Target makes shopping easy — but returns can get tricky if you’re not sure about the rules. Whether it’s the wrong size, a duplicate gift, or a defective item, knowing how the Target return policy works can save you time and frustration.
This guide explains everything you need to know for 2025, including return windows, item conditions, what counts as proof of purchase, key exceptions, and how to handle returns in-store or online. Plus, we’ve provided a full breakdown as well as answered the most common questions so you can shop (and return) with confidence.
Key takeaways
- The Target return policy allows most items to be returned within 90 days; electronics and entertainment items have a 30-day window.
- Proof of purchase is required for a full refund; Target can look up purchases made with most cards.
- Target-owned brands can be returned within one year with a receipt.
- RedCard holders receive an extra 30 days for returns.
What is the Target Return Policy?
Target’s Standard Return Timeframe
The Target return policy allows most items to be returned within 90 days of purchase. This 90-day window applies to both in-store and online purchases, giving customers ample time to decide if their purchase is right for them.
Key details:
- The 90-day return window starts from the date of purchase for in-store buys, and from the date the order is invoiced for online orders.
- Target Circle™ Card (RedCard) holders receive an extra 30 days, totaling 120 days for returns.
- Target-owned brands offer an extended return window of up to one year with a receipt.
- Electronics and entertainment items (including Apple products) have a 30-day return window.
- Holiday purchases may have special extended return periods, especially for electronics and entertainment items bought between October and December.
Condition Requirements for Returned Items
To qualify for a refund or exchange, items must generally be:
- Unopened and in new condition.
- Returned with all original packaging, accessories, and tags attached.
- Apparel and accessories must be unworn, unwashed, and with original tags.
- Some categories (like electronics) require all original accessories and packaging, even if opened.
- Opened items may be accepted if they are in good condition and not excluded by category rules (e.g., most beauty products can be returned even if opened, if you have proof of purchase).
- Damaged or used items may be denied a refund unless the item was defective upon receipt.
Exceptions:
- Opened breast pumps, personalized items, digital downloads, and certain collectibles cannot be returned.
- Food and beverages are generally non-returnable unless defective.
Target is known for its successful private-label brands like Good & Gather (grocery), Up & Up (household products), and Cat & Jack (kids’ apparel), which generate billions annually. (Returns up to 1 year)
Proof of Purchase Requirements
Target offers multiple ways to verify your purchase, making returns easier even if you’ve lost your original receipt.
Accepted proof of purchase includes:
- Original paper receipt.
- Digital barcode from your Target account (app or website).
- Packing slip or order confirmation email for online orders.
- Payment card used for the purchase (Target can look up receipts for purchases made with most major credit/debit cards or Target Circle™ cards).
- Gift receipt or packing slip for gifts.
No proof of purchase?
- Target may offer a merchandise return card for the item’s lowest recent selling price.
- For Target Plus™ Partner items, proof of purchase is required.
Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
Certain items are considered final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged:
- Gift cards (including specialty and prepaid cards)
- Digital downloads and personalized items
- Opened/unsealed breast pumps
- Trading cards and trading card accessories
- Open or defective collectibles (e.g., special edition dolls)
- Some clearance or “as-is” merchandise
- Food and beverages (unless defective)
- Certain health and personal care items (unless defective)
Exceptions:
If a final sale item is defective or was damaged during shipping, contact Target Guest Services for assistance.
How to Start a Return at Target
In-Store Returns:
- Bring the item and proof of purchase (receipt, barcode, payment card) to Guest Services.
- Present your return barcode from the Target app or website for faster processing.
- If you don’t have a receipt, provide the payment method used for the purchase.
- Receive your refund to the original payment method, a Target GiftCard, or a merchandise return card.
Online Returns:
- Log in to your Target account on the app or website.
- Go to “Orders” and select the item you wish to return.
- Choose “Return” and follow the prompts to print a return shipping label.
- Pack the item securely with all original packaging and accessories.
- Drop the package at the designated carrier or use Drive Up returns for eligible items.
Returns by Mail (for in-store purchases):
- Not typically available unless arranged with Guest Services for special circumstances.
target Refund Methods and Processing Times
- Refunds are generally issued to the original payment method.
- Cash, Target GiftCard, or merchandise return card refunds are typically immediate.
- RedCard refunds: Up to 2 days.
- Third-party credit/debit cards: Up to 5 days.
- Online Return Center: 7–10 days after receipt.
- If you return a gift, you’ll receive a Target GiftCard.
- Shipping fees are refunded only if the return is due to Target’s error or a defective item.
“When I walk into Target, I lose all self-control. They know how to pull you in with design and simplicity.”
— Chrissy Teigen, Model and Entrepreneur
Full Return Policy Breakdown
- Target’s return policy allows most items to be returned within 90 days; electronics and entertainment items have a 30-day window.
- Proof of purchase is required for a full refund; Target can look up purchases made with most cards.
- Target-owned brands can be returned within one year with a receipt.
- Drive Up returns are available at all Target stores for added convenience.
- Final sale items include gift cards, digital downloads, personalized products, and opened breast pumps.
- RedCard holders receive an extra 30 days for returns.
- Refunds are processed quickly, with most being immediate or within 2–10 days.
- Holiday purchases may have extended return windows.
- Online and in-store return processes are similar, but online returns can be mailed back or processed via Drive Up.
- Merchandise return cards are issued for returns without proof of purchase.
- Opened items may be accepted if in good condition and not excluded by category.
- Shipping fees are refunded only if the return is due to Target’s error.
- Target Plus™ Partner items may have different policies.
- Food, beverages, and some personal care items are non-returnable unless defective.
- Always check the product’s return policy at purchase, as some items have specific rules.
Target Return policy FAQs
What is the Target return window for most purchases in 2025?
Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase, except for electronics and entertainment items, which are 30 days.
Can you return Target.com orders to a local Target store?
Yes, online purchases can be returned in-store, via mail, or through Drive Up.
Can I return items to Target without a receipt?
Target can look up your purchase with the payment method or Target account. If not found, you may receive a merchandise return card.
Which products are non-returnable at Target?
Yes, gift cards, digital downloads, opened breast pumps, and some collectibles are non-returnable.
How quickly does Target issue refunds after a return?
Refunds are usually immediate for cash and gift cards, 2 days for RedCard, 5 days for other cards, and 7–10 days for online returns.
Does Target accept returns on opened or used products?
Most opened items can be returned if in good condition, except for certain categories like personal care and food.
What is the return policy for Target-owned brands like Cat & Jack or Up & Up?
Yes, you have up to one year to return Target-owned brand items with a receipt.
How do you return a gift to Target without a receipt?
Gifts can be returned with a gift receipt or packing slip for a Target GiftCard.
Will Target refund shipping costs for returned online items?
Only if the return is due to Target’s error or a defective item.
How does Target’s Drive Up Returns service work in 2025?
A service allowing you to return items from your car at any Target store, initiated through the Target app.