The Barnes and Noble return policy gives you 30 days to return most items in original condition, with 60 days for gift returns when you have a gift receipt. Opened digital content, used books, and gift cards are not eligible for return. This 2025 guide walks you through what qualifies, how to return online or in-store, and how to get a refund or store credit without the guesswork.
Key takeaways
- Barnes and Noble accepts returns within 30 days for most items, provided they are in original condition.
- Gift returns are allowed within 60 days for store credit with a gift receipt.
- Proof of purchase is required for all returns—receipt, packing slip, or order confirmation email.
- Opened digital content, magazines, newspapers, gift cards, and used books are non-returnable.
What is the Barnes And Noble Return Policy?
General Return Window
- Most items purchased from Barnes & Noble—whether in-store or online—can be returned within 30 days of the purchase or delivery date.
- During the holiday season, Barnes & Noble typically extends the return window. For example, items bought between November 1 and December 31 may be returned through January 31 of the following year.
- Gift returns have a longer window: with a gift receipt, you have 60 days from the purchase date to return the item for store credit.
Product-Specific Return Periods
- Books, Toys, Games, CDs, DVDs, Electronics, Audiobooks, Vinyl: 30 days standard return window, Extended to Jan 31 holiday return window, 60 days (store credit) gift return window.
- NOOK Devices: 14 days standard and gift return window, Holiday return window not specified.
- Textbooks: 30 days standard return window, Holiday return window not specified, 60 days (store credit) gift return window.
- Digital Content: Non-returnable.
Note: Returns or exchanges are not permitted after the respective return window has closed.
Condition Requirements for Returns
- Original Condition: Items must be returned in their original, unused condition. For shrink-wrapped or sealed products, the seal must be intact; opened items are not eligible for return unless defective.
- Defective Items: If an item is defective or damaged (including packaging), Barnes & Noble will exchange it for the same product, even if opened.
- Books: Must be unread and undamaged.
- Electronics (e.g., NOOK): Must be undamaged and include all original accessories and packaging.
- Other Products: Toys, games, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl must be unopened and in new condition.
- Exceptions: Opened music CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks can only be exchanged for the same title if defective.
Barnes and Noble was founded in 1873 by Charles M. Barnes and G. Clifford Noble in Wheaton, Illinois and now has 600 stores in all 50 states.
Accepted Proof of Purchase
- Original Receipt: Required for all returns and exchanges to receive a refund to the original payment method.
- Packing Slip or Order Confirmation Email: Accepted for online purchases.
- Gift Receipt: Allows returns within 60 days for store credit or a Barnes & Noble gift card.
- Loyalty Program Account: Purchases linked to your Barnes & Noble account may be verified by customer service.
- No Proof of Purchase: Returns without a receipt are generally not accepted.
Special Cases:
- PayPal Purchases: Refunds are issued as store credit or a gift card if returned in-store.
- Check Payments: Store credit is issued if the return is within 7 days of purchase.
Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
Some items are considered final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged under any circumstances, except if defective:
- Opened digital content (eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, access codes)
- Gift cards
- Magazines and newspapers
- Used books
- Opened shrink-wrapped items (unless defective)
- Bulk orders (50+ copies)
- Personalized or custom items
- Print-on-demand books (B&N Press)
- Memberships and subscriptions (subject to specific terms)
Exceptions:
If a final sale item is defective or damaged, contact customer service for an exchange or assistance.
How to Start a Barnes and Noble Return
In-Store Purchases
- Bring the item and original receipt (or gift receipt) to any Barnes & Noble store within 30 days.
- Present the item at the customer service desk.
- Refunds are processed to the original payment method; if unavailable, store credit is issued.
Online Purchases
In-Store Return:
- Bring the item, packing slip, or order confirmation email to any Barnes & Noble store.
- Refunds are processed as above.
Mail Return:
- Locate your packing slip or print your shipping confirmation email.
- Pack the item securely and include the documentation.
- Write your order number on the outside of the box.
- Ship to the Returns Department address provided on the packing slip.
- Pay for return shipping unless the item is defective or incorrect.
Gift Returns
Return with a gift receipt for store credit or a gift card within 60 days.
Defective Items
Bring to a store or contact customer service for an exchange.
For NOOK devices, request a return authorization before mailing.
Barnes and Noble refund Policy
- Original Payment Method: Most refunds are issued to the original payment method within 7–10 business days after the return is processed.
- Store Credit/Gift Card: Issued if the original payment method is unavailable or for PayPal/check purchases.
- Check Refunds: In rare cases, refunds may be issued by check, especially for international orders or special circumstances.
- Shipping Fees: Not refundable unless the item was defective or incorrect.
- Processing Delays: Refund times may vary based on payment method and return method (in-store vs. mail).
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
Return Policy Full Breakdown
- Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
- Electronics, appliances, and gas-powered items have a 30-day return window.
- Always keep your receipt or order confirmation for smoother returns.
- Returns without a receipt may be eligible for in-store credit at the lowest price.
- Custom, cut, clearance, and special order items are generally non-returnable.
- Defective items should be reported within 3 days of receipt for online orders.
- Online purchases can be returned in-store or by mail (shipping fees apply).
- A 25% restocking fee applies to some special order or opened items.
- Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7–10 business days.
- Gift returns with a gift receipt are typically refunded as in-store credit.
- A government-issued photo ID is required for returns without a receipt.
- Items missing the original UPC can only be exchanged for an identical product.
- Purchases made with in-store credit, coupons, or gift cards are refunded as in-store credit.
- Items bought during rebate promotions require the rebate receipt for a full refund.
- Always check item-specific return policies at the time of purchase.
Barnes and Noble Return policy FAQs
What is the standard return window for Barnes and Noble purchases in 2025?
You have 30 days from the date of purchase (in-store) or delivery (online) to return most items.
What is the Barnes and Noble return policy for gifts without a receipt?
Yes, with a gift receipt, you can return the item within 60 days for store credit or a gift card.
Can I return opened books, media, or merchandise to Barnes and Noble?
Opened items are not eligible unless defective. Defective opened items can be exchanged for the same product.
What proof of purchase is required to return items to Barnes and Noble?
A receipt, packing slip, or order confirmation email is required. Gift returns require a gift receipt.
Can I return BarnesandNoble.com orders to a Barnes and Noble store?
Yes, online purchases can be returned at any Barnes & Noble store with the appropriate documentation.
Does Barnes and Noble refund original shipping charges on returns?
No, shipping fees are not refunded unless the item was defective or incorrect.
Which products are non-returnable under the Barnes and Noble return policy?
Digital content, gift cards, magazines, newspapers, used books, opened shrink-wrapped items (unless defective), bulk orders, personalized items, and print-on-demand books.
How long does it take to receive a refund from Barnes and Noble after a return?
Refunds are typically processed within 7–10 business days after the return is accepted.
How does Barnes and Noble process returns paid with PayPal or personal check?
Refunds for PayPal or check purchases are issued as store credit or a gift card.
What is the return process for defective NOOK devices or accessories?
Contact customer service for a return authorization or bring the device to a store within 14 days of purchase.