CVS Return Policy 2025: Proven Tips for Smooth Exchanges

The CVS return policy offers a 60-day return window for most items, whether purchased online or in-store. Items must be unopened and in new condition, though CVS Brand products are covered by a satisfaction guarantee—even if opened. With proof of purchase, refunds go back to your original payment method. This 2025 guide breaks down everything from return limits to non-returnable items and how to process your return quickly and confidently.

Key takeaways

  • CVS offers a 60-day return window for most items, both in-store and online.
  • Seasonal and holiday items usually have a 30-day return window.
  • Clearance, gift cards, and prescription medications are generally non-returnable.
  • CVS Brand products are covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

What is the CVS Return Policy?

Standard Return Timeframes

CVS offers a 60-day return window for most items, both in-store and online. This period starts from the date of purchase. However, there are some exceptions:

  • Seasonal and holiday merchandise: Typically, these items must be returned within 30 days.
  • Clearance items: Usually final sale, except if defective.
  • Special promotional periods: Occasionally, CVS may extend the return window during holidays or special events, but this is not guaranteed.

Item Condition Requirements

For a return to be accepted, items generally must meet these conditions:

  • Unopened and in new condition: Most products must be returned in their original, unopened packaging with all components and accessories.
  • With original tags: Apparel and accessories should have all original tags attached.
  • CVS Brand products: Covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee—can be returned opened or unopened with a receipt.
  • Damaged or defective items: May be eligible for return or exchange, even if opened, but must be accompanied by proof of purchase.

 

Exceptions:

  • Opened beauty products, personal care items, COVID-19 test kits, and certain health-related products are non-returnable unless defective.
  • Gift cards, prepaid cards, and phone cards are never returnable.

CVS Health Corporation was founded in 1963 in Lowell, Massachusetts, by brothers Stanley and Sidney Goldstein and partner Ralph Hoagland. The company’s original name was “Consumer Value Stores,” but it was eventually shortened to CVS.

Proof of Purchase: What You Need

CVS requires proof of purchase for all returns. Accepted forms include:

  • Original receipt: Most straightforward and preferred.
  • Order confirmation email: For online purchases, a printed or digital confirmation is accepted.
  • Packing slip or shipping invoice: Also valid for online orders.
  • Gift receipt: Allows for exchange or store credit.
  • ExtraCare loyalty card: If used during purchase, CVS can look up your transaction.
  • No receipt: Returns without a receipt are limited to $25 in value, require a valid photo ID, and are refunded as store credit at the lowest advertised price in the past 60 days.

 

Important:
All returns, especially those without a receipt, are subject to a third-party verification process. CVS reserves the right to limit or deny returns if abuse is suspected.

Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items

Certain categories are always considered final sale at CVS:

  • Gift cards, prepaid cards, phone cards
  • Prescription medications (except in cases of pharmacy error or as required by law)
  • Opened beauty and personal care items
  • COVID-19 test kits
  • Clearance merchandise (unless defective)
  • Personalized or special-order items (e.g., motorized scooters, lift chairs—contact Customer Care for returns)
  • Intimates and swimwear (if applicable, typically non-returnable for hygiene reasons)

 

Defective Items Exception:
If a final sale item is defective, CVS may allow a return or exchange. Customers should contact Customer Care or visit a store for assistance.

How to Start a Return at CVS

In-Store Returns:

  1. Bring the item(s), original receipt or proof of purchase, and a valid photo ID to any CVS Pharmacy store.
  2. Present the item(s) and documentation to the customer service counter or cashier.
  3. The staff will verify the return, process the refund or exchange, and may require you to sign a return form.

 

Online Returns (By Mail):

  1. Call CVS Customer Care at 1-888-607-4CVS (1-888-607-4287) to initiate the return.
  2. Follow the instructions provided by the representative, including obtaining a return authorization if required.
  3. Pack the item securely, including all original packaging, accessories, and documentation.
  4. Affix the provided return shipping label (if applicable) and ship the item to the address provided.
  5. Allow time for processing once the item is received by CVS.

 

Special-Order Items:
Contact Customer Care directly for instructions on returning items like motorized scooters or lift chairs.

CVS Refund Policy

  • With receipt: Refunds are issued to the original payment method or as store credit.
  • Without receipt: Refunds are issued as store credit, up to $25, at the lowest advertised price in the past 60 days.
  • Gift returns: Refunded as store credit.
  • Refund timeframe: Typically processed within 3–5 business days after the return is accepted. Additional time may be required for your financial institution to process the refund.
  • Original shipping fees: Not refundable unless the item was defective or CVS shipped the wrong product.
  • Delays: Returns without receipts or those requiring third-party verification may take longer to process.

“As a mom, I appreciate the convenience and accessibility of CVS pharmacies. They have everything I need to keep my family healthy.” – Jessica Alba, Actress and Entrepreneur

Return Policy Full Breakdown

  • CVS offers a 60-day return window for most items, both in-store and online.
  • Seasonal and holiday items usually have a 30-day return window.
  • Clearance, gift cards, and prescription medications are generally non-returnable.
  • Items must be in new, unopened condition with all original packaging and tags.
  • CVS Brand products are covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
  • Proof of purchase is required; receipts, packing slips, order confirmations, and ExtraCare lookups are accepted.
  • Returns without a receipt are limited to $25 and require a valid photo ID.
  • All returns are subject to a third-party verification process.
  • Online purchases can be returned in-store or by mail (call Customer Care first).
  • Refunds are issued to the original payment method or as store credit.
  • Original shipping fees are not refunded unless the item is defective.
  • Special-order items require contacting Customer Care for return instructions.
  • All returns may be limited or denied at CVS’s discretion.
  • Damaged or defective items may be returned even if opened.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for return unless defective.
  • Refunds typically process within 3–5 business days after acceptance.
  • CVS reserves the right to revise its return policy at any time.

CVS Return policy FAQs

Most items can be returned within 60 days of purchase.

Yes, but refunds are limited to $25 as store credit, and you must present a valid photo ID.

Yes, gift cards, prepaid cards, phone cards, prescription medications, opened personal care items, COVID-19 test kits, and clearance items (unless defective) are non-returnable.

You can return online purchases at any CVS store or by mail after contacting Customer Care for instructions.

Shipping fees are only refunded if the item was defective or CVS shipped the wrong product.

CVS can look up your transaction using your ExtraCare account.

Refunds are typically processed within 3–5 business days after the return is accepted.

Yes, CVS Brand products are covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and can be returned opened or unopened with a receipt.

Seasonal and holiday items may have a shorter, 30-day return window.

Defective or damaged items can be returned or exchanged, even if opened, as long as you have proof of purchase.

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