played with you as a child or adult,. But don’t take it out on a website where you have no knowledge of everyone’s situation
Your a weirdo for one n two some people have mental disorders like adhd like myself and lose everything even my whole purse at one point but doesn’t mean I’m not an adult. You don’t know what people are going through so before you criticize someone try to think about that…people have feelings and some things can’t be hrlped
Don’t you people have responsibilities? Priorities? Does anyone rely on you ? All this time spent arguing over trivial things but you can’t wait 2 seconds to let a car switch lanes in front of you. I don’ t leave comments .. ever but I felt that maybe this would hit home for someone. 20 years from now your gonna be staring out at a world you barely recognize, with nothing but memories of arguing with strangers over the dumbest s***t. Pursue your dream, create an impossible goal and reach it . Do something you never dreamed you could do. When your doing something you love and your gold at it, you will find that you don’t have time for anything other than what’s important .
What about Staples?
I’ve been having trouble with Home Depot to just give me store credit for items I want to return but it’s denied.
I bought a I phone at target and when I opened it to set it up it was old and had been used, I was shocked they returned it with no problem
HI for Christmas I was giving 500 dollars in makeup were can I returns it to get store credit
I recently purchased $67 for 3T shirts at JC Penny as a gift for someone and then to put it mildly I no longer wanted to give this person these gifts and I lost the receipt I paid cash I went to return it to JC PENNY’s and literally I received a gift card for $13 for the lowest sale price for $67 purchase in which the shirts still had tags brand-new weren’t even unfolded so they’re pretty much gave me $13 they’re going to go put those things back on the shelf and sell them for 67 and they’re making double the profit by me returning them. it’s ridiculous. I HATE THESE STORES.
Does anyone know you can return shoes at finish line with out a re copy i have the original box and has not been worn
I bought something from Office Depot but I wasn’t satisfied with it so I want to return it but couldn’t find my receipt so I wanna long searched it just was really helpful thank you
Not so with Macy’s just tried to return a gift ofve perfume if it doesn’t have a Macy’s UPC code tag no return!
Best buy! Just tell them you got the item as a gift and you dont need it, that the person you got it from told you that they do not have a best buy membership and they lost their receipt and that they cant use a card number to track it because the person paid cash. Most expensive item ive returned without ID 366.00. Hassle free.
Did you say you got cash back when you did it this way or did you just get a gift card back? Thank you for responding to my question.
Lowes just told me I had reached a maximum return limit without receipt (no store credit, no cash refund) because I pay cash and unwilling to give them personal information. Just against all the personal tracking. I do online, and big purchases on credit but small items, just cash. I haven’t returned in 2 years. They won’t tell you what the limit is, just no more returns. Sounds like BS. No more business with Lowes. They’re either lying to me or bad business practice for small items. Now that you’re on camera, NO PRIVACY IN USA.
WalMart recently changed their policy and now give cash back without a receipt for items up to $10 not $25 anymore…
OK, thanks for the update!
I used my id today at Walmart here n federal way off 312 & after tax it came up to 27.29. instead of her saying something or just taking 1 thing off. She tries to put it threw knowing damn well it ain’t gonna work. N it was rejected for b.s. ass store credit n at a hella lower price than I paid just last month. I have a baby that more than just grows fast, but also seems to get food &/slobber (from teething) on everything. N iono no store wit slobber proof receipts. Lol just have acquired a issue with the exchanging of any merchandise until today that is. Hahaha
P.s. y is everyone so damn judgy n evil now days, so quick to try n look down on other m.f..im saying u really ain’t got shit better to do wit
Walgreens will let you return things without a receipt if you used a Walgreens rewards card/number
$10 limit at my Walmart. Item for $9.99 that is over $10 with tax is not accepted