Worried that new laptop, TV, or phone might not be the perfect fit? Best Buy’s 2025 return policy gives shoppers a fair return window — but the rules depend heavily on what you bought and whether you’re a My Best Buy member.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: return timelines, membership perks, restocking fees, non-returnable items, refund processing times, and what to expect if you lost your receipt. No guesswork. No confusion. Just a clear breakdown so you can return confidently.
Key takeaways
- Most products have a 15-day return window for standard customers.
- My Best Buy Plus™ and My Best Buy Total™ members get 60 days to return most items.
- Activatable devices (phones, tablets, wearables) have a strict 14-day return window for everyone.
- Restocking fees may apply to certain tech categories.
- Some items are always final sale.
What is the Best Buy Return Policy?
Return Windows by Membership LevelMost Products:
- Standard Members: 15 days
- My Best Buy Plus™ & My Best Buy Total™ Members: 60 days
Activatable Devices*:
- Standard Members: 14 days
- My Best Buy Plus™ & My Best Buy Total™ Members: 14 days
Major Appliances:
- Standard Members: 15 days
- My Best Buy Plus™ & My Best Buy Total™ Members: 15 days
Verizon Devices**:
- Standard Members: 30 days
- My Best Buy Plus™ & My Best Buy Total™ Members: 30 days
*Activatable devices include cell phones, cellular tablets, mobile hotspots, and cellular wearables.
**Verizon activatable devices have a 30-day return period for all customers.
- The return period begins on the day you receive your product.
- Holiday purchases do not have extended return windows; the same policy applies year-round.
Best Buy Return Policy — Full Summary
Standard return window: 15 days
Plus™ / Total™ members: 60 days
Activatable devices: 14 days for everyone
Items must be in like-new condition with all packaging
Proof of purchase required
Some categories are always final sale
Restocking fees apply to select items
Refunds usually take 7–10 business days
Shipping fees refunded only if Best Buy is at fault
Gift returns → store credit
Major appliances should be inspected during delivery
Best Buy tracks return behavior and may deny returns for abuse
Holiday return windows are the same as regular purchases
Return Conditions and Requirements
Best Buy expects returned products to be in like-new condition unless defective.
General Requirements
Include all original packaging, manuals, cables & accessories
Apparel must be unworn, unwashed, with tags attached
Missing packaging or accessories may reduce the refund amount
Health-related items that interact with bodily fluids cannot be returned once opened
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Damaged, defective, or incorrect items can be returned within the normal window
If your item arrives damaged, contact Best Buy immediately
Opened items may be returned unless specifically restricted (e.g., health items)
Best Buy was originally founded in 1966 as Sound of Music, a small audio specialty store in St. Paul, Minnesota. It rebranded to Best Buy in 1983.
Proof of Purchase: What You Need
You’ll need proof of purchase for almost all Best Buy returns.
Accepted Proof
Original receipt (paper or digital)
Packing slip
Order confirmation email
The credit card used at purchase
Valid photo ID (in-store)
My Best Buy account order lookup
Returns Without a Receipt
May be denied or limited
May require an email address
Taxes & fees may not be fully refunded
Gift returns with a gift receipt get store credit
Non-returnable and Final Sale Items
Some categories cannot be returned under any circumstances unless defective:
Custom or personalized products
Items marked “Final Sale”
Non-subscription digital content
Prepaid cards & third-party gift cards
Vehicle replacement key fobs
Memberships & completed services
Trading cards (e.g., Pokémon)
Items with 300+ watt hour capacity
Golf carts, UTVs, plumbing items
Opened products that interact with bodily fluids
Opened SIM kits
LEGO products
Consumables (ink, fuel, filters, batteries, cleaning agents, health tests, supplements)
Delivered standby generators & whole-home backup systems
Defective Final-Sale Items
If a final-sale product arrives damaged or defective, Best Buy may offer repair, replacement, or other support.
How to Start a Best Buy Return
Best Buy offers two return methods: in-store or mail-in.
In-Store Returns
Bring the item, accessories, manuals, and packaging
Bring your receipt or proof of purchase
Bring a valid photo ID
Visit the customer service desk
An associate will inspect the item and process your refund or exchange
Online (Mail-In) Returns
Log in to your Best Buy account
Find your order and select the item to return
Print your prepaid UPS label
Pack the item securely with all original contents
Include the packing slip and return reason
Drop the package off at UPS
Track the return via your Best Buy account
Special Cases
Inspect major appliances at delivery
If damage is discovered afterward, call 1-888-BESTBUY
Hazardous materials and oversized items may require special instructions
Best Buy Refund Policy (2025)
How Refunds Are Issued
Refunds typically go back to the original payment method.
Specific rules:
Gift card purchases → refunded back to the gift card
Cash over $800 → refunded by check
Check payments over $250 → refunded by check
Debit cards without major network logos → refunded by check
Refund Timeline
Most refunds processed within 7–10 business days
Mail-in returns may take longer due to transit time
Shipping fees are refunded only if Best Buy made an error or the item was defective
Restocking Fees
Some product categories include restocking fees:
$45 fee for activatable devices (excluding prepaid phones)
15% fee for:
drones
digital cameras
lenses
camcorders
electric bikes, mopeds & scooters
mobility devices
projectors
premium cold tubs & saunas
special-order items
Restocking Fee Exceptions
No restocking fee if:
The item is unopened
You live in certain states (AL, CO, HI, IA, MS, OH, OK, SC)
“I still remember saving up to buy my first stereo from Best Buy. That place felt like Disneyland for anyone into gadgets.”
– Jimmy Fallon, comedian and television host
Best Buy Return policy FAQs
What is the Best Buy standard return window in 2025?
Most Best Buy purchases can be returned within 15 days of receiving your product. Members of My Best Buy Plus™ and My Best Buy Total™ get 60 days for most items.
Which products are non-returnable at Best Buy stores?
Non-returnable items include custom orders, digital content, prepaid cards, memberships, trading cards, opened health-related items, consumables, SIM kits, and certain high-capacity batteries. Some large appliances and generators are also final sale.
Can you return BestBuy.com orders to a local store?
Yes. Most online purchases can be returned to any Best Buy store with the item, packaging, and proof of purchase.
Can I return items to Best Buy without the original receipt?
Returns without a receipt may be denied or limited. Best Buy may attempt to look up your purchase through your credit card or My Best Buy account. Gift returns require a gift receipt.
Does Best Buy charge a restocking fee for returns?
Yes. Certain items — like drones, cameras, projectors, electric bikes, and activatable devices — may have restocking fees. Fees vary by category and may be waived if the item is unopened or if your state prohibits restocking fees.
What is the Best Buy gift return policy without a receipt?
With a gift receipt, Best Buy will issue store credit for the item’s purchase amount. Without proof of purchase, returns may be declined.
How fast does Best Buy issue refunds after a return?
Most refunds are processed within 7–10 business days after your return is accepted. Mail-in returns may take longer due to shipping time.
How can I return a Best Buy purchase if I lost the receipt?
Best Buy may be able to look up your order using the credit card used at purchase or your My Best Buy account. Otherwise, the return may not be accepted.
Will Best Buy refund shipping costs on returned items?
Shipping costs are refunded only if Best Buy made an error or the product was defective upon arrival.
Under what circumstances can Best Buy deny a return?
Best Buy may deny returns for:
missing proof of purchase
items not in like-new condition
excessive return behavior
incomplete packaging
items from non-returnable categories