Lowe’s Return Policy: Everything You Need To Know

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Whether you bought the wrong type of paint, your new light fixture didn’t match your décor, or your tools didn’t perform as expected, knowing how Lowe’s return policy works can save you time and frustration.

Lowe’s offers one of the more flexible return policies among major home improvement retailers, but it comes with specific conditions, timelines and exceptions.

This guide answers all your questions about how long you have to return items, what’s eligible, what happens if you lose your receipt and how refunds work, so you can return your item with confidence.

How Long Do You Have to Return Items?

Lowe’s standard return policy gives you 90 days from the date of purchase to return most new, unused items with proof of purchase.

Special Timelines

Some product categories have shorter return windows:

• Major appliances: 48 hours after delivery
• Outdoor power equipment (e.g., mowers, chainsaws): 30 days
• Holiday items: Must be returned by December 31 of the same holiday season

Pro Tip: If you used a Lowe’s Commercial Account, Lowe’s Business Advantage or Lowe’s Advantage Card, you may get up to 365 days to return eligible items.

What Items Are Eligible for Return?

Most items sold at Lowe’s can be returned within the eligible window if they’re:

• Unused
• In original, sellable condition
• Accompanied by a receipt or proof of purchase

Items You Can’t Return:

• Gift cards
• Custom products (e.g., blinds cut to size, tinted paint)
• Installed appliances after 48 hours
• Clearance or “as-is” final sale items
• Perishable goods like plants or flowers after a certain timeframe

Note: Paint is often eligible for Lowe’s “Paint Guarantee,” which lets you exchange it if the color isn’t quite right, even if it’s tinted.

Refund Options

Lowe’s offers multiple refund options depending on how you paid and the condition of the return.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Original payment method: Refunds are issued back to your credit/debit card or cash if you paid in-store.
• Store credit: If you don’t have a receipt but the return is accepted, you’ll receive store credit for the item’s current selling price.
• Check purchases: Refunds over $500 may be issued as a corporate check mailed to you.

Refund Timeline

• Credit/Debit Cards: 5 to 7 business days
• Cash: Same-day if under $500
• Mail-in Refunds: 7 to 10 business days after processing

In-Store vs. Online Returns

Returning items to Lowe’s is possible both in-store and online, but the steps and timelines differ.

Common Return Issues & How To Solve Them

Lost Your Receipt?

No worries — Lowe’s can usually look up your purchase if you paid with:

• Credit/debit card
• Lowe’s card or account
• MyLowe’s membership

Otherwise, you may receive store credit based on the current price.

Item Damaged or Defective?

Bring it back to the store or call 1-800-445-6937 for online orders. Most defective items are eligible for a refund or exchange if reported within the return window.

Missed the Return Deadline?

If you’re past the window, you might still be able to return the item for store credit, but approval is up to store management.

Got a Partial Refund?

This may happen if:

• You returned the item without packaging or accessories
• The item was opened or slightly used
• You missed the return window

How To Start a Return

Returning a Lowe’s item is pretty straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

In-Store

1. Bring the item, your receipt and a valid photo ID.
2. Visit any Lowe’s customer service desk.
3. Request a refund or exchange.

Online Return

1. Log into your account or visit the Order Lookup tool.
2. Select the item you want to return.
3. Choose “Start a Return” and follow the prompts.
4. Print your return shipping label.
5. Package the item and drop it off at the carrier or schedule a pickup.

For large items like appliances or lumber, Lowe’s may arrange return pickup.

Final Take to GO: Lowe’s Return Policy Is Flexible, But Know the Fine Print

Lowe’s return policy is one of the more customer-friendly options among major retailers, especially with its 90-day window and broad eligibility. But like most policies, there are exceptions and fine print to know before you start a return.

The key is to:

• Keep your receipt
• Return items as soon as possible
• Know which categories have special rules

Information is accurate as of May 1, 2025.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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