FreshReturn Policy

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

Macy’s Return Policy generally allows most merchandise to be returned within 30 days of delivery or purchase, subject to product-specific conditions. This guide covers U.S. purchases. Before returning anything, identify the seller, check whether the item is final sale, and confirm the deadline shown for your purchase.

The return method matters, too. A purchase made at a store follows a different route from an online order, while furniture, mattresses, designer merchandise, and third-party products require closer attention. Eligible holiday purchases may have an extended deadline. Having your receipt, order confirmation, or payment information ready can help Macy’s locate the transaction and determine the appropriate refund.

Macy’s Return Policy at a Glance

Policy DetailCurrent Rule
Standard windowMost items: 30 days from delivery or purchase
Store purchasesReturn to a Macy’s store
Eligible online purchasesReturn in store or by mail
Store return shipping chargeNone
Standard mail return shippingFree for Star Rewards members; $9.99 plus applicable tax for nonmembers
Ordinary merchandise conditionOriginal condition, unworn, unaltered, tags attached; packaging where applicable
Final saleIncludes Last Act merchandise
Holiday extensionMost eligible purchases October 5–December 31, 2026: return through January 31, 2027

Special handling and free-shipping exclusions apply to certain home products.

Understanding Product Exceptions

Macy's Return Policy

The standard deadline does not cover every purchase equally.

Product or Purchase TypeImportant Exception
Burberry14 days from purchase; return at Macy’s Herald Square
Fine jewelry and watchesInspection can take up to 14 business days before refund approval
Macy’s BackstageReturns go to Backstage; jewelry and watches go to the original store
Cosmetics and fragrancesMay be returned if they do not meet your needs
ReBag and LidsMail directly to the vendor
Third-party merchandiseFollow the seller return instructions

Do not remove tags, alter clothing, or discard packaging while deciding whether to keep an item. An opened package does not automatically establish eligibility, and beauty exceptions should not be applied to other departments.

Furniture and Mattress Returns

Furniture has substantially different deadlines and costs.

Purchase TypeReturn Terms
Scheduled-delivery furnitureContact Macy’s within 3 days of delivery; preference returns require as-new condition and carry a 15% restocking fee
Furniture shipped by UPS or directly from a vendor30 days from delivery; original condition and packaging required; 15% return fee; no store returns
MattressesOne-time return or reselection within 120 days of delivery, subject to condition and brand terms
Mattress charges$99 pickup fee; a 15% preference fee may apply depending on brand

Delivery charges are nonrefundable. Mattress return or reselection arrangements must be scheduled within 14 days of the request.

For scheduled-delivery furniture arriving damaged or defective, contact Macy’s within 3 days. Macy’s may arrange service, repair, or replacement. Furniture and mattress support is available at 1-888-822-6229, with TTY assistance through 711.

How to Return an Item to Macy’s

Returning In Store

Bring the merchandise and available purchase information. Ordinary store purchases must go back to a store; eligible online orders can also be returned there.

Macy’s does not accept curbside returns. Check the product’s designated return location before transporting large or specialty merchandise.

Returning an Online Order by Mail

  1. Open your purchase history and start the return.
  2. Follow the instructions for the selected merchandise.
  3. Print the assigned label and return slip.
  4. Put the return slip inside the package.
  5. Use one label per box, keeping items assigned different labels separate.
  6. Save the carrier handoff receipt and tracking number.

You can reprint a submitted return label through My Account > Purchase History.

Can You Return Something Without a Receipt?

A missing paper receipt does not necessarily prevent purchase verification. Macy’s may locate the transaction using:

  • The credit card used.
  • An order number or confirmation email.
  • A packing slip or shipping label.
  • A gift registry number.

Both paper receipts and eReceipts are accepted. Without verifiable purchase information, store credit may be offered at the item’s lowest selling price during the previous 180 days. This is not a guaranteed refund of the amount originally paid.

Refund Methods and Processing Times

With proof of purchase, refunds generally return to the original payment method. Gifts receive store credit, and purchases involving gift cards, certificates, or rewards may also receive credit.

Return SituationPublished Refund Timing
Ordinary in-store returnUsually processed immediately
Mailed returnRefund guidance allows up to 10 business days after receipt
Credit or debit card postingAn additional 5–7 business days may apply
Klarna or PayPalPublished timing is 7–10 business days

Macy’s return-instructions page also describes typical mail processing within seven days. For planning, allow the longer period in its dedicated refund guidance, plus any bank posting time. Shipping transit occurs before processing begins.

Store credit formats differ: an EZ Exchange Card or Happy Returns Card works online or in store, while a Merchandise Only Certificate is restricted to store use.

Third-Party Seller Returns

Check the seller named in your order details before arranging a return. Start with the purchase history instructions and use Contact the Seller for problems involving seller-shipped merchandise.

Macy’s current help pages describe seller returns inconsistently: its refund guidance discusses some store-assisted shipments to sellers, while other guidance directs customers to deal with the seller. Confirm the permitted method for your particular order before visiting a store. Furniture and mattresses sold by third parties cannot be returned to Macy’s locations.

Damaged, Defective, Incorrect, or Incomplete Orders

For ordinary shipment problems, notify Macy’s within 30 days of delivery. This includes wrong merchandise, missing components, damaged goods, and orders marked delivered but not received.

Use customer-service chat or call 1-800-289-6229, TTY 711. Published hours are 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern, Monday–Sunday, with possible holiday variations.

Photograph the problem and keep the packaging while requesting instructions. For missing hardware, check compartments, cushions, and the underside of the product first. Remember that scheduled-delivery furniture has the shorter reporting deadline described above.

Macy’s Holiday Return Policy for 2026

Most eligible purchases made October 5 through December 31, 2026, can be returned through January 31, 2027.

Important limitations remain:

  • Last Act merchandise stays final sale.
  • Items sold by Dyson and Mac Duggal retain a 30-day purchase-based deadline.
  • Shipping and delivery charges are nonrefundable.
  • Product-specific eligibility and return methods still matter.

A holiday deadline extends eligible return timing; it does not make excluded merchandise returnable.

Late Returns, Exchanges, and Denials

Do not assume an expired deadline will be waived. Ask support to identify the applicable deadline and whether your purchase qualifies for a documented extension.

For an exchange, confirm availability and the permitted process before returning the original item. Seller-specific products and specialty departments may require different arrangements.

If a return is refused, ask which condition caused the refusal. Recheck the receipt, seller, item condition, and final-sale designation. Keep any return authorization and tracking evidence when requesting a review. A warranty claim, where available, follows its own terms and should not be treated as an automatic return extension.

Read Next

Explore more helpful guides from this category.

View More Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use an Electronic Receipt?

Yes. Macy’s accepts eReceipts as well as paper receipts.

Can I Mail Back a Store Purchase?

The ordinary mail return process is for online orders. Store purchases must be returned to a store, subject to specialty-product instructions.

Are All Returns Free for Star Rewards Members?

Eligible standard mail returns receive free shipping. Certain home categories are excluded, and specialty handling fees may apply.

Will My Card Refund Appear Immediately?

Processing a return and posting the credit are separate stages. Card refunds may need an additional 5–7 business days to appear.

Does the Holiday Extension Cover Last Act?

No. Last Act remains final sale during the holiday return period.

Conclusion

The most useful first check is your purchase record: identify the seller, applicable deadline, and authorized return method before packing or traveling. Keep the receipt or order confirmation together with the merchandise, and preserve any packaging needed for its category.

For mailed returns, retain tracking until the refund is complete. For large purchases, obtain instructions before arranging transport. If something arrived damaged or incomplete, report the issue promptly rather than waiting until you have decided whether to keep it. These checks help you establish eligibility and avoid sending an item through the wrong return channel.

More Return Policy Guides