Quick answer: most items can be returned to Amazon within 30 days. 6 exceptions below can shorten or change that.
Free shipping: Not listed · Returns: 30 days
We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. It never changes what we report. How we make money.
We read Amazon's policy pages ourselves and last checked them on October 13, 2026. Every rule below links to its source.
Amazon return policy at a glance
| What you bought | Return rule |
|---|---|
| Most items | 30 days |
| 7 days | Kindle books bought by accident and not read, undownloaded digital textbooks, songs or albums bought by accident with Alexa |
| 15 days | New Apple and Boost Infinite products; Amazon Haul items over $3 |
| 90 days | Select Amazon Renewed items (Acceptable, Good or Excellent), most nonperishable baby products, mattresses (not crib mattresses), gifts from a Birthday or Custom Gift List |
| 180 days | Gifts from an Amazon Wedding Registry; 365 days: Amazon Renewed Premium items and gifts from a Baby Registry |
| Not returnable | Perishables, Amazon Pharmacy and pet medication, customized items, some digital products, automobiles, and anything marked Final Sale (including trading card games and Haul items of $3 or less) |
| Third-party sellers who ship their own stock handle their own returns (a U.S. return address, a prepaid label, or a refund without a return) | See below |
How returns work at Amazon
- Most items can be returned for a refund or replacement within 30 days of delivery, in original or unused condition. Check the product page for an item's return rules before you buy.
- Start the return in Your Orders. Most items can be returned free at over 8,000 drop-off locations, usually within 5 miles, and most do not need a box or label.
- Returns are generally free, but fees can apply: a return shipping fee if you choose a paid drop-off option, return a heavy or bulky item (50 lb or more, or very large) or have an unusually high return rate.
- Late returns: 20% of the item price if you miss the return-by date by up to 30 days, 100% after that. Damaged, used or incomplete returns can cost up to 50% of the price.
- Opened software, video games, collectible cards, board games and collectible figures carry a 100% restocking fee.
- Refunds can take up to 30 days after Amazon receives the item. Gift card refunds arrive in 2 to 3 hours; credit cards in 3 to 5 business days; debit cards up to 10 business days.
- Items bought in a Bundle with Savings must all be returned for a refund.
Can you return to Amazon without a receipt?
Amazon's return policy pages we checked do not spell out a no-receipt rule. Keep your receipt or order email, and ask at the store before you count on a refund. Compare other stores in our no-receipt returns guide.
Free shipping at Amazon
We could not confirm Amazon's free shipping rules on its own pages, so we have left them out rather than guess. Compare the stores we could check on our free shipping minimums page.
How Amazon compares
Amazon's standard 30-day window is right at the middle of the 229 stores we track with a fixed window (the median is 30 days). See every store side by side in our return window comparison.
Other department & big box stores:
- Walmart return policy: 90 days, shipping free at $35
- Target return policy: 90 days, shipping free at $35
- Kohl's return policy: 90 days, shipping free at $49
- Nordstrom return policy: No fixed deadline, shipping free, no minimum listed
Sources
We took every rule on this page from Amazon's own website and checked it on October 13, 2026. Policies change, sometimes without notice, so confirm on Amazon's site before you rely on a deadline.
Spotted a change? Tell us and we will recheck it. Past changes are in our policy change log.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you have to return something to Amazon?
30 days for most items. Exceptions include: 7 days: Kindle books bought by accident and not read, undownloaded digital textbooks, songs or albums bought by accident with Alexa; 15 days: new Apple and Boost Infinite products; Amazon Haul items over $3; 90 days: select Amazon Renewed items (Acceptable, Good or Excellent), most nonperishable baby products, mattresses (not crib mattresses), gifts from a Birthday or Custom Gift List.
Can you return to Amazon without a receipt?
Amazon's policy pages we checked do not spell out a no-receipt rule. Ask at the store first.
Does Amazon extend returns for the holidays?
The Amazon policy pages we checked on October 13, 2026 do not mention an extended holiday return window.
