Macy’s Return Policy 2026: Return Window, Refunds, Fees, and Exceptions

Macy’s return policy generally allows most eligible merchandise to be returned within 30 days of purchase or delivery. Store purchases must be returned to a Macy’s store, while eligible online purchases can usually be returned either to a store or by mail.

The rules are not identical for every purchase. Last Act merchandise is final sale, certain designer goods have special requirements, jewelry and watches may require inspection, and third-party seller merchandise follows separate procedures. Macy’s has also announced an extended holiday return period for qualifying purchases made from October 5 through December 31, 2026, allowing most eligible merchandise to be returned through January 31, 2027.

Macy’s Return Policy at a Glance

Understanding the Macy’s Return Policy

For most merchandise, Macy’s gives customers 30 days from purchase or delivery to complete an eligible return.

Which date matters depends on how the merchandise was obtained. A store purchase generally uses the purchase date, while policies for online and certain vendor items may specifically reference the delivery date.

Standard merchandise should generally be:

• Unworn and unaltered
• In original condition
• Accompanied by original tags
• In original packaging when applicable

Mismatched garment sets are not accepted.

There are substantial exceptions to these general rules, so shoppers should not assume every Macy’s product receives exactly the same 30-day treatment.

Return Windows by Product Category

Some merchandise follows its own return deadline, location, or eligibility requirements.

Fine Jewelry and Watches

Fine jewelry and watches can generally be returned within 30 days of delivery, but Macy’s applies an additional inspection process.

The item must have its price tags attached and remain in original condition. The inspection can take up to 14 business days, and the refund is issued after the item passes inspection.

Special-order jewelry and merchandise altered for size are final sale.

Designer Merchandise

Designer products can have significantly narrower rules.

Burberry: Returns or exchanges are accepted within 14 days of purchase and only at Macy’s Herald Square. Merchandise must be unused, unaltered, in original condition, and have applicable Burberry tags and hygiene seals attached. The original receipt is required. Personalized items and pierced earrings are final sale.

Louis Vuitton: Returns or exchanges are accepted within 30 days of purchase with the original receipt. Merchandise must be in perfect, sellable condition. Personalized or made-to-order items cannot be returned. Louis Vuitton fragrances must remain sealed, unopened, and untampered with; engraved fragrance bottles are final sale.

Longchamp: Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase and only at Macy’s Herald Square.

Area Rugs

Area rugs have separate requirements.

For qualifying rugs ordered from macys.com, customers should contact Macy’s within 30 days of delivery. A valid receipt is required, and the rug must be unused, undamaged, and in original condition. Original packaging is also required for preference-based returns.

Eligible online rugs may be returned by mail or at select Macy’s stores that have a Rug Gallery.

Rugs purchased in a store must be returned to a Rug Gallery in a participating Macy’s location within 30 days of purchase. Pickup fees can apply in some situations.

Delivery fees and surcharges are nonrefundable.

What Condition Must Returned Items Be In?

Macy’s generally requires eligible merchandise to remain in a condition suitable for return.

Standard requirements include:

• Merchandise should be unworn and unaltered.
• The item should remain in its original condition.
• Original tags should be attached.
• Original packaging should be included when applicable.
• Complete garment sets should be returned together.

Special merchandise can have stricter requirements. Fine jewelry and watches, for example, undergo inspection, while preference-based area-rug returns require original packaging.

Designer merchandise may also have brand-specific rules concerning tags, seals, receipts, and product condition.

Can You Return Opened or Used Items?

Macy’s does not have a universal rule allowing all used merchandise to be returned. Standard merchandise is generally expected to be unworn, unaltered, and in original condition.

One important exception involves cosmetics and fragrances. Macy’s states that new or gently used cosmetic or fragrance products that do not meet the customer’s needs may be returned.

That exception should not be interpreted as permission to return other categories after significant use. The requirements applicable to the specific product category still control the return.

Exceptions and Non-Returnable Items

Several Macy’s product categories are explicitly final sale or subject to special restrictions.

Last Act Merchandise

Last Act items are final sale.

They cannot be:

• Returned
• Exchanged
• Price adjusted

They are sold “as is,” so shoppers should check size, condition, color, and product details carefully before purchasing.

Other Final Sale Merchandise

Macy’s identifies several other categories as final sale, including:

• Food, beverages, and live plants
• Gourmet gifts
• Macy’s gift cards
• Altered merchandise
• Personalized merchandise

Additional exclusions apply within certain categories and designer brands.

For third-party sellers, final-sale categories include certain family planning and lifestyle products, food and grocery merchandise, coffee, tea and beverages, pet food and pet products, plants and live botanicals, and portable power stations.

How to Return an Item to Macy’s

The correct procedure depends primarily on whether you purchased the item in a Macy’s store, online, or from a third-party seller.

Returning an Item In Store

Items purchased in a physical Macy’s store must be returned to a Macy’s store.

Eligible in-store returns are free.

Bring the merchandise in the required condition along with the available proof of purchase. Special categories may have restrictions on which Macy’s location or department can accept the merchandise.

Returning an Online Order In Store

Most eligible merchandise purchased from Macy’s online can be returned at a Macy’s store.

This can be particularly useful for customers who want to avoid the mail-return fee that applies to non-Star Rewards members.

However, not every online purchase qualifies for an in-store return. Third-party seller merchandise, ReBag products, Lids merchandise, online LensCrafters purchases, certain lighting products, furniture, and other specially handled merchandise can have different procedures.

Returning an Online Order by Mail

Eligible online purchases can also be returned by mail.

The return shipping arrangement depends on membership status:

• Star Rewards members: Eligible mail return shipping is free.
• Non-members: A $9.99 return shipping fee plus applicable tax is deducted from the refund.

The free-return-shipping benefit has exclusions. Macy’s identifies categories including lamps, wall art and mirrors, furniture and furniture accessories, beds, and area rugs as excluded from the standard free return-shipping treatment.

What Do You Need to Make a Return?

The exact proof required depends on the merchandise and return type.

Some specialized categories expressly require an original or valid receipt. For example, Burberry requires the original receipt, as does Louis Vuitton, while area-rug returns require a valid receipt.

Customers should retain:

• Original receipt or available proof of purchase
• Order information for online purchases
• Original product tags
• Original packaging when applicable
• Accessories and components included with the product
• Any documentation required for specialty merchandise

Gift and registry returns have their own proof and refund rules.

Can You Return an Item Without a Receipt?

Receiptless return treatment varies by merchandise and purchase type, so it should not be assumed that every item qualifies.

For Macy’s Backstage purchases, Macy’s may be able to locate a transaction using the customer’s account number. If proof of purchase is unavailable, eligible merchandise may receive store credit based on the lowest selling price during the previous 90 days, and a name and address may be required.

Registry returns have separate rules. When proof of purchase is unavailable for an eligible registry return, store credit may be based on the lowest selling price during the previous 180 days.

Products that explicitly require a receipt, including certain designer merchandise and area rugs, remain subject to those stricter requirements.

Online vs. In-Store Returns

The most important distinction is where the original purchase was made.

A store purchase cannot simply be mailed back under Macy’s standard online-return procedure.

Similarly, shoppers should check the seller before taking an online order to a Macy’s store because merchandise supplied by certain vendors or third-party sellers may not qualify for store returns.

Marketplace and Third-Party Seller Returns

Items sold and shipped by a third-party seller follow different rules from ordinary Macy’s merchandise.

Third-party seller merchandise generally must be returned directly to the seller within 30 days of delivery. Customers can initiate the return through their online Purchase History.

Refunds are issued after the seller receives and processes the return.

Third-party furniture and mattresses must also be returned to the seller and cannot be returned to a Macy’s store.

ReBag Pre-Owned Merchandise

Eligible pre-owned watches, jewelry, and handbags supplied by ReBag can be returned within 30 days of delivery.

The merchandise must be:

• Unaltered
• Accompanied by attached tags
• Returned with original paperwork
• Accompanied by the receipt
• Returned with original packaging

These items must be mailed directly to the seller and cannot be returned to Macy’s stores.

Lids Merchandise

Eligible Lids merchandise has a 30-day-from-delivery return period but must be returned directly to the vendor by mail.

Macy’s stores do not accept these Lids returns.

Return Shipping Fees and Other Charges

In-store returns of eligible standard Macy’s merchandise are free.

For standard eligible mail returns:

The $9.99 fee is deducted from the refund for eligible mailed returns made by non-Star Rewards members.

Free return shipping does not apply universally. Macy’s specifically excludes lamps, wall art and mirrors, furniture and furniture accessories, beds, and area rugs from the standard free-return-shipping benefit.

Some specialty merchandise can also involve pickup, restocking, delivery, or other handling charges.

Are Original Shipping Charges Refunded?

Macy’s states that shipping and delivery fees are nonrefundable under its general return policy.

This is separate from return shipping.

For example, an eligible Star Rewards member may qualify for free return shipping on a standard online purchase, but that does not mean the original shipping or delivery charge paid when placing the order will automatically be refunded.

Special categories can have additional nonrefundable charges. Area-rug delivery fees and surcharges, for example, are nonrefundable under the applicable return rules.

Refund Methods and Processing Times

Standard Macy’s refunds are generally issued to the original form of payment.

The timing can vary depending on the type of merchandise and whether an inspection or third-party processing is required.

Fine jewelry and watches are an important example: returned merchandise may undergo an inspection lasting up to 14 business days, and the refund is issued only after the inspection is completed and approved.

Third-party seller refunds are issued after the seller receives and processes the merchandise.

Because processing depends on the return method, merchandise category, seller, and financial institution, there is no single refund-posting period that accurately applies to every Macy’s return.

Does Macy’s Offer Exchanges?

Macy’s allows exchanges for eligible merchandise, but exchange availability depends on the product and purchase channel.

Several special categories have explicit restrictions. Last Act merchandise cannot be exchanged. DoorDash purchases cannot be exchanged. Certain final-sale and personalized products are also excluded.

Some designer merchandise, including qualifying Burberry and Louis Vuitton purchases, may be eligible for returns or exchanges within their applicable deadlines and conditions.

Customers dealing with vendor-supplied or third-party merchandise should follow the procedure applicable to that seller rather than assuming Macy’s standard exchange process applies.

Gift and Registry Returns

Registry merchandise receives special treatment.

Eligible registry purchases made before the event date may generally be returned for up to 90 days after the event date. Items purchased after the event can generally be returned for up to 90 days from purchase.

With a gift receipt or registry number, the recipient receives store credit.

If proof of purchase is unavailable, eligible registry merchandise may receive store credit based on the lowest selling price during the previous 180 days.

Macy’s gift cards themselves are final sale and cannot be returned, exchanged, or price adjusted.

Promotional Purchases and Free Gifts

Returns involving promotions can affect the amount refunded.

For Buy One, Get One promotions, Macy’s allocates the discount proportionally between qualifying items. A refund therefore reflects the item’s adjusted purchase price rather than an undiscounted regular price.

If merchandise came with a promotional or bonus gift, that gift should be returned with the qualifying merchandise.

Failing to return the promotional gift can result in the return being denied or the value of the gift being deducted from the refund.

Macy’s Holiday Return Policy 2026

Macy’s has announced an extended return period for the 2026 holiday season.

Most eligible merchandise purchased at Macy’s or macys.com from October 5 through December 31, 2026 can be returned through January 31, 2027.

The extension does not eliminate normal eligibility requirements or final-sale restrictions.

Notable rules include:

• Store purchases still need to be returned to a store.
• Eligible online purchases can be returned by mail or in store.
• Store returns remain free.
• Eligible Star Rewards members receive free return shipping.
• Non-Star Rewards members are charged $9.99 plus applicable tax for eligible mailed returns.
• Shipping and delivery fees remain nonrefundable.
• Last Act merchandise remains final sale.
• Dyson and Mac Duggal merchandise are excluded from the extended holiday window and remain subject to a 30-day return period.

DoorDash Macy’s orders placed from October 5 through December 31, 2026 also receive the January 31, 2027 holiday deadline where eligible.

Star Rewards Return Benefits

Star Rewards membership can make eligible mailed returns less expensive.

For qualifying standard mail returns:

• Star Rewards members receive free return shipping.
• Non-members have $9.99 plus applicable tax deducted from the refund.

This benefit does not override category-specific exclusions. Free return shipping does not apply to certain products, including lamps, wall art and mirrors, furniture and furniture accessories, beds, and area rugs.

Membership also does not turn a final-sale item into a returnable item.

Macy’s Backstage Return Policy

Macy’s Backstage merchandise follows its own requirements.

Eligible merchandise can generally be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase. It must be unworn, unaltered, and have its original tags attached.

Backstage merchandise can only be returned to a Macy’s Backstage location.

Refunds for eligible returns are issued to the original form of payment.

Jewelry and watches purchased at Backstage must be returned to the same store where they were purchased and must have their original packaging and tags.

Backstage merchandise marked final sale is sold as is and cannot be returned, exchanged, or adjusted.

DoorDash Macy’s Returns

Most eligible Macy’s merchandise purchased through DoorDash can be returned within 30 days of delivery, but the process differs from a normal macys.com order.

The return must be initiated through the DoorDash app. DoorDash provides a return barcode and instructions, after which the eligible merchandise must be taken to a Macy’s store.

DoorDash purchases cannot be returned by mail, exchanged, or price adjusted.

Certain products have additional rules. Tech accessories must be returned within 14 days with all packaging and accessories. Food, beverages, live plants, gourmet gifts, and altered or personalized merchandise are final sale.

Refunds are issued by DoorDash to the original form of payment for the merchandise subtotal and applicable taxes. Macy’s states that customers should allow 1 to 5 business days after the return is processed for a DoorDash refund to be issued.

What Happens If the Return Window Has Passed?

Once the applicable return period has expired, customers should not assume Macy’s will accept the merchandise under the normal return policy.

First determine whether the item has its own category-specific deadline. A standard item, designer product, third-party seller purchase, registry item, holiday purchase, and specialty product may all have different deadlines.

For a defective product outside its return period, check whether a manufacturer warranty or applicable protection plan provides another remedy.

A warranty is separate from Macy’s standard return policy and should not be treated as an extension of the return window.

Common Reasons a Return May Be Denied

A Macy’s return may be ineligible when the applicable policy conditions are not satisfied. Examples include:

• The return deadline has passed.
• The merchandise is marked Last Act or otherwise final sale.
• The item does not meet its required condition.
• Required original tags are missing.
• Required packaging is missing for a category that requires it.
• A receipt is required for that particular merchandise but is unavailable.
• A third-party or vendor item is taken to a Macy’s store when it must be mailed to the seller.
• Altered or personalized merchandise is being returned.
• Required promotional merchandise is not included.
• A specialty product is taken to an unauthorized return location.

The applicable product-specific policy should always be checked before making the return.

What to Do If Your Return Is Denied

If a return is refused, determine the specific reason before trying another return method.

Check:

1. Whether you are still within the applicable return period.
2. Whether the merchandise is final sale.
3. Whether the product has a special return location.
4. Whether the order was sold by Macy’s or a third-party seller.
5. Whether required tags, packaging, accessories, or proof of purchase are missing.
6. Whether a warranty or protection plan applies instead of the normal return policy.

If the reason remains unclear, Macy’s Customer Care can explain the policy applicable to the purchase.

How to Contact Macy’s About a Return

For general return assistance and several specialty-return processes, Macy’s lists Customer Care at 1-800-289-6229 (TTY: 711).

Current listed availability is Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time.

Special departments may have different contact information and hours. For example, certain Rug Gallery pickup arrangements use a separate contact process.

Tips for a Smoother Return

Check the merchandise’s specific policy before assuming the standard 30-day rule applies. Return eligible products before their deadline, keep tags and packaging intact when required, and retain receipts or online order information.

For mailed returns, keep your carrier or drop-off confirmation until the refund has been completed. If the order came from a third-party seller, confirm the seller and return destination before visiting a Macy’s store.

Be particularly careful when buying Last Act merchandise because those purchases are final sale. During the 2026 holiday period, also confirm whether the product qualifies for the January 31, 2027 extension rather than assuming every holiday purchase receives extra time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Days Do I Have to Return Something to Macy’s?

Most eligible Macy’s merchandise can be returned within 30 days of purchase or delivery. Special categories can have different deadlines, and qualifying purchases made from October 5 through December 31, 2026 may receive the extended holiday deadline of January 31, 2027.

Can I Return a Macy’s Online Order to a Store?

Most eligible merchandise purchased online can be returned to a Macy’s store or by mail. Exceptions include certain third-party seller and vendor merchandise, ReBag products, Lids merchandise, online LensCrafters eyewear, and other specially handled items.

Does Macy’s Charge for Returns?

Eligible in-store returns are free. Eligible mailed returns are free for Star Rewards members. Non-members generally have a $9.99 return shipping fee plus applicable tax deducted from their refund. Certain specialty categories have separate charges or exclusions.

Can I Return Something to Macy’s Without a Receipt?

It depends on the merchandise. Some purchases may be located through account information or qualify for store credit without standard proof, while certain products explicitly require a receipt. Macy’s Backstage and registry returns also have specific receiptless-return rules.

Can I Return Used Cosmetics to Macy’s?

Yes, Macy’s states that new or gently used cosmetics and fragrances that do not meet your needs may be returned. This exception does not mean all used merchandise is returnable.

Can I Return Last Act Merchandise to Macy’s?

No. Macy’s Last Act merchandise is final sale and is sold as is. It cannot be returned, exchanged, or price adjusted.

What Is Macy’s Holiday Return Policy for 2026?

Most eligible merchandise purchased between October 5 and December 31, 2026 can be returned through January 31, 2027. Exceptions remain, including Last Act merchandise, while Dyson and Mac Duggal products remain subject to their 30-day return period.

How Long Does a Macy’s Refund Take?

There is no single processing period for every return. Timing varies by return type, seller, inspection requirements, and payment provider. Fine jewelry and watches may undergo an inspection lasting up to 14 business days before an approved refund is issued. DoorDash refunds have their own stated processing period.

Conclusion

Macy’s return policy gives customers 30 days from purchase or delivery for most eligible merchandise, with free in-store returns and standard online returns available by mail or in store. Star Rewards members receive free return shipping on qualifying merchandise, while non-members generally pay $9.99 plus applicable tax for mailed returns.

The biggest exceptions are worth checking before you buy or return: Last Act merchandise is final sale, specialty and designer products can have separate requirements, and third-party seller items may need to go directly back to the seller. For the 2026 holiday season, most qualifying purchases made from October 5 through December 31 receive an extended return deadline of January 31, 2027.