Compare · Checked October 13, 2026
DICK'S Sporting Goods vs Academy Sports + Outdoors return policy
Return windows, free shipping, price match, mail return fees and holiday rules at DICK'S Sporting Goods and Academy Sports + Outdoors, side by side, from each store’s own policy.
The short answer
- DICK'S Sporting Goods gives you longer to return most items: 90 days versus 60.
- DICK'S Sporting Goods publishes a price match or adjustment policy; we have not found one for Academy Sports + Outdoors.
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DICK'S Sporting Goods vs Academy Sports + Outdoors side by side
| DICK'S Sporting Goods | Academy Sports + Outdoors | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 90 days | 60 days |
| Free shipping | Not listed | Not listed |
| Price match | Yes | Not stated |
| Mail return fee | No fee listed | No fee listed |
| Holiday returns | None listed yet | None listed yet |
| No receipt | With proof of purchase (order number, confirmation email, receipt, packing slip or return barcode) the refund goes back to your original payment for most purchases. Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, PayPal and some other payments are refunded as a DICK'S gift card. | A full refund to the original payment needs the receipt or packing slip. |
| Good to know | Paid with Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna or PayPal? Refunds come as a DICK'S gift card. | A full refund to the original payment needs the receipt or packing slip. |
| Shop | Shop at DICK'S Sporting Goods | Shop at Academy Sports + Outdoors |
DICK'S Sporting Goods exceptions
- DICK'S Warehouse and Going, Going, Gone! stores: 30 days
- Final sale: trading cards, custom or special order items, autographed memorabilia, items needing fuel, airbeds, gift cards
- Bikes: generally not returnable, except unused bikes within a 24-hour size and color check window
- Used baseball and softball bats
- Not returnable once opened: football helmets, air beds, electric scooters and bikes, face coverings, mouthguards, ice rinks, portable toilets, Whoop trackers
- Opened Hyperice and Theragun products: 30 days
- Pre-owned, demo and refurbished items and Nike Adapt shoes: exchange only, within 7 days
- Peloton and NordicTrack treadmills have their own return processes
Full details, sources and the date we checked: DICK'S Sporting Goods return policy.
Academy Sports + Outdoors exceptions
- May have restrictions or exclusions: firearms and ammunition, bows, crossbows, knives and hunting gear, boats and kayaks, fuel-powered items, bats, golf clubs, racquets, fishing rods and reels, electronics, air beds, massage guns, hoverboards, e-bikes, scooters, bikes, trading cards and gift cards
Full details, sources and the date we checked: Academy Sports + Outdoors return policy.
Frequently asked questions
Which has the better return policy, DICK'S Sporting Goods or Academy Sports + Outdoors?
DICK'S Sporting Goods gives you longer to return most items: 90 days versus 60. DICK'S Sporting Goods publishes a price match or adjustment policy; we have not found one for Academy Sports + Outdoors. The right choice depends on what you are buying; check the exceptions for your item.
Can I return a DICK'S Sporting Goods item to Academy Sports + Outdoors?
No. Each store only takes back what it sold. Return the item to the store you bought it from.
Both stores’ rules come from their own policy pages, checked October 13, 2026. Sources are on each store page.