Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack Return Policy: No Time Limit vs. 40 Days

Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack share a name, a gift card and many store counters, but their return policies are very different. Knowing which one you bought from decides whether you have unlimited time or 40 days, and whether a mail return costs you nothing or $9.95.

Based on Nordstrom’s official Returns & Exchanges pages and Nordstrom Rack’s Shipping & Return Policy, checked Sep 29, 2026. Neither page shows a “last updated” date.

Nordstrom vs. Nordstrom Rack return policy

Does Nordstrom have a time limit on returns?

No. Under the question “Is there a time limit? What if the item is worn?”, Nordstrom answers: “There are no time limits for returns or exchanges.” It adds that it will “do our best to take care of customers and deal with them fairly; we ask that our customers treat us fairly as well. From time to time we may not accept a return.”

In practice, that means a return months later is possible, but it isn’t guaranteed. Nordstrom says it handles returns “on a case-by-case basis.” Nordstrom doesn’t publish which returns it turns down, so keep receipts and tags even without a deadline.

Nordstrom items with special rules

• Items with a tag saying they can’t be returned if removed: must come back in the same condition, with all packaging and the tag still attached.
• Fine jewelry: can’t be mailed; return it to a Nordstrom store with a Fine Jewelry department.
• Car seats: only in the original, unopened box.
• Balsam Hill: within 30 days of purchase or before December 25, whichever comes first.
• Watchfinder & Co. pre-owned items: not eligible for refund or exchange.
• Gift cards: not returnable.
• Third-party sellers on Nordstrom.com: full refund only if returned by the return-by date shown in your purchase history, unworn, undamaged, unaltered and with the original tags. Allow 10–14 business days for processing.

Nordstrom Rack return policy: the 40-day rule

Rack’s policy is fixed: “Online purchases must be returned within 40 days of order date” and “Store purchases must be returned within 40 days of purchase.” Items must be:

• Not used or worn, altered or damaged
• In their original packaging, including price tags and hang tags, hangers, dust bags, eyewear cases, shoe boxes and gift boxes when applicable
• For beauty products and car seats, unopened; beauty can only be returned in store

Items marked Final Sale can’t be returned or exchanged. Rack also reserves the right to refuse or limit quantities for anyone it believes is buying for resale.

How to return a Nordstrom order by mail

1. Start your return online from your order.
2. Get your label. Nordstrom emails a prepaid shipping label to print at home, or you can show a QR code at an eligible USPS or FedEx location and they print it for you.
3. Ship hazardous items separately. Nordstrom asks you to pack and label them on their own with the special label it provides, as USPS requires.
4. Wait for processing. Returns are processed in 8–12 business days, and refunds arrive 3–5 business days after that.

Mail returns to Nordstrom are free. In a store, go to any register; refunds can be expected in 3–5 business days.

How to return a Nordstrom Rack order

• In store (free): take online or store purchases to any Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack store.
• By mail (online orders only): Rack emails a prepaid label or a QR code to print one at an eligible carrier location. $9.95 is deducted from your refund for each prepaid label you use. Rack store purchases can’t be mailed back.

Can you return Nordstrom items to Nordstrom Rack?

Yes, for most items. Nordstrom accepts eligible Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com merchandise at Rack locations, but fine jewelry and designer items bought at Nordstrom or Nordstrom.com can’t be returned at Rack stores. Going the other way, Rack purchases can be returned at any Nordstrom store.

Returns without a receipt and gift returns

Nordstrom: a receipt or order number helps staff find the purchase fastest. If no record of sale is available and Nordstrom chooses to give a refund, you’ll need personal identification and the refund comes at the current price on a Nordstrom gift card. With a gift receipt, the refund may go to the original form of payment or a Nordstrom gift card.

Nordstrom Rack: returns must be accompanied by the receipt. Refunds for gifts are issued as a Nordstrom gift card, usable at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack online and in stores.

When will you get your refund?

At both stores, the shipping you paid on the original order isn’t refunded.