Return Policy Macy’s

Shopping at Macy’s is a great experience, but sometimes you need to bring something back. Understanding the return policy Macy’s has in place is key to a smooth process. This guide explains everything you need to know, from time limits to condition requirements. We’ll cover online and in-store returns, exceptions, and tips to make it easy.

Macy’s return policy is designed to be flexible for customers. In most cases, you have 90 days from the date of purchase to return items for a refund or exchange. This applies to purchases made both online and in their physical stores. The policy covers a wide range of merchandise, but there are important exceptions and conditions to be aware of.

What is Macy’s Standard Return Window?

For most items, Macy’s gives you 90 days to make a return. This is a generous window compared to many other retailers. The clock starts ticking on the day you receive your order or buy the item in the store. It’s a good idea to initiate a return as soon as you know you don’t want to keep something. Waiting until the last minute can sometimes lead to issues if there are shipping delays.

You’ll need your proof of purchase. This is usually your receipt, packing slip, or the credit card you used for the buy. If you’re a Star Rewards member, your purchase is often tracked in your account, which can help if you’ve lost your receipt.

Items That Have Special Return Rules

Not everything follows the standard 90-day rule. Some products have shorter return periods or different conditions. It’s crucial to check these before you buy, especially for big-ticket items.

Mattresses and Furniture: These often have a 60-day return window. They must be in like-new condition and may require original packaging.
Area Rugs: You typically have 30 days to return an area rug.
Last Act and Clearance Items: These are usually final sale and cannot be returned unless defective.
Beauty and Fragrance: For health and safety reasons, these items can only be returned if they are unopened and unused.
Swimwear and Intimate Apparel: These must have the original hygienic liner attached and tags on. They cannot show any signs of wear.

What About Electronics?

Electronics, including headphones, smartwatches, and small appliances, also have a 60-day return window. They must be returned with all original parts, accessories, and packaging. Any software or data you installed should be removed. Macy’s may test the item to ensure it’s in working order before issuing a refund.

How to Return an Online Purchase to a Macy’s Store

Returning an online order to a physical Macy’s store is often the fastest way to get your refund. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Gather the item, all its parts, tags, and the original packaging if possible.
Bring your packing slip or the shipping confirmation email. Your ID will also be required.
Take everything to the Macy’s Returns desk. A sales associate will process your return.
You can choose between a refund to your original payment method or an exchange. Store credit is another option.

The refund is usually processed within a few hours, but it can take a few days to appear on your credit card statement. This method avoids shipping hassles and costs.

How to Return an Online Purchase by Mail

If you can’t get to a store, you can return items by mail. Macy’s provides a prepaid return label for most items, though sometimes a shipping fee is deducted from your refund.

Log into your Macy’s account online and go to your order history.
Select the item(s) you wish to return and follow the prompts to create a return.
Print the provided prepaid return label and packing slip.
Securely package the item with the packing slip inside. Attach the label to the outside.
Drop the package at a USPS location or with the designated carrier.

Keep your tracking number! It allows you to monitor the return’s progress. Refunds for mail returns are issued after the item is received and inspected at the warehouse, which can take up to two weeks.

Understanding Refund Methods and Timing

How you get your money back depends on how you paid and how you returned the item.

Credit/Debit Card: Refunds go back to the original card. It takes about 7-10 business days after processing to see the credit.
Macy’s Gift Card: You will receive a new gift card or the amount added back to the original card.
Cash: If you paid with cash and have the receipt, you may receive a cash refund in store.
Check: For large purchases paid by check, the refund may be issued as a check from Macy’s corporate office, which can take longer.

If you used a promotion or coupon, the refund value might be adjusted to reflect the discounted price you actually paid.

Macy’s Holiday Return Policy

During the holidays, Macy’s extends its return policy for customer convenience. Purchases made between November 1st and December 31st typically have an extended return deadline, often until the end of January the following year. This gives you plenty of time for post-holiday returns and exchanges.

Always double-check the exact date each year, as it can vary slightly. The extended policy usually applies to most items, but the same exceptions for final sale, beauty, and intimate apparel still stand. Keep your holiday receipts organized to make returns simpler during the busy season.

What If You Don’t Have a Receipt?

You can still make a return without a receipt, but it’s more complicated. Macy’s will attempt to look up the purchase using the credit card you used, your phone number, or your Star Rewards account. If they can verify the purchase, they will process the return, usually for store credit at the item’s current selling price.

If the purchase cannot be verified, Macy’s may deny the return. There are also limits on no-receipt returns per customer to prevent fraud. It’s always best to hold onto your receipt or use a consistent payment method linked to your rewards account.

Exchanges at Macy’s

Exchanging an item for a different size, color, or style is straightforward. You can do an exchange in-store or by initiating a return and placing a new order online. For in-store exchanges, simply bring the item to the returns desk. If the new item costs more, you’ll pay the difference. If it costs less, you’ll get the difference back as a refund.

For online exchanges, it’s often faster to process a return and then place a separate order for the new item. This ensures you get the new item shipped quickly without waiting for the return to be fully processed first.

Common Reasons for Return Denials

To avoid disappointment, know why a return might be refused. Here are the main reasons:

Item is past the return window (90 days, 60 days, or 30 days depending on the product).
Missing tags or hygienic liners on apparel and intimate wear.
Signs of wear, damage, or use beyond trying it on.
Final sale merchandise was purchased (often marked Last Act or Clearance).
Beauty products that have been opened or used.
Missing parts, accessories, or original packaging for electronics or special items.

If you believe a return was wrongly denied, you can politely ask to speak with a store manager or contact Macy’s customer service online to review your case.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Macy’s Return

A little preparation makes the return process quick and easy.

Keep the original packaging and tags on the item until you’re sure you’re keeping it.
Take note of the return deadline for that specific item as soon as you buy it.
Use your Macy’s account for purchases so there’s always a digital record.
Inspect online orders immediately when they arrive to check for damage or defects.
Bring your ID for in-store returns, as Macy’s uses a third-party system to track returns and may require it.

Macy’s Return Policy for Backordered Items

Items that are on backorder follow the standard return policy, but the timeline can be tricky. The 90-day return period starts on the day the item ships from the warehouse, not the day you placed the order. Your packing slip or shipping confirmation email will have the correct start date. If you receive a backordered item and it’s not right, don’t wait—start the return process as soon as you can.

International Returns

Macy’s does not directly ship to many international addresses, and their return policy primarily covers purchases shipped within the United States. If you used a package forwarding service to ship Macy’s items to another country, you are still responsible for getting the item back to a U.S. return center, which can be very expensive. It’s generally not recommended to buy items from Macy’s with the intent of returning them if you live outside the U.S.

Contacting Macy’s Customer Service

If you have a complex return issue, you can contact Macy’s for help. You can call their customer service line, use the online chat feature on their website, or reach out via social media. Have your order number, receipt information, and details about the item ready. The customer service team can often provide guidance, initiate a return for you, or help resolve problems with refunds.

FAQ Section

How long is Macy’s return policy?

For most items, Macy’s return policy is 90 days from the purchase or delivery date. Some products like mattresses, furniture, and electronics have a 60-day window, and area rugs have a 30-day window.

Can I return online purchases to any Macy’s store?

Yes, you can return most items bought online to any physical Macy’s store location. This is usually the fastest way to get your refund. Just bring the item, its packaging, and your packing slip or order confirmation.

Does Macy’s have a return policy without a receipt?

Yes, Macy’s may accept returns without a receipt. They will try to look up the purchase. If verified, you’ll likely get store credit for the item’s current price. There are annual limits on no-receipt returns, and some items may be excluded.

What is Macy’s holiday return policy?

Macy’s typically extends its return window for purchases made between November 1 and December 31. These items can often be returned until the end of January the following year, but always confirm the exact date.

Are there any restocking fees at Macy’s?

Macy’s does not charge restocking fees for most returns. However, for certain special order or large items, a fee might apply, which should be clearly stated at the time of purchase.

Can I return used makeup to Macy’s?

No, for health and safety reasons, Macy’s cannot accept returns on opened or used beauty products and fragrances. They must be in their original, sealed packaging.

How long does a Macy’s refund take?

Refunds to a credit or debit card usually take 7-10 business days after the return is processed. In-store returns often initiate the refund immediately, while mail returns take longer due to shipping and processing time at the warehouse.