Expert Reviews

Macy’s Return Policy: Everything You Need (and Want) to Know

Rebecca Choi

December 18, 2021

1 comment

Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, making returns at Macy’s is 100% free (and we really mean free!). It’s also pretty easy, as far as making returns goes.

You can still expect to make a run to UPS or stand in line, but you won’t need to pay for returns or shipping. And, Macy’s return policy is fairly lenient.

Here’s everything you absolutely need to know about how to make a return at Macy’s–-and some insider information you’ll want to know to get the most out of returns at Macy’s.

No, You Don’t Need Your Receipt to Make a Macy’s Return

Macy’s does not require you to have your original receipt when you make a return. The return policy doesn’t change if you’ve lost your receipt (or crumpled it up and threw it away).

But, if you don’t have your receipt, you do need another way to prove you purchased the item. Store associated can look up your transaction if you give them:

• Your free Macy’s account information (aka your email or phone number)
• The credit card you used to make the purchase

AND

• The original tags with barcodes (which only need to be attached if the returned item is clothing)

You cannot return an item to Macy’s if there are no tags and no receipt. Missing one is okay. Missing both means you’re stuck with your unwanted purchase.

All this only applies if you’re making an in-store return. Online returns never ask for a receipt. For mail-in returns, there’s a whole other set of paperwork to process your return.

However, if you purchased an item online and plan on making an in-store return, be prepared with your proof of purchase. You can bring the above information, or you can give them your:

• Return label
• Packing slip
• Order or shipping confirmation email
• Registry number

You Don’t Need to Pay for Shipping Either (Sort Of)

Most stores will let you return items for free, but they expect you to eat the cost of shipping the item back to them–not Macy’s.

Macy’s will provide a free printable shipping label for you to return your items via UPS. That shipping label is all you need to send your return back to Macy’s. You can simply drop off your package without paying or speaking to a UPS employee. Pretty easy, right?

However, Macy’s clearly says that “shipping and delivery fees are non-refundable,” so if you already paid for shipping, you can say goodbye to that cash.

If your return is part of an international order, Macy’s free return policy is void. And, in locations that allow scheduled pickup for returns, there is a fee.

Our advice? Avoid the fees and drop your package off at UPS or Macy’s–if you can.

How Long Do You Have to Return Items to Macy’s?

Generally, you have 90 days to return items to Macy’s–except when you don’t.

Here are the major expectations to Macy’s 90-day return window:

• Apple Products: 14 days
• Designer Brands (including Burberry, Gucci, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, and Tous): 14 days
• Clearance/Last Act Merchandise: 30 days
• Tech Watches: 30 days
• Backstage Items: 30 days
• Finish Line Items: 45 days
• Dresses: 60 days
• Fine Jewelry and Watches: 60 days
• Small Electrics: 60 days
• Personal Care Products: 60 days

If you’re still not sure whether your unwanted item is eligible for return at Macy’s, read more of the fine print here.

And if you’re thinking, the return window used to be longer! You’re right. Before 2019, Macy’s gave you 180 days for most returns. Oh, well. 2020 was a rough year, so we should probably cut Macy’s some slack.

Can You Return Anything to Macy’s?

Sadly, no. Macy’s does not accept returns on the following items:

• Gift Cards
• Food Products
• Gourmet Gifts
• Beauty Boxes
• Lamps
• Wall Art
• Area Rugs
• Mirrors
• Furniture and Mattresses (with expectations) 

If you want to purchase any of these items at Macy’s, make sure you definitely want them. None of these Macy’s products are returnable by mail or in-store.

But if you’re stuck with furniture or a mattress from Macy’s that you don’t want, read the fine print of their return policy here. You may be able to return your items if you call Macy’s customer service at 888-822-6229 and make a return request before the close of your 30-day return window.

Also, keep in mind that your products need to be in their original condition. If your products are used, worn, washed, or damaged (by you), then Macy’s may not accept your return.

Macy’s Refunds: When and Where You’ll Get Your Money Back

We know that when you make a return, you’re happy to get a useless product off of your hands. But, we also know that getting your money back is more important.

Here’s everything you need to know about receiving your refund from Macy’s.

When Will I Get My Money Back from a Macy’s Return?

Macy’s will process your credit immediately if you make an in-store return. If you mail in your order, your credit will be processed when Macy’s receives it.

For in-store returns, you can expect to see the money returned to your account within 1-3 days, depending on your bank’s processing time.

For mail-in returns, the timing depends largely on how long it takes your package to reach Macy’s. You can expect these returns to take around 7-10 business days to be deposited into your account.

However, you should know that Macy’s guarantees that they will “credit your account(s) within 10 business days of receiving your return.”

If you’re here because you’re feeling worried that the credit won’t hit your account, rest assured that it’s normal for it to take several days for the activity to post to your account. If it’s been longer than 10 business days, though, it’s time to reach out to Macy’s customer service line at 1-800-BUY-MACY.

Refunds for Purchases with Multiple Payment Methods

If you return an item that you used multiple forms of payment to purchase, then things get a little complicated. Any credit or debit accounts will be refunded the original amount charged. The remaining amount will be issued as a Happy Returns card or a Merchandise Only Certificate.

Macy’s Returns Paid for With Gift Cards, Cash, and Other Payments

If you used cash or gift cards for a purchase, you won’t receive your cash or gift card back. Instead, Macy’s will give you a Happy Returns card or a Merchandise Only Certificate.

Macy’s will send Merchandise Only Certificates to your mailing address within 2-4 weeks. Pro tip: double check that your mailing address is correct!

Also, you should know that Merchandise Only Certificates are only valid for in-store purchases.

If you think you may want to return an item, we suggest you charge it to your credit card. That will make your Macy’s return a whole lot smoother. And, if you have a credit card with cashback, you could be earning free money for shopping!

Making Exchanges at Macy’s

If you still want your product–just a different version–you can make exchanges at Macy’s easily, too.

For online orders that you wish to mail in, there is no true exchange process. You just need to make your return and re-order the product you do want.

When you make a return in-store, go ahead and pick out the item you’d like to exchange (and don’t forget the one you want to return). Then, head over to the customer service desk as if you were making a return.

The customer service associate will handle everything from there.

Keep in mind that you cannot return items that are:

• Damaged
• Used
• Altered
• Worn
• Washed
• Without their original tags

Read Macy’s exchange policy here.

How to Return an Item to Macy’s Via Mail for Free

Compared to most returns for online orders, Macy’s return policy is a good one. Macy’s will pay the shipping costs for your returns, and their “Easy Returns” process is made easy thanks to their partnership with UPS.

Here’s how to return your Macy’s order through the mail.

Keep in mind that in-store purchases are not eligible for mail-in returns. If you bought it in-store at Macy’s, you need to return it to a Macy’s location.

Step 1: Start Your Macy’s Return Online

Before you do anything, you’ll need to head over to Macy’s return portal. Here, you can access your return in two ways.

The easiest method is to log in to your Macy’s account and access the order through your order history.

Or, you can enter your order number and your email or phone number.

From there, you’ll select the “Return Items” button. Items that are eligible for return will then be listed for you.

Check the “Select To Return Item” box, then select a reason for your return. Your options are:

• Item no longer needed/wanted
• Quality not as expected
• Not as pictured/described
• Bought multiple sizes/colors
• Better price elsewhere
• Item damaged
• Sent wrong item
• Size did not fit

On this page, you can also view information like how much you paid for the product and how long you have to return each item.

Then, you have the choice to receive a refund to your original payment method or a Macy’s Gift Card. Here, you can see the last four digits of the card you used to buy the items.

Macy’s will credit your account within 3-5 business days of receiving your return. Generally, you can expect to see the funds posted within 7-10 business days, but it could take longer.

Once you’ve chosen how you want your money back, you need to choose how you want to return your item. Select “UPS Drop Off.” 

Step 2: Print Your Return Label and Pack Your Return

The best part of Macy’s returns is that they send you a free shipping label. All you need to do is print it out and tape it to your package.

If you don’t own a printer, you can head over to your local library. Most public libraries offer free printing! 

Step 3: Drop Your Package off at UPS

Once your package is ready, it’s time to drop your Macy’s return off at a UPS location near you. When you arrive, you can simply drop it off in the shipping bin. There’s no contact and no payment. It’s fast and easy.

How to Make Returns at a Macy’s Location

You can make returns at a physical store for both in-person and online orders.

Remember, in-store purchases are not eligible for mail-in returns, so if you bought your products at Macy’s, you need to take them back to Macy’s.

Step 1: Figure Out if Your Return is Eligible

Before you head to Macy’s to wait in line at their customer service desk, ensure that they will actually accept your return. There are multiple ways to find out if your return is eligible.

If you purchased an item in-store, check out the section above, “Can You Return Anything to Macy’s?” or Macy’s return policy here.

If you still have questions, you can call Macy’s customer service line at 1-800-BUY-MACY any time.

However, if you purchased your items online, you can begin the process online with Macy’s Easy Returns. 

This tip could save you a lot of time! Those lines can be long.

Step 2: Gather Your “Paperwork”

Once you’ve decided that Macy’s will accept your return (or you at least think it’s worth the chance), it’s time to get your ducks in a row.

When you leave the house, make sure you have:

• The product you want to return with its original tags and packaging

And at least one of the following:

• Your receipt
• The credit card you used to make the purchase
• Your return label, packing slip, or order/shipping confirmation email (for online orders)
• Your registry number
• Your Macy’s account information (email and phone number)

Step 3: Head to Your Closest (or Favorite) Macy’s Customer Service Desk

If you bought your Macy’s product in-store, then you probably know where to go to return your items.

However, Macy’s makes it extremely convenient for shoppers to make returns. You can process your return at any Macy’s location, regardless of where you bought your products (including if you made your purchase while sitting on your couch).

Use Macy’s store locator to find a brick-and-mortar Macy’s location near you to process your return.

Then, head straight to Macy’s customer service or return counter. A store associate will handle everything from there! It’s that easy.

Macy’s Return Policy FAQs

Now You Know How to Make a Return at Macy’s!

Making returns at Macy’s is fairly easy, however, their return policy is not lenient compared to some other department stores, like Kohl’s (which gives you 180 days to return most merchandise, including worn and washed clothing).

Still shopping at Macy’s? Learn more ways to save money at Macy’s at Koopy.com.

What has your experience with making returns at Macy’s been? Share your struggles and your accomplishments below with our community!