Most Macy’s purchases can be returned within 30 days of purchase or delivery, subject to product-specific conditions. Eligible online orders can generally be returned in store or by mail, while store purchases must go back to a store. Standard in-store returns are free; eligible mailed returns are free for Star Rewards members, while nonmembers pay $9.99 plus applicable tax.
This guide covers the United States policy. Before starting a return, check the seller, product category, and purchase date. Furniture, mattresses, designer merchandise, and third-party purchases can follow different rules. Holiday purchases may also qualify for an extended deadline.
Macy’s Return Policy at a Glance
| Policy Detail | Current Rule |
|---|---|
| Standard Window | Most items: 30 days from purchase or delivery |
| Store Purchases | Return to a Macy’s store |
| Eligible Online Purchases | Return in store or by mail |
| Standard Store Return Fee | Free |
| Eligible Mail Returns | Free for Star Rewards members; $9.99 plus applicable tax for nonmembers |
| Paper Receipt Missing | Macy’s may locate the transaction using other purchase information |
| Standard Refund Destination | Original payment method when proof of purchase is available |
| 2026 Holiday Extension | Most eligible purchases made October 5–December 31, 2026: return through January 31, 2027 |
Category restrictions and exclusions still apply.
Understanding the Return Deadline
Check the deadline attached to your transaction rather than assuming every item has the same starting date. Macy’s general policy refers to purchase or delivery, while individual categories can specify a different trigger.
For a practical check, gather your receipt or order confirmation, identify the delivery date where relevant, and review the item’s return eligibility before arranging shipment.
What Condition Must Returned Items Be In?
Ordinary merchandise should be unworn, unaltered, and in its original condition, with tags attached and applicable original packaging. Special categories can impose additional requirements.
Can You Return Opened Cosmetics or Fragrances?
Macy’s accepts new or gently used cosmetics and fragrances that do not meet your needs. This does not create a general right to return used merchandise across other departments. Shipping and delivery charges are nonrefundable.
Keep boxes, protective inserts, accessories, and promotional items together until you decide whether to keep the purchase.
How to Return an Item to Macy’s
Returning an Item In Store
Bring the merchandise and available purchase information to the appropriate Macy’s location. Returns are not accepted at curbside.
If your paper receipt is missing, Macy’s may locate the transaction using:
- The credit card used for payment.
- An order number or confirmation email.
- A packing slip or shipping label.
- A gift registry number.
Lookup is an option, rather than a guarantee that every transaction can be recovered.
Returning an Online Order by Mail
For an eligible online purchase:
- Start the return through Macy’s Return Center or your Purchase History.
- Select the items and follow the return instructions.
- Print the assigned label and place the return slip inside.
- Use one label per box; do not mix merchandise assigned to different labels.
- Retain the carrier handoff receipt and tracking number.
You can print or reprint a submitted return label through My Account > Purchase History.
Return Shipping Fees and Exclusions
Star Rewards membership provides free shipping on qualifying returns. Nonmembers have $9.99 plus applicable tax deducted from the refund for eligible mailed returns.
Free-return exclusions include lamps, wall art, mirrors, furniture, mattresses, and area rugs. International orders also fall outside the advertised free-return offer. Confirm the item-specific charges before shipping a large or specialty item.
Refund Methods and Processing Times
Macy’s detailed refund guidance provides the following expectations:
| Return or Payment Situation | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Standard In-Store Return | Usually processed immediately |
| Mailed Return | Allow up to 10 business days after receipt |
| Credit or Debit Card | An additional 5–7 business days may be needed for posting |
| Gift Return | Store credit |
| No Proof of Purchase | Possible store credit based on the lowest selling price within the previous 180 days |
Macy’s shorter return-instructions page mentions typical processing within seven days, while its dedicated refund page allows 10 business days. Use the longer allowance when planning. Transit time comes before processing, and bank posting comes afterward.
Purchases Paid With Gift Cards or Rewards
Store credit may be issued for merchandise purchased using a gift card, certificate, check, Star Money, or Macy’s Money. Ask which credit type you will receive because redemption restrictions can differ.
Furniture and Mattress Return Rules
Furniture and mattresses have separate deadlines and charges.
| Purchase Type | Return Rule | Key Costs or Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled-Delivery Furniture | Contact Macy’s within 3 days of delivery | As-new condition; 15% restocking fee; delivery fees nonrefundable |
| UPS- or Vendor-Shipped Furniture | Within 30 days of delivery | Original condition and packaging; 15% return fee; no store returns |
| Mattresses | One-time return or reselection within 120 days of delivery | Condition requirements, pickup charges, and brand-specific fees apply |
For mattresses, Macy’s lists a $99 pickup fee and a possible 15% preference fee, depending on the brand. Selected brands waive the first-return preference fee, so request a charge breakdown for your specific mattress.
Scheduled-delivery furniture damage or defects must also be reported within three days of delivery. Macy’s may arrange service, repair, or replacement. Contact Furniture & Mattress Customer Care before moving or shipping these products.
Final Sale and Specialty Purchases
Last Act merchandise cannot be returned or exchanged. Gift cards, altered or personalized items, food, beverages, live plants, and gourmet gifts are also final sale. An ordinary discount should not automatically be treated as a final-sale designation; check the actual item terms.
Specialty departments may require a particular return location or inspection. Before taking designer goods, jewelry, rugs, or vendor merchandise to a general returns counter, verify the instructions attached to that purchase.
Third-Party Seller Returns
Check who sold and shipped your item. Macy’s standard policy directs eligible third-party merchandise back to the seller within 30 days of delivery, with returns initiated through Purchase History. Some vendor categories have additional restrictions.
For damaged, incorrect, or incomplete third-party orders, use Contact the Seller in Order Details. Obtain the correct return instructions before mailing the package.
Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Orders
For ordinary shipment problems, notify Macy’s within 30 days of delivery. This includes incorrect merchandise, missing components, damage, defects, and packages marked delivered but not received. The shorter furniture reporting deadline remains important.
Keep the packaging and take clear photographs of the problem. These are useful records when explaining what arrived and requesting instructions.
Macy’s Holiday Return Policy for 2026
Most eligible merchandise purchased October 5 through December 31, 2026, can be returned through January 31, 2027.
Important exclusions remain:
- Last Act merchandise stays final sale.
- Items sold by Dyson and Mac Duggal retain a 30-day purchase-based deadline.
- Shipping and delivery fees remain nonrefundable.
- Normal return-channel and fee rules continue to apply.
Do not assume the holiday extension overrides separate furniture or mattress terms.
What to Do If Your Return Is Denied
Ask which condition caused the denial, then compare it with your receipt, seller information, product category, and deadline. Gather any missing proof before contacting support.
A warranty or protection plan is a separate route for covered problems; it does not automatically extend the change-of-mind return period.
Macy’s Customer Care is available at 1-800-289-6229. Furniture & Mattress Customer Care is 1-888-822-6229. Both list daily hours of 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Return Something Without a Paper Receipt?
Macy’s may locate the purchase using your payment card or order information. Without proof, an eligible return may receive store credit rather than an original-payment refund.
Can I Mail Back a Store Purchase?
Store purchases must be returned to a store. Mail returns are available for eligible online purchases.
Are Macy’s Returns Free?
Standard store returns are free. Qualifying mail returns are free for Star Rewards members; nonmembers pay the stated shipping deduction. Specialty exclusions apply.
Can I Return Last Act Merchandise?
No. Last Act purchases are final sale, with no returns, exchanges, or price adjustments.
How Long Should I Allow for a Mailed Refund?
Allow transit time, up to 10 business days for processing after receipt, and any additional financial-institution posting time.
Conclusion
The Macy return policy is easiest to navigate when you identify the seller, deadline, and product category first. Keep purchase records and packaging until you are confident you will keep the item, and use the return instructions assigned to your order.
Before handing over a package, confirm any shipping deduction, restocking charge, or special return destination. Save tracking and handoff proof until the refund arrives. For holiday purchases, check eligibility for the extended deadline while keeping final-sale restrictions and specialty-product terms in view.