Quick answer: most items can be returned to Barnes & Noble within 30 days. 4 exceptions below can shorten or change that.
Free shipping: Free at $60 · Returns: 30 days
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We read Barnes & Noble's policy pages ourselves and last checked them on October 13, 2026. Every rule below links to its source.
Barnes & Noble return policy at a glance
| What you bought | Return rule |
|---|---|
| Most items | 30 days |
| NOOK devices from bn.com | 14 days from receipt, undamaged |
| Textbooks | Store credit |
| Opened or unsealed media | Generally not returnable (defective items can be exchanged for the same product) |
| Not returnable | EBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, access codes, gift cards, magazines, newspapers, used books and orders of 50 or more copies |
How returns work at Barnes & Noble
- bn.com orders: 30 days after delivery; store purchases: 30 days from purchase.
- In-store returns need the store receipt; returns and exchanges are not allowed without one. Gift receipts get store credit within 60 days.
- bn.com orders can be returned in a store with the packing slip or order email and the original payment, or by mail at your own cost (the packing slip is not a prepaid label).
- Shipping fees are not refunded.
Can you return to Barnes & Noble without a receipt?
In-store returns need the store receipt; returns and exchanges are not allowed without one. Gift receipts get store credit within 60 days.
See how other stores handle it in our no-receipt returns guide.
Free shipping at Barnes & Noble
Free standard shipping in the U.S. on eligible bn.com orders of $60 or more (after discounts, before tax). Premium and Legacy members get free shipping from $15.
- Not counted or not eligible: gift cards, magazines, digital products, Premium Membership, oversized or overweight items, and orders where you change from Standard Shipping.
- If returns or cancellations drop an order below $60, shipping charges may apply.
More detail, including how much you need to add to your cart: Barnes & Noble free shipping.
Member perks
B&N Premium and Legacy members: free shipping from $15.
How Barnes & Noble compares
Barnes & Noble'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 books & media stores:
- Books-A-Million return policy: 30 days, shipping not listed
Sources
We took every rule on this page from Barnes & Noble's own website and checked it on October 13, 2026. Policies change, sometimes without notice, so confirm on Barnes & Noble's site before you rely on a deadline.
- https://help.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5324602017691-Refund-and-Return-Policies
- https://help.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5335188103323-Free-Shipping-Requirements
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 Barnes & Noble?
30 days for most items. Exceptions include: NOOK devices from bn.com: 14 days from receipt, undamaged; Textbooks: store credit; Opened or unsealed media: generally not returnable (defective items can be exchanged for the same product).
Can you return to Barnes & Noble without a receipt?
In-store returns need the store receipt; returns and exchanges are not allowed without one. Gift receipts get store credit within 60 days.
Does Barnes & Noble have free shipping?
Free standard shipping in the U.S. on eligible bn.com orders of $60 or more (after discounts, before tax). Premium and Legacy members get free shipping from $15.
Does Barnes & Noble extend returns for the holidays?
The Barnes & Noble policy pages we checked on October 13, 2026 do not mention an extended holiday return window.
