Amazon Return Policy: 30-Day Window, Exceptions, Fees and Refund Times
Key facts
- Standard window
- 30 days from delivery
- Apple products (new)
- 15 days
- Mattresses, baby items
- 90 days
- Return shipping
- At least one free option (most items)
- Late return fee
- 20%, then 100% of the price
- Refund to credit card
- 3–5 business days
In this guide
Amazon’s return process is mostly automatic, but the rules around exceptions, third-party sellers and fees can cost you money if you don’t know them. Here’s what applies to orders on Amazon.com.
Based on Amazon’s returns and refunds help pages and Amazon’s official newsroom (About Amazon). Amazon’s help pages can change without notice; check the “Return by” date on your order.
How long do you have to return to Amazon?
Most items can be returned for a refund or replacement within 30 days of delivery, as long as they’re in original or unused condition: tags attached, hygiene seals intact and in the manufacturer’s packaging. Your exact deadline appears as the “Return by” date on each order.
Exceptions: shorter and longer windows
| Window | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 7 days | Kindle books bought by accident and not read, plus accidental textbook and song purchases. |
| 15 days | New Apple-brand and Boost Infinite-brand products; Amazon Haul items over $3. |
| 90 days | Select Amazon Renewed products, most nonperishable baby products, Custom Gift List items and mattresses. |
| 180 days | Wedding Registry items bought by someone other than the registry owner. |
| 365 days | Amazon Renewed products in “Premium” condition; Baby Registry items bought by someone else. |
What can’t be returned
- Perishables, customized products, redeemable products and certain digital products.
- Amazon Pharmacy products and pet medications.
- Products that may pose health and safety risks if returned, and products with shipping restrictions.
- Items marked “Final Sale”, including trading card games, some discounted items and Amazon Haul items of $3 or less.
How to return an Amazon order
- Go to Your Orders and select Return Items next to the product (or use the Returns Center).
- Choose the reason and follow the options Amazon shows for your item.
- Pick a return method. For eligible items there are free, no-box returns: no box, tape or label needed.
- Drop it off and keep the receipt or QR confirmation until the refund arrives.
Amazon says its free drop-off network has more than 10,000 US locations, including The UPS Store, Whole Foods Market, Kohl’s, Staples and, since 2026, more than 1,500 FedEx Office stores. At Whole Foods you scan a QR code at the Pickup & Return desk.
Items sold by third-party sellers
If a third-party seller ships its own inventory, the return goes back to that seller, not Amazon. The seller must give you a US return address, a prepaid return label, or a full refund without asking for the item back. If the seller doesn’t offer an approved return method within 48 hours, you can claim under the A-to-z Guarantee. Outbound shipping charges aren’t always refunded.
Fees when a return breaks the rules
- Late return: 20% of the item price if you return it within 30 days after the “Return by” date; 100% after that.
- Damaged or used: up to 50% of the item price (100% for Amazon Luxury items).
- Restocking fee: Amazon’s fee table lists it at up to 100% of the item price for certain opened items, so check the product’s return terms before opening anything you may send back.
How long does an Amazon refund take?
Once Amazon processes your return:
| Payment method | Refund time |
|---|---|
| Amazon gift card balance | 2–3 hours |
| Credit card | 3–5 business days |
| Shop with Points | Up to 5 business days |
| Debit card, checking account, EBT | Up to 10 business days |
| Prepaid credit card | Up to 30 days, depending on the issuer |
Holiday returns
Amazon extends returns for holiday shopping, with dates announced each season. For 2025, most items bought between November 1 and December 31 could be returned until January 31, 2026 (Apple products until January 15, 2026). At the time of our last check, the 2026 dates hadn’t been announced.
Tips
- Check who ships the item before buying expensive products: seller-fulfilled items follow the seller’s return process.
- Watch the “Return by” date: the late fee starts at 20% of the price.
- Return Apple products fast: they have 15 days, not 30.
FAQ
How many days do I have to return an Amazon order?
Most items: 30 days from delivery. New Apple products: 15 days. Mattresses and most baby products: 90 days. Your exact deadline is the “Return by” date on the order.
Are Amazon returns free?
Most items include at least one free return option, such as no-box drop-off at The UPS Store, Whole Foods, Kohl’s, Staples or FedEx Office. A $1 fee can apply at The UPS Store if a free option is closer.
What happens if I return something to Amazon late?
Amazon may charge 20% of the item price if you return it within 30 days after the “Return by” date, and 100% after that.
How long does an Amazon refund take?
After processing: 2–3 hours to a gift card balance, 3–5 business days to a credit card, up to 10 business days to a debit card and up to 30 days to a prepaid card.
Can I return an item sold by a third-party seller?
Yes. The seller must offer a US return address, a prepaid label or a refund without return. If it doesn’t within 48 hours, the A-to-z Guarantee can apply.
