The Macy’s return policy allows most items to be returned within 30 days, with holiday purchases eligible for extended returns through January 31. Items must be in original condition with tags attached, and proof of purchase is required—but digital lookups are available. This 2025 guide covers category exceptions, refund timelines, return shipping, and how to exchange or return both in-store and online with confidence.
Key takeaways
- Most Macy’s items can be returned within 30 days; check for exceptions by category below
- Proof of purchase is required, but alternatives exist if you’ve lost your receipt.
- Returns without proof are refunded as store credit at the lowest price in 180 days.
What is the Macy's Return Policy?
Standard Return Window
- Most items: 30 days from the date of purchase or delivery.
- Holiday purchases: Items bought between October 7 and December 24 can be returned until January 31 of the following year.
- Star Rewards members: May receive additional perks, such as free return shipping.
Exceptions by Category
Category | Return Window | Notes |
Designer items | 14 days | Varies by brand; check receipt or online listing |
Electronics & Apple products | 14–30 days | Apple: 14 days; other electronics: 30 days |
Mattresses | 120-night trial | Must be returned within 14 days after trial; $99 pickup fee may apply |
Area rugs | 30 days | Must be returned by mail or at select stores |
Jewelry & watches | 30 days | May require inspection |
Macy’s Backstage | 30 days | Returns only accepted at Backstage locations |
Last Act merchandise | Final Sale | No returns, exchanges, or price adjustments |
Custom, personalized, or altered | Final Sale | No returns unless defective |
Food, beverages, live plants | Final Sale | No returns |
Beauty Box, Bridal Salon | Final Sale | No returns |
Item Condition Requirements
- Clothing and accessories: Must be unworn, unwashed, and in original, saleable condition with all tags attached.
- Shoes: Should be returned in the original box, unworn.
- Electronics: Must include all accessories, manuals, and packaging.
- Cosmetics and fragrances: New or gently used items are returnable (excluding certain luxury brands).
- Original packaging: Required for certain categories, especially electronics and home goods.
Exceptions:
- Items showing signs of wear, washing, alteration, or missing tags may be denied a refund or exchange.
- Opened or used items (other than gently tested cosmetics/fragrances) are generally not accepted.
Macy’s was the first store to feature escalators. The flagship store in New York City installed the first wooden escalators in 1902, revolutionizing the shopping experience.
Proof of Purchase: What You Need
Proof of Purchase: What You Need
Macy’s requires proof of purchase for all returns, but you have several options:
- Original receipt (paper or digital)
- Order confirmation email
- Shipping invoice or packing slip
- Credit/debit card used for purchase
- Gift registry number
- Macy’s account purchase history
If you don’t have a receipt, Macy’s can often look up your purchase using your payment method or account details. Without any proof, refunds are issued as store credit at the item’s lowest selling price in the last 180 days.
Gift returns:
With a gift receipt, refunds are issued as store credit.
Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
Certain Macy’s items are non-returnable under any circumstances unless defective:
- Last Act clearance merchandise
- Custom, personalized, or altered items
- Macy’s Beauty Box and Bridal Salon purchases
- Food, beverages, and live plants
- Gift cards (physical and electronic)
- Opened or used personal care items (except gently used cosmetics/fragrances)
- Final Sale marked items
Always check your receipt or the product page for return eligibility before purchasing.
Online vs. In-Store Returns: Key Differences
FEATURE | IN-STORE PURCHASES | ONLINE PURCHASES |
Where to return | In-store only | In-store or by mail |
Proof of purchase | Receipt or payment method | Order confirmation, receipt, or account lookup |
Return shipping fee | N/A | Free for Star Rewards members; $9.99 for others |
Curbside returns | Not available | Not available |
Exchanges | In-store only | Return by mail, then place new order |
How to Start a Return at Macy's
In-Store Returns
- Bring the item(s) and proof of purchase to any Macy’s store.
- Present your receipt, order confirmation, or payment method for lookup.
- Ensure items are in original condition with tags attached.
- Refunds or exchanges are processed on the spot.
Online Returns (by Mail)
- Sign in to your Macy’s account or use your order number to start a return online.
- Select the items to return and print the return label and confirmation page.
- Pack items securely, including the return slip.
- Attach the return label to the package.
- Drop off at a UPS location or schedule a pickup (fees may apply).
- Track your return via Macy’s website.
- Refunds are processed within 7 days of receipt at Macy’s facility.
Return Shipping Fees:
- Free for Star Rewards members.
- $9.99 fee (plus tax) for non-members, deducted from refund.
Macy's Refund Policy
- Original payment method: Credit/debit card, PayPal, or Macy’s card.
- Store credit: Issued for gift returns, returns without proof, or if requested.
- Cash: Immediate refund for cash purchases.
- Check: Refunds issued by check for purchases made by check.
Processing times:
- In-store refunds: Immediate for cash, 3–5 business days for cards.
- Mail-in refunds: Processed within 7 days of receipt; allow additional time for bank processing.
- Shipping fees: Non-refundable unless the return is due to Macy’s error or a defective product.
“Macy’s is a place where you can find almost anything you need, but also where you can find things you didn’t even know you wanted.” – Anna Kendrick, actress and singer
Return Policy Full Breakdown
- Most Macy’s items can be returned within 30 days; check for exceptions by category.
- Holiday purchases enjoy an extended return window until January 31.
- Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have original tags attached.
- Proof of purchase is required, but alternatives exist if you’ve lost your receipt.
- Returns without proof are refunded as store credit at the lowest price in 180 days.
- Online purchases can be returned by mail or in-store; in-store purchases must be returned in-store.
- Star Rewards members get free return shipping; others pay $9.99 per return.
- Certain items, such as Last Act clearance, custom, and food items, are final sale.
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method or as store credit.
- Refund processing takes up to 7 days by mail, or is immediate in-store for cash.
- Exchanges are processed in-store; online purchases must be returned and re-ordered.
- Gift returns are refunded as store credit.
- Always check your receipt or product page for specific return eligibility.
- Return shipping labels are generated online for mail returns.
- Curbside returns are not available.
Macy's Return policy FAQs
What is the Macy’s return window for most items in 2025?
Macy’s standard return policy gives you 30 days to return items, but some departments — like Apple, Last Act, and luxury goods — may have shorter windows.
Can you return Macys.com purchases to a Macy’s store location?
Yes, online purchases can be returned in-store or by mail.
How do returns work at Macy’s without a receipt?
Macy’s can look up your purchase with your payment method, order confirmation, or account details. Without proof, you’ll receive store credit.
Does Macy’s charge return shipping fees for online orders?
Return shipping is free for Star Rewards members. Non-members pay $9.99 per return, deducted from the refund.
Can I return worn or used items to Macy’s?
Generally, no. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition, except for gently used cosmetics and fragrances.
Which items are final sale and non-returnable at Macy’s?
Last Act clearance, custom/personalized items, food, beverages, live plants, Beauty Box, and Bridal Salon items are non-returnable.
How does Macy’s issue refunds for returned items?
Refunds are credited to the original payment method or as store credit. Cash refunds are immediate; card refunds take 3–5 business days.
Can you exchange items online with Macy’s?
Macy’s does not offer true online exchanges. You’ll need to return the original item and place a new order for the correct size or color.
Will Macy’s refund shipping costs when I return an item?
Shipping fees are not refundable unless the return is due to Macy’s error or a defective product.
How long does it take Macy’s to process a refund after a return?
Mail-in refunds are processed within 7 days of receipt at Macy’s facility. Allow additional time for bank processing.
Can you return jewelry to Macy’s?
Yes — Macy’s jewelry return policy allows you to return fine jewelry within 30 days, as long as it’s unworn and includes the original receipt and packaging. This applies to both Macy’s in-store returns and online jewelry orders.
Does Macy’s accept returns on perfume or cologne?
Fragrance returns are accepted if the item is unopened or lightly used. The Macy’s fragrance return policy requires original packaging and proof of purchase for a full refund.
How does Macy’s refund debit card purchases?
If you paid with a debit card, Macy’s will refund back to your original payment method within 3–5 business days. Delays may depend on your bank’s processing time.