Michaels Return Policy, Explained
Guides report that Michaels takes back new, unused items within 60 days; without a receipt you need photo ID and get the lowest price of the last 90 days.
By Olivia HarperContributing writer. Policy checked .
On this page
Store policies change. Michaels' own return policy page on michaels.com could not be read on October 27, 2026: the site answered every request, including from a regular browser, with an access denied page. The facts below are as reported by two consumer guides, one updated in October 2026 and one in September 2025, listed under Sources. Where they differ, we say so. Confirm the rules on michaels.com or at the register before you count on a return.
How long you have
Both guides give the same window: 60 days from purchase for most items. Both say items should come back new, unused and in the original packaging. One guide adds that seasonal items have a shorter window, without naming a number, so ask the store if you are returning holiday decor.
After 60 days
Here the guides disagree. The September 2025 guide says a return after 60 days gets store credit for the full purchase price. The October 2026 guide describes the 60 days as strict and mentions no late returns. Treat a late return as something to ask about, not something to expect.
Returns without a receipt
The guides agree on the main rule. If you have no receipt, Michaels asks for a valid photo ID, and the refund is based on the lowest price the item sold for in the previous 90 days. One guide adds that the store first tries to find the purchase with the credit card, debit card or rewards number you used, so bring the card you paid with, and that a refund without a receipt comes as store credit.
What Michaels does not take back
Both guides list:
- Clearance items, which are final sale
- Gift cards
One guide or the other also names:
- Cut fabric (final sale)
- Custom frames and personalized items, generally not returnable; the other guide says framing rework requests go to the original store within 14 days of pickup
- Opened paint, materials and software, which may not qualify
- Cricut products, exchange only, unopened and with a receipt
How refunds are paid
Both guides say refunds generally go back to the original form of payment, and exchanges are possible. The September 2025 guide adds that debit card purchases are refunded in cash.
Online orders
Both guides say an online order can go back to a Michaels store. For a mail return, one guide says to start from your online order history; the other says to call Michaels customer service first. One guide reports that you pay the return shipping on an item that is not defective. Online orders cannot be exchanged on the website: return the item and buy the new one.
Before you go
Bring the receipt or the card you paid with, keep the packaging, and check the date: 60 days goes fast on a project you have not started. For coupon rules, see the Michaels coupon policy.
Sources
Michaels Return Policy, SuperMoney, updated October 22, 2026. Michaels Return Policy, Rather-Be-Shopping, updated September 23, 2025. Michaels' own page could not be read; confirm with the store.