Macy’s Return Policy: Everything You Need To Know

Wolterk / Getty Images

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Shopping at Macy’s comes with a wide range of perks — from seasonal sales to premium brands. But when something doesn’t work out, understanding Macy’s return policy is key to making the process smooth and stress-free.

Whether you’re returning a fragrance, home item, or something you bought online, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: how long you have, what’s eligible, how to return without a receipt and what to do if you’re past the return window.

Let’s clear things up so you can feel confident about your next return.

Check Out: 5 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money

How Long Do You Have to Return Items?

In most cases, Macy’s gives you 30 days to return an item from the date of purchase or delivery. However, depending on what you bought — and how — you may have up to 90 days or only 14 days in some cases.

Macy’s Return Policy Overview:

• Standard Return Window: 30 days
• Macy’s Star Rewards Members (Platinum & Gold): 90 days
• Apple products: 14 days
• Tech Accessories: 30 days
• Fragrances and Beauty Products: 30 days unopened
• Holiday Purchases: Extended returns through Jan. 31

Macy’s return policy after 30 days: Returns made after 30 days are typically denied unless you’re a Gold or Platinum Macy’s Star Rewards member, in which case you have 90 days.

What Items Can Be Returned?

Macy’s accepts returns on most new, unused merchandise, whether bought in-store or online if you still have the original packaging and proof of purchase.

Eligible Items

• Clothing, shoes and accessories
• Beauty and skincare (unopened)
• Small kitchen appliances
• Bedding, decor and housewares
• Most online orders

Conditions

• Items must be unworn and unused
• Original tags and packaging should be intact
• Include receipt or packing slip when possible

Exceptions to the Return Policy

Some items follow stricter rules or aren’t returnable at all. Here’s what to watch for:

Non-Returnable or Limited Return Items:

• Final sale and clearance items
• Personalized or customized merchandise
• Opened perfume or beauty items (unless defective)
• Furniture and mattresses (return fees apply)
• Gift cards
• Apple products (must be returned within 14 days)

Macy’s return policy on perfume: Unopened perfumes can be returned within 30 days. If opened, they may only be returned if defective — and even then, some restrictions apply.

Macy’s Refund Options

When your return is approved, you can choose how you want to be refunded based on how you paid.

Refund Methods

• Original payment method: Credit card, debit card, gift card, PayPal, etc.
• Store credit: For returns without a receipt
• Cash refunds: Only available for purchases originally made with cash

Refund Timeline

• In-store: Typically processed on the spot
• Online Returns: 5 to 10 business days after the item is received
• PayPal Orders: Refunded to PayPal within 3 to 5 business days

In-Store vs. Online Returns

You can return Macy’s purchases both in-store and online, depending on your preference and where the item was originally purchased.

Common Return Issues & How To Solve Them

Lost Your Receipt?

Macy’s can often look up your purchase using the card you paid with, your Macy’s account or your order number. Without any of those, you may still get store credit for the item’s lowest selling price.

Received a Damaged or Wrong Item?

If your item was damaged in transit or not what you ordered, contact Macy’s customer service at 1-800-BUY-MACY or use their online chat. Take photos and report the issue within your return window.

Missed the Return Deadline?

If you’re past the 30-day limit and not a rewards member, your return might be declined. However, store managers may offer store credit at their discretion — especially if the item is unworn and in resellable condition.

How To Start a Return

Whether you’re going in-store or mailing your return, the process is simple. Here’s how:

In-Store

1. Bring the item, original packaging and receipt (or ID).
2. Visit any Macy’s location and go to the customer service counter.
3. Receive an immediate refund or exchange.

Macy’s Online Return Policy Steps

1. Log into their website.
2. Select the item(s) you want to return.
3. Choose your return reason and method.
4. Print the prepaid shipping label.
5. Package your item and drop it off at UPS or USPS.

If you don’t have a printer, you can use the QR code emailed to you and show it at UPS to print the label for free.

Final Take to GO: Macy’s Return Policy Is Easy — If You Know the Rules

Macy’s return policy is generally flexible, especially for regular shoppers or Star Rewards members.

Whether you’re sending back a gift, returning a fragrance or managing an online order, knowing the timelines and exceptions helps avoid delays and frustrations.

To make your return easier:

• Stick to the 30-day window (or 90 if you’re a loyalty member)
• Keep receipts and order confirmations
• Always check item eligibility, especially for perfume and final sale items

Chris Ozarowski contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information is accurate as of May 2, 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.

Share This Article: