Kohl’s Return Policy 2025: Time Limits, Exceptions and How Returns Work

Lokibaho / 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

If you’re wondering how the Kohl’s return policy works before you bring something back, you’re not alone. With different timelines for regular purchases, Sephora at Kohl’s and premium electronics, it can be hard to know what actually qualifies for a refund or exchange.

This guide walks you through the essentials — like how many days you get, what you can’t return, how refunds are issued and what to expect during the holidays — so you can handle your Kohl’s returns without guesswork.

Quick Facts: Kohl’s Return Policy at a Glance

Big Picture: Returns are a huge part of shopping now — retailers expect about 15.8% of all sales, or $849.9 billion, to be returned in 2025. That’s why stores like Kohl’s have clearer, more structured policies.

Kohl’s Return Timeframes in 2025

If you remember one thing about the Kohl’s return policy, make it this section. Your return window depends on how you paid and what you bought.

Standard Return Window

For most items:

• 90 days from purchase for non-Kohl’s Card payments
• 120 days from purchase if you paid with a Kohl’s Card

Kohl’s accepts most returns with or without a receipt, as long as the item is in saleable condition and within the correct timeframe.

Shorter Return Windows for Special Categories

Some products have tighter rules:

• Premium electronics & watches
  • Must be returned within 30 days of purchase
  • Original packaging and a valid receipt or account lookup required
• Sephora at Kohl’s beauty products
  • Must be new or gently used
  • Returned within 30 days with a receipt or account lookup
  • Final-sale items can’t be returned
• Baby registry items
  • Up to 365 days with a gift or original receipt

Holiday Return Extensions

For the 2025 holiday season, Kohl’s is extending some return windows:

• Most purchases made Oct. 5 to 31, 2025, are eligible for free, in-store returns through Jan. 31, 2026
• Sephora at Kohl’s purchases made Oct. 31 to Dec. 30, 2025, and premium electronics & watches bought Oct. 5 to Dec. 30, 2025, can also be returned until Jan. 31, 2026

Always double-check your receipt or email confirmation, because Kohl’s will honor whichever window is longer — the standard policy or the holiday extension.

What Kohl’s Items Are Eligible for Return?

Most everyday purchases will qualify as long as they’re in good condition.

Items You Can Usually Return

• Unworn, unwashed clothing with tags attached
• Shoes in their original box
• Home goods like bedding, décor and kitchenware
• Most online orders (in-store or by mail)

Kohl’s can often look up your purchase by:

• Order number
• Kohl’s Rewards account
• Credit/debit card used
• Barcode in the Kohl’s app Kohl’s

If they can’t find it, you’ll generally receive a merchandise credit at the lowest price the item sold for in the last 13 weeks.

Items You Can’t Return

Some items are strictly non-returnable:

• Beverages
• Opened or unsealed breast pumps and accessories
• Certain final sale or “non-returnable” items
• Some beauty products marked final sale at Sephora at Kohl’s

Large furniture or appliances delivered via Kohl’s Threshold Delivery also have special return rules and fees, covered below.

How Kohl’s Refunds Work

Once Kohl’s approves your return, your refund method depends on how you originally paid and whether you have proof of purchase.

Refund Methods

• Original payment method
  • Credit/debit card or Kohl’s Card
  • PayPal or other online methods (for online orders)
• Kohl’s Merchandise Credit
  • Used when there’s no receipt and the purchase can’t be looked up
  • Issued for the item’s lowest sale price in the last 13 weeks

How Long Refunds Take

• In-store returns
  • Refunds to the original card usually show within about 7 days, depending on your bank
  • Merchandise credit and cash refunds (when applicable) are usually the same day
• Returns by mail
  • Kohl’s says it may take up to 30 days after it receives your package to process your refund

Kohl’s Cash and Rewards Adjustments

If your original purchase earned or used Kohl’s Cash, your refund may be adjusted:

• Returning items that earned Kohl’s Cash can void or reduce that Kohl’s Cash if your new total drops below the earning threshold
• If you already used the Kohl’s Cash, your refund may be reduced to account for that value

Kohl’s In-Store vs. Online Returns

You can return most items either in-store or, for online orders, by mail. Here’s how the two options compare.

Return Options at a Glance

Pro Tip: Returning in-store is usually faster and cheaper since there’s no shipping cost and you can often make size/color exchanges on the spot.

Special Rules for Big Items: Threshold Delivery Returns

If you bought large items like furniture or appliances that were delivered by Kohl’s Threshold Delivery, the return rules are different:

• These items cannot be returned in-store
• You must arrange a return via a delivery service through Kohl’s Customer Service
• Shipping and surcharges are non-refundable
• There’s typically a 15% restocking fee unless the item is defective

Always check your invoice for the Threshold Return instructions and call customer service if you’re unsure.

Common Kohl’s Return Problems and How To Fix Them

“I Lost My Receipt”

• Kohl’s will try to look up your purchase using your card, Kohl’s Rewards account, order number or app barcode
• If they can’t find it, you’ll usually receive a merchandise credit for the lowest price in the last 13 weeks

“My Item Is Damaged or Defective”

• Bring it in-store or start a return for your online order
• For online returns, take clear photos and include details when you contact customer service
• If it’s clearly defective, Kohl’s often offers a replacement or refund, especially when it’s within your return window

“I Missed the Return Deadline”

• Once you’re past the 90- or 120-day window (or shorter windows for special items), acceptance is up to the store’s discretion
• Some locations may still offer store credit, especially for new, tagged items — but it’s not guaranteed

How To Start a Kohl’s Return (Step-by-Step)

In-Store Returns

1. Bring the item to any Kohl’s store.
2. Take your receipt, order confirmation or payment card if you have it.
3. Head to the Customer Service counter.
4. Choose refund to your original payment method, exchange or merchandise credit (when applicable).

Online Purchases Returned by Mail

1. Sign in to your account on their website from a desktop.
2. Go to Order History and select the order with the item you want to return.
3. Print the packing slip/receipt for that item. Kohl’s
4. Pack the item securely with all tags and packaging.
5. Mail it to the Kohl’s Return Center address listed on the website/packing slip.
6. Watch for your refund within up to 30 days after Kohl’s receives your package.

Remember: You’re responsible for return shipping costs, and Kohl’s doesn’t currently provide prepaid labels for mail returns.

Final Take to GO: Is Kohl’s Return Policy Good for Shoppers?

Kohl’s still offers one of the more flexible return policies in retail, especially with 90 and 120-day windows on most items and generous holiday extensions. You’ll get the best experience by:

• Returning items within the correct timeframe
• Keeping receipts or using your Kohl’s Rewards account for easy lookups
• Handling most returns in-store to avoid postage and speed up refunds

As long as you know the key rules and deadlines, the Kohl’s return policy can make it much easier to shop confidently and fix things when your purchase doesn’t work out.

Share This Article: