Returning Items Without a Receipt
Some stores take a return with no receipt, usually as store credit and often with ID; others, like Apple, ask for a receipt. Here is what four store pages say.
By Olivia HarperContributing writer. Policy checked .
On this page
Can you return something without a receipt? Often yes, but on worse terms. This page sums up, in our own words, what four stores say on their own return pages, read on October 26, 2026. We list only stores whose official pages we read. Policies change, and the store page is the one that applies.
What four stores say
| Store | Without a receipt | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Returns may be limited; staff can look up some card purchases | A merchandise return card, with a government-issued ID |
| Best Buy | Returns lacking proof of purchase may be denied or limited | Store credit; may need an email address; sales tax and fees not refunded |
| Apple | Its sales policy says returns and exchanges are made with a receipt | A gift receipt gets an Apple Gift Card |
| Costco | Its return page does not mention receipts | Ask at the returns counter |
Target
Target can find your purchase without the paper receipt when you paid with a Target Circle Card or a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover card. The return barcode in the Target app or on Target.com also works. With no proof of purchase at all, Target may give a merchandise return card and asks for a government-issued ID. That card never expires, but it works only in Target stores, not online, cannot be turned into cash, and only one can be used per transaction. Read the full Target return policy.
Best Buy
Best Buy says a store return goes faster with the packing slip or receipt and the card you paid with. For returns lacking proof of purchase, it says the refund is store credit, may be denied or limited, may require an email address, and does not include state sales taxes and fees. See the Best Buy return policy for windows and fees.
Apple
Apple's sales policy on its Returns and Refunds page says you can return or exchange a product with a receipt within 14 days of receiving it. Orders from apple.com are tied to your Apple Account, so the Order Listing page is where online returns start. Gift returns use the serial number or order number instead. Details are in the Apple return policy.
Costco
Costco's return page explains its satisfaction guarantee and its 90-day window for electronics and major appliances, but it says nothing about receipts or how refunds without one are paid. Check at the warehouse returns counter before you count on a refund. See the Costco return policy.
Online orders
For online orders, the account usually acts as the receipt: Target and Apple both start returns from your order history, and Best Buy prints its prepaid label from the order in your account. For Amazon orders, see the Amazon return policy.
Tips that make a receipt-less return easier
- Pay with a card. Target, for example, can look up card purchases without a paper receipt.
- Use the store's app or account. Target says its Target Wallet history can count as a receipt for owned-brand returns.
- Bring ID. Target asks for a government-issued ID before it issues a merchandise return card.
- Keep the packaging. Target, Best Buy and Apple all ask for items back in new or original condition, with their parts and packaging.
- Expect store credit. Target and Best Buy both say a return without proof of purchase is refunded as store credit or a store card, not cash.
Sources
Target Returns, Target merchandise return card, Best Buy Return and Exchange Policy, Apple Returns and Refunds and Costco return policy. Policies checked October 26, 2026.