If you’ve ever bought something that didn’t quite work out, you’ll want to know about the return policy American Eagle offers. Understanding the rules can save you time and ensure you get your money back or find a perfect exchange. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from time limits to condition requirements, making your next return as smooth as possible.
We’ll cover the standard policy for online and in-store purchases, the details on returning final sale items, and how to handle returns without a receipt. You’ll also learn about returning gifts and using the prepaid return label. Let’s get started.
Return Policy American Eagle
The core return policy American Eagle has is designed to be flexible for customers. You have 30 days from the date of purchase to return most items for a refund or exchange. The items must be in their original condition, meaning unworn, unwashed, and with all original tags attached. This applies to purchases made both online and at their physical retail stores.
It’s important to note that the return window may be extended during the holiday season. Typically, purchases made in November and December can be returned until the end of January. Always check your receipt or the website for the most current seasonal deadlines, as these can change from year to year.
What You Can Return
Most regular-priced merchandise falls under the standard 30-day return window. This includes:
- Jeans, tops, and sweaters
- Swimwear and loungewear
- Accessories like belts and hats
- Footwear and Aerie intimates
What You Cannot Return (Final Sale)
Certain items are marked as final sale and cannot be returned for a refund or exchange. Always check the product description before buying. Final sale items usually include:
- Clearance or heavily discounted merchandise
- Items marked “Final Sale” on the tag or online listing
- Gifted items without a proof of purchase
- Altered or personalized products
Condition of Returns
For a return to be accepted, the item must be in resellable condition. This means:
- All original tags are attached and intact.
- The item has not been worn, washed, or altered.
- Footwear must be tried on indoors only, with the original shoe box included.
- Swimwear and intimates must have the hygienic liner in place.
How to Return an Online Order
Returning an online order is straightforward. You have two main options: returning by mail using a prepaid label or returning in-store. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each method.
Option 1: Return by Mail (Using a Prepaid Label)
This is the most common method for online returns.
- Initiate your return online. Log into your American Eagle account and go to your order history. If you checked out as a guest, you can use the order lookup tool with your email and order number.
- Select the item(s) you wish to return and choose your reason for the return.
- Print your prepaid return shipping label. You will need to attach this label to the outside of your return package.
- Pack the items securely in their original packaging if possible, include the original packing slip, and seal the box.
- Drop off the package at any authorized carrier location, such as a UPS drop-off point. You should get a confirmation email once the return is initiated and again when it’s processed.
Option 2: Return In-Store
This is often the fastest way to get your refund. You can return online purchases to any American Eagle or Aerie store in the United States or Canada.
- Bring the items you want to return, along with the original packing slip or your order confirmation email.
- Go to the checkout counter and let an associate know you’re returning an online order.
- The associate will process your return. You’ll typically receive your refund immediately if you used a credit or debit card. Store credit or a gift card is issued if you don’t have the original payment method with you.
Remember, you don’t need the original shippping box for in-store returns, but you do need all the tags.
How to Return an In-Store Purchase
Returns for items bought at a physical store are also simple. You must return the item to an American Eagle or Aerie store; you cannot mail back an item purchased in a store. Here’s what to do:
- Bring the item, along with the original receipt, to any store.
- Ensure the item meets the condition requirements (unworn, tags on).
- The store associate will process your return. With a receipt, you can choose a refund to your original payment method or an exchange. Without a receipt, you may receive store credit at the item’s current selling price.
Returning Without a Receipt
Lost your receipt? Don’t worry, you can often still make a return. The process is just a bit different. American Eagle can usually look up your purchase if you used a credit card, debit card, or your AEO Rewards account at the time of sale. Simply provide the card or phone number associated with the account.
If the purchase cannot be verified, you may be eligible for store merchandise credit at the item’s lowest selling price within the last 30 days. This policy is at the discretion of store management, and a valid government-issued photo ID is usually required for tracking purposes.
Gift Returns and Exchanges
Returning a gift from American Eagle is a common need. The process is guest-friendly. You’ll need the gift receipt that came with your present. With a gift receipt, you can return the item within 30 days for store credit in the form of a gift card. The value will be based on the price paid at the time of purchase.
Without any receipt, a gift return is treated like any other no-receipt return. You’ll likely recieve store credit for the item’s current selling price. It’s always best to include a gift receipt when you give an American Eagle gift to make things easier for the recipient.
Refund Methods and Timing
How you get your money back depends on how you paid and how you returned the item.
For Returns to Original Payment
- Credit/Debit Card: Refunds are issued to the original card. It can take 5-10 business days for the refund to appear on your statement after the return is processed.
- PayPal: Refunds go back to your PayPal account, usually within 3-5 business days.
- AE Gift Card: The amount is refunded to a new gift card.
For Store Credit or Gift Card Refunds
If you return without the original payment method or with a gift receipt, you’ll get store credit on an American Eagle gift card. This is issued immediately in-store or emailed to you for online returns.
For Mail-In Returns
Once the return package is recieved at the warehouse, allow 10-14 business days for processing and for the refund to be issued. You will get a confirmation email when the refund is initiated.
Aerie Returns
Aerie, American Eagle’s sister brand, follows the same fundamental return policy. The 30-day window and condition rules apply. Special attention is given to intimates and swimwear for hygiene reasons. These items must have the original hygienic liner intact and be in otherwise unworn condition. Returns for these products can also be made at any Aerie or American Eagle store location.
International Returns
If you are outside the United States, the return process varies. For orders shipped to Canada, you can return items by mail using a provided label or to a Canadian store location. Note that shipping fees for returns may apply and refunds may be subject to currency conversion differences.
For orders to other international destinations, you typically need to contact customer service to initiate a return. You are often responsible for the cost of return shipping and any applicable customs duties. The return must still meet the standard 30-day and condition requirements.
Exchanges
Exchanging an item for a different size or color is easy. The fastest way is to visit a store with the item and your receipt. The associate can process the exchange right there. If you prefer to exchange by mail, you generally need to process a return for the original item and then place a new order for the desired item. This is because American Eagle does not offer direct exchanges through their mail-in return system.
Common Return Issues and How to Solve Them
Sometimes returns don’t go perfectly. Here are solutions to frequent problems.
Past the 30-Day Window
If it’s just a few days past the deadline, it’s worth trying an in-store return. Store managers sometimes have the discretion to make exceptions, especially if you are a loyal customer. Be polite and explain the situation. If they cannot accept it, you might consider selling the item online or giving it to a friend.
Missing Tags or Worn Item
Items without tags or showing signs of wear are typically not accepted. The policy is strict on this to ensure they can resell the merchandise. Double-check items before you remove tags to make sure you want to keep them.
Return Label Problems
If your prepaid return label has expired or you lost it, you can generate a new one through your online order history. If you’re having trouble, customer service can help. Keep in mind that if you use your own shipping method, you will be responsible for the cost and tracking.
Tips for a Smooth Return Experience
- Always keep your receipt, packing slip, or order confirmation email until you are sure you are keeping an item.
- Try on items carefully over clean surfaces and avoid removing tags until you’ve decided to keep them.
- Initiate online returns promptly to stay within the 30-day window, as the clock starts from the purchase date, not when you start the return.
- For mail returns, use the provided label and get a drop-off receipt from the carrier for proof.
- Check the final sale status before buying discounted items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the American Eagle return policy give you?
You have 30 days from the purchase date for most items. Holiday purchases often have an extended deadline until the end of January.
Can I return American Eagle online purchases in store?
Yes, you can. Bring the items with their tags and your packing slip or order confirmation to any American Eagle or Aerie store for a quick return.
Does American Eagle have free returns?
Yes, they provide a free prepaid return shipping label for online orders in the U.S. Returns to physical stores are always free.
What is American Eagle’s return policy on swimwear?
Swimwear can be returned within 30 days if it’s unworn, has all tags attached, and the hygienic liner is fully intact.
Can you return final sale items at American Eagle?
No, items marked as Final Sale cannot be returned for a refund or exchange. This is clearly stated at the time of purchase.
How do I return something to American Eagle without the tags?
Items generally cannot be returned without the original tags attached. The tags are a key part of the “original condition” requirement.
What is the return policy for Aerie?
Aerie follows the same 30-day return policy as American Eagle. Intimates and swimwear require the hygienic liner to be unused.
How long do American Eagle refunds take?
Refunds to a credit card take 5-10 business days after processing. Store credit is issued immediately in-store or via email for online returns.
Understanding the return policy American Eagle has in place gives you confidence when you shop. By following the simple guidelines on time limits, item condition, and having your proof of purchase, you can handle any return or exchange without stress. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date policy details, as terms can occasionally change. Now you’re ready to shop knowing you’re covered if your purchase isn’t quite right.