DICK’S Return Policy: 90-Day Returns, Refunds, Exceptions & Receipt Rules
By Ethan Parker · Updated: October 7, 2026
DICK’S Sporting Goods generally allows returns within 90 days on most eligible merchandise in the United States. For an in-store purchase, the 90-day period begins on the purchase date; for an online order, it begins on the original shipment date. DICK’S must receive the returned merchandise within that period for the return to be processed.
There are important exceptions. Merchandise must generally be clean and resalable, while products such as trading cards, gift cards, custom items, autographed collectibles, and certain other merchandise are final sale. Bikes, opened sealed products, electronics, pre-owned merchandise, and some fitness products have separate restrictions. This guide explains the current DICK’S return policy, including proof-of-purchase requirements, online and store returns, refunds, exchanges, damaged items, and major product exceptions.
DICK’S Return Policy at a Glance
| Policy Detail | Current Rule |
|---|---|
| Standard Return Window | 90 days on most eligible products |
| In-Store Return Window Starts | Date of purchase |
| Online Return Window Starts | Original shipment date |
| Required Condition | Generally clean and resalable |
| Valid Proof of Purchase | Order number, confirmation email, original sales receipt, packing slip, or return barcode |
| Returns Without Proof | Store credit at the lowest selling price; valid ID required |
| Online Purchases | Can generally be returned in a DICK’S store or by mail |
| In-Store Purchases | Must be returned to a DICK’S store; they cannot currently be mailed back |
| Original Shipping Charges | Not refundable on online orders |
| Standard Refund | Usually returned to the initial payment method when eligible |
| In-Store Refund Processing | May take up to 14 business days to the original payment method |
| Mail Return Refund Processing | Usually 2–3 weeks after DICK’S receives the return |
| Exchanges | Available for eligible merchandise; online-only products cannot be exchanged |
| Major Exceptions | Final-sale products, bikes, used bats, certain opened products, and other category-specific merchandise |
Understanding the DICK’S Return Policy
Most eligible purchases from DICK’S Sporting Goods have a 90-day return period.
For merchandise purchased at a physical store, the return period begins on the purchase date. For an online order, DICK’S measures the period from the original shipment date, rather than the delivery date.
The returned item must be received by DICK’S within the applicable 90-day period.
The standard policy also applies to most eligible merchandise sold through DICK’S-associated brands Calia, VRST, and Golf Galaxy. However, DICK’S Sporting Goods Warehouse and Going, Going, Gone! locations generally use a 30-day return policy on most products rather than the standard 90-day period.
A product must generally be clean and in resalable condition to qualify for a refund. Some categories have much stricter requirements, and certain merchandise cannot be returned at all.
DICK’S also reserves the right to limit returns or exchanges regardless of proof of purchase.
Return Windows by Product Category
The 90-day standard should not be applied to every purchase. Several products have shorter periods, exchange-only rules, or complete return restrictions.
| Product Category | Return Rule | Important Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Most Eligible DICK’S Merchandise | 90 days | Must generally be clean and resalable |
| DICK’S Sporting Goods Warehouse / Going, Going, Gone! | 30 days on most products | Different from the standard DICK’S 90-day policy |
| Bikes | Generally non-returnable | Limited 24-hour size/color inspection provision for qualifying unused bikes |
| Used Baseball/Softball Bats | Non-returnable | Bat must be unused to qualify for a return |
| Opened Hyperice Products | 30 days | Refurbished products excluded |
| Opened Theragun Products | 30 days | Refurbished products excluded |
| Pre-Owned, Demo and Refurbished Items | Exchange within 7 days | Must be in the same condition as sold; proof of purchase required; approval required |
| Nike Adapt Shoes | Exchange within 7 days | Same-condition and proof-of-purchase requirements apply |
| No Sweat Protection Plan | 30 days through DICK’S | Different procedures may apply after 30 days |
| Peloton Cardio Equipment | Special procedure | Returns within 30 days of delivery are directed through Peloton |
| NordicTrack Ultra 1 Treadmill | Special return procedure | A 10% restocking fee based on its $15,000 MSRP applies |
Bikes
Bikes typically cannot be returned under the ordinary 90-day policy.
DICK’S instead provides a limited 24-hour bike size/color inspection verification period. This is intended to let customers verify the bike’s size and color, not use the bike and later return it.
An eligible bike must remain unused and retain its original labels and tags.
Depending on how the bike was purchased and assembled, the 24-hour period may begin after purchase, pickup, or delivery. For a bike shipped to the customer’s home and not assembled, it must remain in the box to qualify under this limited provision.
Baseball and Softball Bats
A baseball or softball bat must be unused to qualify for a return. A bat that has been used is not eligible for return.
Electronics
Electronics must be returned with their original packaging and all accompanying manuals, parts, and accessories.
Certain electronic or fitness products have additional restrictions. For example, some products cannot be returned once their factory seal has been broken.
Hyperice and Theragun Products
Opened Hyperice and Theragun merchandise has a 30-day return policy, excluding refurbished products.
That specific rule is important because customers should not assume the general 90-day period applies to an opened product from these brands.
What Condition Must Returned Items Be In?
For a standard refund, DICK’S requires products to be clean and in resalable condition.
The precise requirements become stricter for certain categories. Electronics need their original packaging, manuals, parts, and accessories. Bikes qualifying under the limited inspection policy must be unused and have their original labels and tags. Used baseball and softball bats cannot be returned.
Pre-owned, demo, and refurbished merchandise that qualifies for a seven-day exchange must be in the same condition in which it was sold.
Keeping the packaging, accessories, labels, documentation, and proof of purchase until you are certain you will keep the product can therefore make a significant difference.
Can You Return Opened or Used Items?
Opening an item does not automatically make every product non-returnable. DICK’S states that, for products not subject to a specific exclusion, it may accept merchandise that has been opened, tried on, or tested if it remains clean and in good condition.
However, category-specific restrictions override that general approach.
The following products cannot be returned after the package has been opened or the factory seal has been broken:
- Football helmets
- Air beds
- Electronic scooters and bikes
- Face coverings
- Mouthguards
- Ice rinks
- Portable lavatories
- Whoop fitness trackers
Used baseball and softball bats are also ineligible for return.
Opened Hyperice and Theragun products have their own 30-day return period, excluding refurbished merchandise.
Because the rules depend heavily on the item, checking the product category before opening packaging is particularly important for sealed merchandise.
Exceptions and Non-Returnable Items
Several categories are listed as final sale and are not covered by the normal return privilege.
DICK’S identifies these as final-sale merchandise:
- Trading cards
- Custom, personalized, and special-order items
- Autographed collectibles and memorabilia
- Items requiring fuel or gasoline
- Airbeds
- Gift cards
Bikes are also generally non-returnable, apart from the limited 24-hour size/color inspection policy for qualifying unused bikes.
Some merchandise is not completely final sale but has a special return or exchange rule. Rapsodo products, for example, may only be returned in store.
Certain products may instead be handled through a manufacturer’s warranty or manufacturer-specific return procedure.
How to Return an Item to DICK’S
The available return method depends partly on whether the merchandise was originally purchased online or in a store.
Returning an Item In Store
Eligible purchases can generally be returned at an open DICK’S Sporting Goods location.
For an in-store purchase, bring the item and valid proof of purchase. DICK’S also advises customers to bring the credit card or gift card originally used for the purchase.
Online orders can also generally be returned to a DICK’S store. A return barcode can be generated using the online order information, or another accepted form of proof of purchase can be used.
Returning an Online Order by Mail
For eligible online purchases, DICK’S provides an online return process. Customers can locate their order using the required order information and initiate a mail return.
DICK’S must receive eligible merchandise within the applicable return period, so customers returning near the end of the 90-day window should account for transit time.
Customers may also use a shipping carrier of their choice and pay the associated return-shipping cost themselves rather than using the provided return method.
Can an In-Store Purchase Be Returned by Mail?
No. DICK’S currently states that in-store purchases cannot be returned by mail.
An eligible item originally purchased at a DICK’S store should instead be taken to an open DICK’S Sporting Goods location.
What Do You Need to Make a Return?
DICK’S recognizes several forms of valid proof of purchase:
- Order number
- Order confirmation email
- Original sales receipt
- Packing slip
- Return barcode
For an in-store purchase, DICK’S recommends bringing the credit card or gift card that was used to make the purchase.
If you have lost the receipt from an in-store transaction, Customer Service may be able to locate the transaction and send you a copy of the receipt.
Can You Return an Item Without a Receipt?
Yes, some merchandise can be returned without valid proof of purchase, but the refund rules are different.
A return without valid proof of purchase requires a valid ID and receives store credit based on the item’s lowest selling price. That store credit can be used for merchandise purchases in DICK’S stores.
Accepted identification for these returns includes:
- U.S. or Canadian driver’s license
- U.S. state ID
- U.S. military ID
- U.S. passport
DICK’S states that information from the identification, along with return activity, is maintained in a company-wide database of customer return activity.
If you lost an in-store receipt, contacting Customer Service first may be preferable because DICK’S may be able to retrieve a copy.
For an online purchase without a packing slip, the order confirmation number and billing ZIP code can be used to locate the order. An order confirmation email can also serve as proof for an in-store return.
Online vs. In-Store Returns
Online purchases have more return-channel flexibility than purchases made at a physical DICK’S store.
| Purchase Type | Return In Store | Return by Mail | Return Period Begins |
|---|---|---|---|
| DICK’S In-Store Purchase | Yes | No | Purchase date |
| DICK’S Online Purchase | Yes, if eligible | Yes, if eligible | Original shipment date |
Online customers should remember that original shipping charges are not refunded. Mail returns also take longer to complete because DICK’S must first receive and process the merchandise.
Third-Party Marketplace Purchases
Purchases made through certain third-party marketplaces can have different refund procedures.
For example, DICK’S states that purchases made using some third-party marketplaces, including Instacart, receive store credit rather than a refund to the original payment method.
Customers should therefore identify where the purchase was actually made before assuming the standard DICK’S refund method applies.
Return Shipping Fees and Other Charges
Returning eligible merchandise directly to a DICK’S store avoids the need to ship the product back.
For mail returns, DICK’S provides a return process, but its current published return-policy information does not state one universal return-shipping charge that can safely be applied to every mail return. The applicable method and cost should therefore be confirmed while initiating the return.
If you choose not to use the provided return label, DICK’S allows you to use a shipping carrier of your choice and pay the return shipping yourself.
A notable product-specific charge applies to the NordicTrack Ultra 1 treadmill: returned units are subject to a 10% restocking fee based on the $15,000 MSRP. Its return destination is determined according to the treadmill’s condition as assessed by iFIT.
Are Original Shipping Charges Refunded?
No. DICK’S states that original shipping charges for online orders are not refundable.
This is separate from any cost associated with shipping an item back. A merchandise refund therefore should not be assumed to include the delivery charge originally paid for the order.
Refund Methods and Processing Times
For most eligible returns with valid proof of purchase, DICK’S refunds the purchase to the initial form of payment. This includes many purchases originally paid by cash, credit card, debit card, or DICK’S gift card.
There are exceptions.
| Return or Payment Situation | Refund Treatment |
|---|---|
| Most Eligible Returns With Proof | Initial form of payment |
| Return Without Valid Proof | Store credit at lowest selling price |
| Certain Third-Party Marketplace Purchases | Store credit |
| Non-DICK’S-Branded Gift Cards | DICK’S gift card |
| Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna or PayPal | DICK’S gift card |
| Multiple Tender Types | DICK’S gift card may be issued |
| Gift Receipt | Gift card or even exchange |
| DICK’S Gift Card / eGift Card Purchase | Refunded to the original gift card/eGift card |
Other circumstances in which returning funds to the original payment method is not possible or feasible may also result in a DICK’S gift card.
If a ScoreCard Reward or coupon was redeemed on the original transaction, the return results in an adjusted refund amount.
How Long Do DICK’S Refunds Take?
For an in-store return being refunded to the original payment method, DICK’S says the refund can take up to 14 business days to process to that payment method.
If more than 14 days have passed, DICK’S advises contacting the financial institution first before contacting Customer Service about the missing credit.
For an online order returned by mail, it usually takes 2–3 weeks after DICK’S receives the returned merchandise for the credit to be issued.
That mail-return timeframe begins after DICK’S receives the package, not when the customer hands it to the carrier.
Does DICK’S Offer Exchanges?
Yes. Eligible online and in-store purchases can be taken to a DICK’S Sporting Goods store for an exchange. DICK’S states that it will honor the original purchase price when completing the exchange.
However, online-only products are not eligible for exchange.
If you want to exchange an eligible online item without visiting a store, the process is different: return the original item by mail and contact Customer Service to place a new order that honors the original purchase price.
Some special categories, including qualifying pre-owned, demo, refurbished merchandise and Nike Adapt shoes, have a seven-day exchange rule rather than the standard return treatment.
Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Items
DICK’S states that damaged merchandise can be returned online or in store within the applicable 90-day return policy.
For products requiring repair rather than a normal return, DICK’S directs customers to the manufacturer or an authorized service center.
Some products may also be handled under a manufacturer’s warranty or product-specific return policy rather than the standard DICK’S return process.
If a delivered item is damaged, preserving the packaging and available proof of purchase can help establish the order and product details when requesting assistance.
Gift Returns and Gift Card Purchases
A return made with a gift receipt is eligible for either a DICK’S gift card or an even exchange, subject to the applicable return rules.
If the original order was paid using a DICK’S gift card or eGift card, the refund is returned to the same gift card or eGift card.
If that original gift card is no longer available, DICK’S instructs customers to contact Customer Service. A new gift card can then be sent for the refund amount.
Gift cards themselves are listed as final sale and cannot be returned under the standard policy.
Sale, Clearance, and Final Sale Returns
A discounted price by itself should not be confused with DICK’S specifically designated final-sale categories. The current return policy identifies particular products as final sale rather than stating that all ordinary sale merchandise is automatically non-returnable.
The explicitly listed final-sale categories include trading cards, custom/personalized/special-order merchandise, autographed collectibles and memorabilia, items requiring fuel or gasoline, airbeds, and gift cards.
If an item is specifically marked final sale or belongs to one of these excluded categories, the normal 90-day policy does not make it returnable.
Return Policy vs. Warranty or Protection Plan
A standard return and a warranty claim are different processes.
The DICK’S return policy determines whether eligible merchandise can be returned during the applicable return period. Products requiring repair may instead need to go to the manufacturer or an authorized service center, and certain merchandise is handled under manufacturer warranty or return rules.
DICK’S No Sweat Protection Plans can be returned through DICK’S for up to 30 days from purchase. For a mail return received within that 30-day period, DICK’S states that the associated plan is automatically returned with the item.
After the 30-day period, customers are directed to Asurion regarding return of the protection plan.
What Happens If the Return Window Has Passed?
DICK’S requires merchandise to be received within the applicable return period for the standard return to be processed. Customers should therefore not assume that simply mailing an item before day 90 guarantees eligibility if it arrives after the deadline.
If the standard return period has expired and the product has a defect or needs repair, a manufacturer’s warranty, authorized repair center, manufacturer return program, or applicable protection plan may be the appropriate alternative.
The availability of those options depends on the particular product and coverage.
How to Track Your Return and Refund
For an online return, DICK’S provides a return-tracking feature that uses the order number and billing ZIP code.
Customers can also use the tracking number shown on the return shipping label to monitor the package through the shipping carrier.
Keep the return label information and carrier handoff receipt until both delivery and the refund have been confirmed. This can be particularly useful because mailed returns normally require additional processing after DICK’S receives the package.
Common Reasons a Return May Be Denied
A return can fail to qualify when the merchandise does not meet the applicable policy. Important situations include:
- The return is outside the applicable return period.
- The product is a final-sale or otherwise non-returnable item.
- Merchandise is not in the required clean and resalable condition.
- A sealed product was opened when its category prohibits opened returns.
- A baseball or softball bat has been used.
- A bike has been used or does not qualify for the limited inspection policy.
- Required electronics packaging, parts, manuals, or accessories are missing.
- A special category has its own shorter return or exchange period.
- The original transaction cannot be verified.
- The payment method is determined to be unauthorized, invalid, or associated with fraud.
DICK’S states that merchandise may be retained or restocked without value being issued where permitted by law when transaction or payment issues covered by its policy arise.
What to Do If Your Return Is Denied
First, ask which specific return-policy requirement the merchandise failed to meet. Then verify whether the product has a category-specific rule rather than the standard 90-day policy.
Check whether you have another accepted form of proof of purchase, such as an order confirmation, order number, packing slip, return barcode, or retrievable receipt.
For online purchases, also verify the original shipment date. For specialized merchandise, check whether a manufacturer’s warranty, repair process, protection plan, or product-specific return procedure applies instead.
If the issue remains unresolved, contact DICK’S Customer Service for clarification rather than assuming a store associate can override a published restriction.
How to Contact DICK’S About a Return
DICK’S Customer Service can be reached at 1-877-846-9997. DICK’S also provides customer-service chat support.
Customer Service can be particularly useful when you need help retrieving an in-store receipt, arranging an online exchange, resolving a gift-card refund issue, or clarifying a product-specific return.
Tips for a Smoother Return
Return merchandise early enough that DICK’S can receive it within the applicable deadline, especially when sending an online purchase by mail.
Keep your receipt, confirmation email, order number, packaging, accessories, manuals, and tags until you know the product is suitable. Do not open factory-sealed merchandise until you have checked whether that category becomes non-returnable when opened.
For mailed returns, save the shipping label and carrier receipt and monitor the tracking number until delivery. For electronics, confirm that every accessory, part, manual, and piece of original packaging is included.
Finally, check for product-specific restrictions before relying on the standard 90-day rule. Bikes, bats, opened fitness products, pre-owned merchandise, protection plans, Peloton equipment, and other specialized items can operate under very different rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days Do I Have to Return Something to DICK’S?
Most eligible DICK’S Sporting Goods merchandise has a 90-day return period. The period starts on the purchase date for in-store purchases and the original shipment date for online orders. DICK’S must receive the return within that period. Product-specific exceptions can have shorter periods or be non-returnable.
Can I Return Something to DICK’S Without a Receipt?
Yes, qualifying merchandise may be returned without valid proof of purchase. You must present an accepted valid ID, and the refund is issued as store credit based on the item’s lowest selling price. DICK’S may also be able to retrieve a lost in-store receipt through Customer Service.
Can I Return a DICK’S Online Order to a Store?
Yes. Eligible online purchases can generally be returned at a DICK’S Sporting Goods store. Accepted proof can include an order number, order confirmation email, packing slip, original receipt, or return barcode.
Can I Mail Back Something I Bought at a DICK’S Store?
No. DICK’S currently states that purchases originally made in a physical store cannot be returned by mail. An eligible store purchase should be returned to a DICK’S Sporting Goods location.
Can I Return an Opened Item to DICK’S?
It depends on the product. DICK’S may accept some opened, tried-on, or tested merchandise if it remains clean and in good condition. However, specific products become non-returnable once opened or once the factory seal is broken, and some opened products have shorter return periods.
How Long Does a DICK’S Refund Take?
An in-store refund to the original payment method may take up to 14 business days to process. For an online order returned by mail, DICK’S says a credit usually takes 2–3 weeks after it receives the returned merchandise.
Can I Exchange an Item at DICK’S?
Yes, eligible online and in-store purchases can be exchanged at a DICK’S store, and DICK’S states that the original purchase price will be honored. Online-only merchandise is not eligible for exchange. For an online exchange handled remotely, the original item is returned by mail and a replacement order is arranged separately through Customer Service.
Does DICK’S Refund Original Shipping Charges?
No. Original shipping charges on online orders are not refundable under the standard DICK’S return policy.
Conclusion
The standard DICK’S return policy gives customers 90 days for most eligible merchandise, measured from the purchase date for store purchases and the original shipment date for online orders. Products generally need to be clean and resalable, and having valid proof of purchase provides the most straightforward refund process.
The 90-day rule should not be assumed for every item. Bikes, used bats, opened sealed merchandise, Hyperice and Theragun products, pre-owned items, protection plans, Peloton equipment, and final-sale categories have separate restrictions or procedures. Before returning specialized merchandise, verify its category-specific rule, keep all required packaging and components, and make sure DICK’S receives the return before the applicable deadline.