Home Depot Return Policy: What You Should Know

patty_c / 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

Not every gift is going to be a winner or fit well within your home, so when you receive something that is not quite right for you, what should you do? Sure, you could store it in a closet and get it out once a year when the in-laws who gave it to you visit, or you could head to the store it was purchased from — like The Home Depot — and return it.

The Home Depot provides a favorable return policy with a 90-day time frame for most items, although there may be certain exceptions. Find out more about The Home Depot return policy below.

Home Depot Return Time Frames

What are the return time frames for items purchased at The Home Depot?

General Home Depot Return Window

The general Home Depot return policy is that you can return unopened items bought at The Home Depot to any location within 90 days of when the item was purchased.

When you return your item, you can either get a full refund or exchange it for something else of equal value in-store. All you will need is your receipt or shipping confirmation email, as well as a valid ID and the credit card that was used for the purchase.

If items were purchased using The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, The Home Depot Commercial Revolving Charge or The Home Depot Commercial Account, you have 365 days from the date of purchase to receive a full refund. This is a generous amount of time to decide whether something should stay or go.

Special Holiday or Promotional Return Extensions

The Home Depot doesn’t have a holiday or promotional return policy. The same return policy applies during the holiday season. 

Exceptions for Specific Categories 

The Home Depot has a clear list of exceptions for specific categories: 

• Items that must be returned within 30 days:
  • Furniture
  • Gas-powered equipment and tractors
  • Generators — unused and in original packaging
  • Consumer electronics, such as TVs and computers
  • Paint sprayers, must be unused and in original packaging
• Items that must be returned in 48 hours:
  • All major appliances
  • Refrigeration appliances
  • Washers 
  • Dryers
  • Ranges 
  • Dishwashers 
  • Some microwaves 

Online vs. In-Store Return Deadlines 

Items purchased online and in-store follow the same return time frames. Just make sure to have a valid sales receipt or proof of purchase when making a return.

What Items Are Eligible for Return?

Your items should meet the following: 

• Be unused
• In original packaging
• In resealable condition 

What are non-returnable items at The Home Depot? According to the website, the following items cannot be returned:

• Sales of gift cards and store credits are final and can only be used for purchasing.
• 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.
• Window coverings.
• Items made by The Home Depot Design Center.

Refund Options at Home Depot

Here are refund options available at The Home Depot: 

• Refund to original payment method: Returns with the original receipt or proof of purchase will be refunded to the original payment method. 
• Exchange for another item: Exchanges may be decided on a case-by-case basis. The website doesn’t list a clear policy on how exchanges are handled. Contact or visit your local Home Depot for more information. 
• Store credit option: If your receipt cannot be located or traced, The Home Depot will issue you a store credit. 

Home Depot Refund Timeline 

There are various refund timelines listed on the Home Depot return policy page. 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 or e-store credit: Up to 24 hours
• Pro trade credit: Up to 24 hours
• PayPal: Up to 30 business days — can be longer
• Check: Up to 2 to 8 business days 

Possible Deductions on Returns

The Home Depot typically doesn’t charge a restocking fee, but special order items may be an exception.

You might also be responsible for return shipping costs if the product’s damage or defect wasn’t The Home Depot’s fault.

3 Common Return Issues and Ways to Solve Them

What about common return issues that come up? Here is how The Home Depot handles these issues: 

Missing 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 or similar accounts, receipts can be located within 365 days of purchase.

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

• Consider the manufacturer’s warranty. If the return period has passed, consult the product’s warranty for repair or replacement options.
• Look into what the protection plan offers. If you purchased a protection plan, you may have additional coverage. 

How To Start a Home Depot Return

You can start your return either in person at a Home Depot store or online through their return portal.

How To Return In-Person 

You can return your product to any Home Depot store.

• Items purchased in-store and online are eligible.
• When returning in-store, bring the following with you:
  • A copy of your receipt, proof of purchase or shipping confirmation email
  • Credit or debit card you used for the item
  • A valid I.D.
• Go to the customer service desk to process your return.

How To Start a Return Online 

You can mail your purchase back to The Home Depot. Here are the steps: 

• Start your return by logging into your 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.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information is accurate as of April 22, 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.

Share This Article: