TJ Maxx Return Policy: Tips and Tricks to Make It Work For You

September 20, 2017 by Kyle James
Updated: September 26, 2024

The TJ Maxx return policy is both loved and hated at the same time. It’s loved because they’ll take back most items even after the return window has closed. It’s hated because they can be a bit stingy on taking back items that have been washed, even when there is nothing malicious going on. Let’s break down their return policy fully, along with some hacks to make it really work for you in the future.

TJ Maxx Return Policy: Tips and Tricks to Make It Work For You

How Many Return Days Does TJ Maxx Give Me?

30 days.

You have 30 days from the date of purchase to bring back any items to a TJ Maxx location for a return or exchange.

After 30 days, returns with a receipt (and often without a receipt too) will be given store credit for the item’s current price.

Is a Receipt Required for a Return?

The TJ Maxx official line is this, “To make your returns quicker and easier please keep your receipt.”

But having a receipt in hand is NOT a requirement for a return. In most cases, they’ll happily give you store credit when you don’t have your receipt.

To make a return happen without a receipt you’ll need to provide a government issued photo ID, name, signature, and address.

They collect this information to track your returns and make sure you don’t abuse their return policy.

While they don’t have an official policy on how many “no-receipt returns” you can make, it’s safe to assume that several a month will get their attention and they could ban you from returning items for a specific amount of time.

See Also: 9 Killer Ways to Shop Smart and Save Money at TJ Maxx

Can I Make Too Many Returns Without a Receipt?

Yes.

If the TJ Maxx return “system” thinks you’re making too many returns without a receipt, you’ll be given a printout which essentially is a “warning” about making too many of these types of returns.

The printout will also state that your next receipt-less return might not be accepted and you could be banned from making returns without a receipt in the future.

It’s my understanding that the “return ban” could be permanent, although some shoppers seem to think it only lasts a year. (Let me know in the comments if you know)

TIP: The best way to avoid this is to ALWAYS select “Email and Print Receipt” when checking out. That way you’ll have the receipt in your inbox in case you ever need to retrieve it.

Can I Return Something After 30 Days?

Yes.

If you bought an item over 30 days ago, you can STILL return it for store credit as long as the tags are attached.

You’ll get whatever the current selling price is.

Tip: If you find something in your closet two years after you bought it from TJ Maxx, you can return it but DON’T bring your receipt as you do not want them to know how long ago you bought it. Also, from commenter Nicole, “DO NOT MENTION that it has been years.”

Can I Return Something That I Washed?

This one gets a bit tricky.

Their official policy is NOT to accept returns on items that have been worn or washed.

But if you plead your case, the manager will often agree to the return. This is especially true for items that shrunk badly in the wash or lost most of their color.

You might need to be the squeaky wheel to make this happen.

A word of warning: Know exactly what you’re buying and wash it in accordance to the label instructions so you don’t have to deal with this issue.

How Do I Return an Online Order?

You have 2 options. You can either return items in-store or via UPS.

  • In-Store Returns: Completely free to return online orders in-store with 40 days. Just bring items back to your local TJ Maxx with your receipt, packing slip, or shipping confirmation email.
  • Return via Mail: This is gonna cost you a $11.99 shipping and handling fee. Be sure the item gets back to TJ Maxx via UPS before 40 days. Otherwise you’ll have to settle for merchandise credit. Your original package comes with a return shipping label.
  • Note: An exact exchange is NOT available when returning online orders via the mail. This is due to an ever-changing online inventory.

If you have a TJ Maxx in your area, you’re obviously much better off returning items in-store to avoid the return shipping fee.

The only way they’ll waive the $11.99 fee is if the item is defective.

Any Items Not Eligible for a Return?

Yes, glad you asked.

  • Gift Cards: You can’t return them for cash, nice try though.
  • In-Store Purchases Can’t be Returned Online: Only online purchases can be returned via the mail.
  • Items over $1,000 Can’t Be Returned In-Store
  • Handbags priced over $499.99 Can’t Be Returned In-Store

I’ll add new items that are non-returnable as I discover them.

What About Returning Items with a Gift Receipt?

When returning items with a gift receipt, be aware that you’ll only get store credit or an exact exchange.

You won’t be given cash.

Do this after 30 days of purchase and you’ll be stuck with the current price of the item. Hopefully it won’t be on clearance as you’ll be stuck with the clearance price.

What is TJ Maxx’s Holiday Return Policy?

TJ Maxx has a very helpful holiday season extended return policy.

All purchases made between October 8th – December 24th can be returned through January 25th.

Their normal return policy applies to all purchases made on or after 12/26.

See Also: 37 Popular Stores That Also Offer Extended Holiday Returns

Can I Get a Cash Refund If I Used a Debit Card?

If you still have the receipt and you’re still within the return window, YES you can get cash back.

What Happens If I Return Items Bought with a TJX Rewards Credit Card?

Many shoppers are curious about this.

So I pulled out my magnifying glass and found the boiler plate on the TJX site and discovered that “Points will be deducted for any returns or credits made on your account.”

In short, they will take back the points you earned when you make a return.

See Also: Temu Return Policy: Way Cheaper Clothes Than TJ Maxx

Can I Return Opened Food Items?

No, you’re stuck with food items once you open them.

The only caveat to this is if the food is unsafe to eat through no fault of your own, in which case you have a good chance for a refund.

Can You Return TJ Maxx Items to Marshalls?

No.

Even though both are owned by the same company, you can’t mix returns between the two.

TJ Maxx Return Policy Hacks:

1. Keep Tags on Items

Don’t take the tag off the item until you’re absolutely sure you want to keep it.

This is because many stores will give you the price on the tag when making a return, no matter how long ago you made the purchase.

2. Swimwear & Lingerie Returns

The price tag must be “properly attached” to all swimwear and lingerie if you want to return it.

Not exactly sure what “properly attached” means. In any case, this is a health issue and this policy attempts to keep worn items off the rack.

3. Jewelry Returns

You’ll need to return jewelry items directly to the TJ Maxx jewelry counter. Because of this, you must return jewelry ONLY to a location that actually carries jewelry.

4. Purchases Made with a Gift Card

When returning these purchases you’ll have to settle for store credit which can be used for both online and in-store purchases.

5. Purchases Made using PayPal

When using PayPal for an online order, you’ll be refunded via PayPal on a return, but you’ll have to pay $10 to mail the package back.

For an in-store return, you’ll be forced to accept merchandise credit.

See Also: HomeGoods Returns: Can You Return TJ Maxx Stuff to Home Goods?

BONUS Tip: PayPal Warning On Online Purchases

As mentioned above, be careful using PayPal for online TJ Maxx purchases.

When trying to make a return in-store, you’ll be STUCK with merchandise credit.

If you want to get the money refunded to your PayPal account, you’ll have to pay $10 to mail the package back to them.

Thanks to commenter Bee for this great tip.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the TJ Maxx return policy? Good, bad, or ugly, let me know in the comments.


By Kyle James

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Kathy Vaughn

Just tried to exchange men’s pants for a different size at the Albertville Al store.It was given as a gift I had no receipt but still had tags on it.They said they were not allowed to exchange.

Debbie

I purchased an item in a box and it is missing some of the parts with TJ Maxx take it back

MUGE TASIRAN

I used my rewards. I will return my item. Will they give me back my rewards?

Tyrese Barker

What if I bought something at Tk maxx Europe and want to return it to tj maxx in the U.S.??

Maribel HermosoMari

I bought a desk wheel chair marked “As is” it was missing 2/5 wheels. I bought it thinking the extra wheels i had at home will fit but didnt. Can i return the chair? I looked for replacement wheels online and couldn’t find it.

Michelle

I just bought sneakers from TJ Max, wore them on a hike and they cut into the back of my ankles – will never wear again, can I return them? I have receipt and tags.

Elizabeth

I need to make a return within 30 days and I do have the receipt. Although the receipt is sun damaged. The first couple items are legible as well as the receipt’s main barcode. Will they be able to scan my items then the receipt and still be able to access the purchase record?

Debra L Stokes

Are “Runway” items exempt from the return policy? I purchased a Theory dress and found it to be too short. Did not take any tags off, including the red censor. Was told that without a receipt, no Runway items can be returned. I paid with my TJX card. Still would lrovide a store credit. Who do I talk to?????

Cathy

Great info! Pls consider adding a warning about the ass pain of returning online purchases in store at both TJ Maxx & Marshall’s. Their online return process is the most dysfunctional, absurd operation. The associate has to make a new tag for each item which is done by typing the sku into a hand held device. If the item has been marked down, they have to make two tags. All of this is done with the customer waiting and most associates don’t know how to do online returns.

I returned 5 items last week at TJ Maxx and literally took almost 40 minutes between the manager “popping by” to occasionally help the cashier who had no idea how to do the online return. Calculating the taxed amount isn’t clear on the invoice and I’ve explained how to calculate tax more than once.

I won’t be purchasing online again. Yes, I could mail the items back in, but I’ve had it with TJ Maxx & Marshalls shitty online platform (items cancelling days after the order is placed….while the item is still reflecting for sale on the website.) The absurdity with online returns and just generally not giving a damn about my time or inconvenience….well, I’ll choose to not purchase online any longer.

Mel

What if I buy a wallet and when I get home I don’t like the color and want to change it. Can I do that?

Sophie

I was ordering if I can return my earbuds to T.J. Maxx

Stephanie Lucciola

Can I get a refund not an exchange for an item purchased at a different tjmaxx location?

Delly Ortiz

I need the address to return because I don’t received the return label. Someone knows the address?

Stephanie

Hi! Why would you say that the expensive purses cannot be returned in store? I’ve never had a problem if I follow the rules…

Barbara Fraser

I bought a robe online from TJMax and it arrived in a plastic bag with no tags at all. I plan to give this as a Christmas gift but was surprised there were no tags. Does TJMax resell returned items that have the tags removed. I don’t want to give this as a gift it is a an item that was worn and returned without tags.