Shopping at Macy’s comes with a safety net. The Macy’s return policy covers most items within 30 days of purchase, with free in-store returns and a straightforward online process. Star Rewards members enjoy added perks, and holiday shoppers benefit from an extended window.
But not every product plays by the same rules. This guide breaks down the full policy, including category exceptions, refund timelines, how fees work, and what happens when you do not have your receipt.
| Information | Details |
| Website | www.macys.com |
| Return Time | 30 days (most items); select designer brands 14 days; gift registry items 90 days |
| Return Medium | Both (In-Store is free / Online: free for Star Rewards members, $9.99 for non-members) |
| Exchange Period | 30 days (in-store); online purchases must be re-ordered after return |
| Refund Time | Immediate (in-store cash); 3-5 business days (in-store card); up to 7 days (mail) |
| Refund Method | Original payment method; store credit for gift returns or no-receipt returns |
| Contact | 1-800-289-6229 |
| Email Support | Via customerservice.macys.com or macys.com/returns |
The Standard Macy’s Return Window
Most items purchased at Macy’s or macys.com must be returned within 30 days of purchase. Items must be unworn, unwashed, unaltered, and have original tags attached. Shoes should only be tried on carpet with unscuffed soles and an undamaged box. Swimwear and lingerie must be tried on over underwear with hygienic liners intact.
Holiday Return Extension
For the holiday season, Macy’s extends the standard return window. Purchases made between October 6 and December 31, 2025 can be returned until January 31, 2026. This extension applies to most items but excludes Last Act clearance, Dyson products, Mac Duggal items, and categories with their own shorter return windows such as select designer goods.
Category-Specific Return Windows
- Most items: 30 days.
- Designer brands (Burberry, Gucci, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, Tous): 14 days.
- Apple iPhones and tech accessories: 14 days.
- Gift registry purchases: 90 days from the event date (with receipt).
- Gowns, fine jewelry, bridge jewelry, watches, eyewear, area rugs: 30 days.
What Cannot Be Returned to Macy’s?
Certain items are final sale and cannot be returned under any circumstances unless they are defective:
- Last Act clearance items
- Furniture and mattresses (separate policies apply at time of purchase)
- Personalized or custom items
- Food items and perishables
- Items marked final sale at point of purchase
Always check your receipt or the product page for final sale designations before completing a purchase.
How to Return Items to Macy’s
In-Store Return: Free for Everyone
In-store returns are completely free for all customers. Bring the item, your proof of purchase, and any original packaging.
- Visit any Macy’s store and head to the customer service or returns desk.
- Show your receipt, digital order confirmation, or allow staff to look up the purchase using your payment card.
- Refunds are processed immediately for cash and Macy’s card purchases. Credit and debit card refunds appear within 3-5 business days.
Online Return: Fee Depends on Membership
- Star Rewards members: Free return shipping.
- Non-members: A $9.99 return shipping fee plus applicable tax is deducted from your refund.
To return online:
- Log in to your Macy’s account and go to Purchase History. Click Return next to the order you want to return.
- Select items, choose a reason, and confirm your payment method.
- Print your return label or use the Label Free option at a UPS Store by showing your QR code.
- Macy’s processes mail returns within 7 days of receiving your package. Additional bank processing time adds 3-5 business days.
Macy’s Refund Policy: Methods and Timelines
Refunds at Macy’s always go back to your original payment method. The timeline depends on how you return:
- In-store cash: Immediate.
- In-store credit or debit card: 3-5 business days.
- In-store Macy’s card: Immediate credit.
- Mail return (credit/debit): Up to 7 days for Macy’s to process after receipt, plus 3-5 additional bank days.
- Third-party cards (Visa, etc.): May take 5-7 additional business days beyond standard processing.
Returns Without a Receipt
Macy’s can often look up your purchase using your payment card or Star Rewards account. Without any proof of purchase, refunds are issued as store credit at the item’s lowest selling price in the last 180 days. Macy’s tracks frequent no-receipt returns and reserves the right to limit or deny them for customers with excessive return histories.
Gift Returns
With a gift receipt, refunds are issued as store credit. Gift registry purchases with a registry number or gift receipt are refunded as store credit. If the item was on a registry and has no receipt, store credit is issued at the lowest selling price in the last 180 days.
Macy’s Exchange Policy
In-store exchanges are processed at the customer service desk for most items within the standard return period. You can exchange for a similar product; if the replacement is priced higher, you pay the difference. If it is lower, Macy’s refunds the balance to your original payment method. Online purchases must be returned first and then re-ordered separately, as Macy’s does not process direct online exchanges.
Star Rewards Members: Extra Benefits
Macy’s Star Rewards members with qualifying status enjoy free return shipping on all mail-in returns. If you frequently shop at Macy’s, joining Star Rewards is free and removes the $9.99 shipping fee on returns. Some Star Rewards tiers also receive an extended return window of up to 90 days on most items. Check your account status for exact benefits.
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Macy’s Return Policy FAQ
Can I return a Macy’s online purchase to a store?
Yes. Most online purchases can be returned to any Macy’s store for free. Bring your order confirmation email or packing slip as proof of purchase.
Does Macy’s charge a return shipping fee?
Star Rewards members get free return shipping. Non-members pay a $9.99 fee plus applicable tax, which is deducted from the refund. In-store returns are free for everyone.
What is Macy’s return policy for designer items?
Brands like Gucci, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Tous must be returned within 14 days of purchase. These items may also need to be returned to specific Macy’s locations. Check your receipt for details.
How long does a Macy’s refund take?
In-store cash refunds are immediate. Card refunds take 3-5 business days for in-store returns, and up to 7 business days from the date Macy’s receives a mail return. Additional bank processing may add a few more days.
What if I bought a Macy’s item during the holiday season?
Purchases made between October 6 and December 31, 2025 can be returned until January 31, 2026. Exceptions apply to Last Act items, Dyson products, Mac Duggal items, and categories with shorter standard windows.
Conclusion
The Macy’s return policy balances genuine flexibility with a few firm rules. The 30-day window covers the vast majority of purchases, free in-store returns make the process painless, and Star Rewards members get extra shipping savings. Keep your receipt, note the category-specific deadlines, and you will find Macy’s to be a reliable department store when it comes time to return.
Disclaimer: The return policy information on ReturnsPolicies.info is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the latest updates. Always verify the current policy directly on the retailer’s official website before making any purchase or return decision. We are not affiliated with any of the retailers mentioned.