Quick answer: most items can be returned to American Eagle within 30 days. 3 exceptions below can shorten or change that.
Free shipping: Free at $75 · Returns: 30 days
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We read American Eagle's policy pages ourselves and last checked them on October 13, 2026. Every rule below links to its source.
American Eagle return policy at a glance
| What you bought | Return rule |
|---|---|
| Most items | 30 days |
| Final Sale items | No returns or exchanges |
| Swimsuits and underwear | Hygienic liners must be in place |
| Days 31 to 60 | Merchandise credit instead of a refund |
How returns work at American Eagle
- Full refund within 30 days of purchase (online orders get an extra 7 days), or merchandise credit within 60 days. Items must be unworn, unwashed and undamaged with tags.
- Returns and exchanges at any AE, Aerie, Offline or AE Factory store are free. In-store purchases cannot be returned online.
- Mail returns cost $5 per return, free for Real Rewards Level 3 members, credit cardmembers, and for Aerie bras, bralettes, swimsuits and third-party footwear.
- A refund needs proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, order history or order email); without it you can only exchange for a different size.
- Mail refunds can take 2 to 4 weeks; Real Rewards members get an instant AEO e-gift card credit when they start a return.
Can you return to American Eagle without a receipt?
A refund needs proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, order history or order email); without it you can only exchange for a different size.
See how other stores handle it in our no-receipt returns guide.
Free shipping at American Eagle
Free standard shipping on orders of $75 or more; under $75, standard shipping is a flat $7.95. Real Rewards members can qualify sooner.
- Real Rewards Level 2: free standard shipping at $50. Level 3: free at $25. Real Rewards Credit Cardmembers: free standard shipping with no minimum listed.
- The member rates exclude clearance products.
More detail, including how much you need to add to your cart: American Eagle free shipping.
Member perks
Real Rewards (free): lower free-shipping thresholds by level and free mail returns at Level 3.
How American Eagle compares
American Eagle'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 clothing & shoes stores:
- Old Navy return policy: 30 days, shipping free at $50
- Gap return policy: 30 days, shipping free at $50
- lululemon return policy: 30 days, shipping not listed
- Nike return policy: 60 days, shipping free at $50
Sources
We took every rule on this page from American Eagle's own website and checked it on October 13, 2026. Policies change, sometimes without notice, so confirm on American Eagle's site before you rely on a deadline.
- https://www.ae.com/us/en/content/help/return-policy
- https://www.ae.com/us/en/content/help/shipping-handling
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 American Eagle?
30 days for most items. Exceptions include: Final Sale items: no returns or exchanges; Swimsuits and underwear: hygienic liners must be in place; Days 31 to 60: merchandise credit instead of a refund.
Can you return to American Eagle without a receipt?
A refund needs proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, order history or order email); without it you can only exchange for a different size.
Does American Eagle have free shipping?
Free standard shipping on orders of $75 or more; under $75, standard shipping is a flat $7.95. Real Rewards members can qualify sooner.
Does American Eagle extend returns for the holidays?
The American Eagle policy pages we checked on October 13, 2026 do not mention an extended holiday return window.
