Home Depot Return Policy: Everything You Need To Know
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHC™
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau, CFHC™
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Not every gift is going to be a winner or fit well within your home, so when something isn’t quite right, returning it may be the easiest way to get something you’ll actually use. If it came from The Home Depot, the store’s flexible return policy gives you several options for getting your money back or exchanging your item.
Home Depot Return Time Frames
Here are the timelines for Home Depot returns:
| Return Window | Category |
|---|---|
| 48 hours | All major appliances — refrigeration appliances, washers, dryers, ranges, dishwashers and some microwaves |
| 7 days | Dehumidifiers, window and portable air conditioners, gas pressure washers |
| 30 days | Furniture, tractors, consumer electronics and paint sprayers — unused and in original packaging |
| 90 days | Most general merchandise |
| 365 days | Items purchased with a Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, The Home Depot Commercial Revolving Charge or The Home Depot Commercial Account |
- General return window: Most unopened or unused items can be returned to any location within 90 days with proof of purchase. Be sure to bring a valid ID and the credit card or debit card originally used.
- Extended 365-day return — credit card exception: If you used a Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, Commercial Revolving Charge or Commercial Account, you have 365 days from the date of purchase to receive a refund on most items.
- Special holiday or promotional return extensions: Home Depot does not offer special holiday return extensions. Its standard policy applies year-round.
What Items Are Eligible for Return?
Your items should meet the following:
- Be unused
- In original packaging
- Undamaged condition
What Are Non-Returnable Items at the Home Depot?
According to the website, the following items cannot be returned:
- Gift cards and store credits
- Whole house and stationary generators
- Utility trailers
- Cut flowers and floral arrangements
- Labor, delivery and/or installation services
- Product samples, such as paint, flooring, fabric and wallpaper
- Tinted paint
- Items made by The Home Depot Design Center
Home Depot Refund Options
Here are the refund options available at The Home Depot:
- Refund to original payment method: Returns with a receipt can be refunded to the original payment method.
- Exchange for another item: Exchanges may be handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact or visit your local Home Depot store for options.
- Store credit: If your receipt cannot be located or traced, The Home Depot will issue you a store credit.
Refund Timelines
Here are the processing times for various payment methods:
- Credit card: Up to 10 business days
- Debit card: Up to 10 business days
- Prepaid debit card: Up to 30 business days
- Cash: Instant
- Gift card: Up to 24 hours
- Store credit: Up to 24 hours
- Pro trade credit: Up to 24 hours
- PayPal: Up to 30 business days — can be longer
- Check: 2 to 8 business days
Good To Know
The Home Depot doesn’t charge a restocking fee on most items. However, returns of special order items may be charged a restocking fee.
Shipping fees may be charged if the defect or damage of the product returned wasn’t caused by The Home Depot.
Home Depot In-Store vs. Online Returns
Not sure whether to return your item in store or online? Here’s a quick side-by-side look.
| Feature | In-Store Return | Online Return |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Refunds are processed immediately | Refunds are usually issued 5 to 10 business days after inspection |
| Refund method | Return to the original payment method | Return to the original payment method |
| Cost | Free | Free return shipping with a prepaid label |
| Receipt requirement | Bring the item, original packaging and receipt | Package and ship the item with the return label |
Common Home Depot Return Issues
Run into a return snag? Here’s how The Home Depot typically addresses the most common issues:
- Missing receipt: If you paid with a credit/debit card or check, Home Depot can often retrieve your receipt within 90 days. For purchases made with a Home Depot credit card, receipts can be located within 365 days.
- Damaged or defective item: Report any damages or defects to online customer support within 30 days by calling 1-800-430-3376. For major appliances, report damages within 48 hours of delivery by calling 1-800-455-3869.
- Missed the return deadline: If you’re outside the return window, the store may still be able to locate a receipt, but returns may be denied unless covered by a 365-day credit card return benefit or plant guarantee.
How To Start a Home Depot Return
What is the process for a return?
Returning In-Person
- Head to your local Home Depot store.
- Bring your receipt, proof of purchase or shipping confirmation email, or credit or debit card you used for the item — plus a valid ID.
- Go to the customer service desk to process your return.
Returning Online
- Log in to your Home Depot account.
- Go to your order details page or click the “Return Items” button.
- While processing your return, you can chat online or reach out to customer support by calling 1-800-430-3376.
- Orders that are eligible will receive a shipping label via email to print.
- Attach this label to your package.
- Drop off your return at your nearest UPS Access Point location.
Final Take
Home Depot has a generous return policy. Most general merchandise items can be returned in 90 days and if you make a purchase through a Home Depot credit card, you have 365 days. Home Depot accepts returns in-person and online.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about the Home Depot return policy.- How long do you have to return to Home Depot?
- The timing for Home Depot returns varies:
- 48 hours to return major appliances
- 7 days for select equipment
- 30 days for certain categories
- 90 days for most merchandise
- 365 days if you purchased on a qualifying Home Depot credit card
- The timing for Home Depot returns varies:
- What items cannot be returned to Home Depot after 30 days?
- The following items cannot be returned after 30 days:
- Furniture
- Tractors
- Framing and roofing compressors
- Consumer electronics
- The following items cannot be returned after 30 days:
- What is Home Depot's policy on returns without a receipt?
- If you paid with a credit/debit card or check, The Home Depot can often retrieve your receipt within 90 days of purchase. For purchases made with The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, receipts can be located within 365 days of purchase.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
Information is accurate as of Nov. 26, 2025, and is subject to change.
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.
