Amazon Return Policy, Explained
Most items sold on Amazon can be returned within 30 days of delivery; some categories get 7, 15, 90, 180 or 365 days, and some items cannot be returned.
By Olivia HarperContributing writer. Policy checked .
On this page
Store policies change. This is a summary in our own words of Amazon's return policy page, read on October 24, 2026. The official page is the one that applies; check it before you send anything back.
How to return an item
- Check the window. Amazon says most items can be returned within 30 days of delivery if they are in original or unused condition. The product page shows an item's return eligibility before you order, and Your Orders shows it after.
- Start the return. Go to Your Orders and choose "Return Items" next to the item.
- Drop it off. Amazon says most items can be returned for free at more than 8,000 locations, usually within 5 miles of your address, and that most returns do not need a box or label. Return the item before the "return by" date in your return confirmation.
- Get the refund. Amazon says it can take up to 30 days to receive and process a return. After the refund is issued, the time until you see the money depends on how you paid.
Refund timing after Amazon issues it
| Paid with | Time Amazon gives |
|---|---|
| Amazon gift card balance | 2 to 3 hours |
| Credit card | 3 to 5 business days |
| Debit card or checking account | Up to 10 business days |
| Prepaid credit card | Up to 30 days, depending on the card issuer |
Items with a different window
Amazon lists these exceptions to the 30-day window (a selection; the policy page has the full list):
| Window | Examples from the policy page |
|---|---|
| 7 days | Kindle books bought by accident and not read |
| 15 days | New Apple and Boost Infinite products; Amazon Haul items over $3 |
| 90 days | Mattresses other than crib mattresses; most nonperishable baby products; some Amazon Renewed items |
| 180 days | Wedding registry gifts bought by someone other than the registry owner |
| 365 days | Amazon Renewed items in Premium condition; baby registry gifts bought by someone other than the registry owner |
Items you cannot return
The policy names perishables, customized products, items with shipping restrictions, Amazon Pharmacy items, and products marked "Final Sale" among the non-returnable items. If a non-returnable item arrives damaged, defective or not as ordered, Amazon asks you to contact Customer Service.
Fees that can apply
Returns are generally free, but Amazon lists cases where a fee can apply: choosing a drop-off option that is not free, returning a heavy or bulky item (for example 50 pounds or more), returning late, or returning an item that is damaged, missing parts or used. A late return can cost 20% of the item price in the first 30 days after the "return by" date and the full price after that.
Items sold by other sellers
When a third-party seller ships its own stock, the return goes back to that seller, not to Amazon. Amazon requires those sellers to offer a US return address, a prepaid return label, or a refund without asking for the item back.
Source
Amazon Return Policy, Amazon Customer Service. Policy checked October 24, 2026.