Target Return Policy: 90 Days, 1 Year for Owned Brands and Every Exception

Target’s policy has one rule for most things and a handful of exceptions that trip people up: electronics, Apple products, third-party “Target Plus” items and anything bought through a delivery app. Here is each window, what counts as proof of purchase, and how long your refund takes.

Based on Target’s official returns page in its help center. Target can deny returns in cases of fraud or suspected abuse.

How long do you have to return to Target?

Most unopened items sold by Target in new condition can be returned within 90 days. For Target.com orders the clock starts when you receive the item: delivery, Shipt delivery or in-store pickup. Items that are opened, damaged or have no receipt may be refused.

Exceptions by category

Target Circle Card: 30 extra days

Target Circle debit and credit card holders and Target Circle 360 members get an extra 30 days to return nearly all items paid with a Target Circle Card. The extra time doesn’t apply to Target Owned Brand items (they already have a year), Target Optical purchases, non-returnable items, contract mobile phones and online SNAP-eligible purchases paid with both EBT and a Circle Card.

What can’t be returned to Target

• Trading cards and trading card accessories (final sale since January 30, 2023).
• Opened or defective collectibles, personalized items and digital downloads.
• Opened breast pumps, gift cards and prepaid cards, and some Target Plus items.
• Items bought through a third-party delivery service such as Shipt, DoorDash, Instacart or Uber Eats: contact that service instead.

Some items are exchange only once opened: music, movies, video games and software (for the same title) and air beds (for a similar item).

Returning to Target without a receipt

1. Bring any proof you have. Target accepts a receipt, the return barcode in the app or on Target.com, or the payment card you used.
2. Let the store look it up. Stores can find receipts for purchases made with a Target Circle Card or with Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards.
3. No proof at all? You may get a refund as a merchandise return card. You’ll need a government-issued ID. The card works only in stores (not on Target.com), can’t be turned into cash, and its funds don’t expire.

Returns without a receipt may be limited. Gifts returned with a gift receipt or packing slip are refunded as a Target GiftCard, and a gift receipt can’t be used on the same day the gift was bought.

How to return a Target.com order

1. Open My Purchases in the Target app or on Target.com and choose Online.
2. Select Return (to a store or by mail) or Fix an issue.
3. In store: bring the item with the app barcode, the receipt, the confirmation email or the original payment card. Target.com items can go back to any Target store.
4. Drive Up: choose Drive Up when you start the return, check in on the app and a team member collects the item at your car. Not every item or store offers it.
5. By mail: Target emails a free return label; drop the package at UPS or FedEx.

Large items over roughly 150 lb can sometimes be picked up from your home (call 1-800-591-3869). Return shipping fees depend on the shipping method: shipping may be refunded for reasons like a damaged or wrong item, but not for a change of mind or wrong size.

When will you get your refund?

• Target Circle Card: up to 2 days after the refund is approved.
• Other credit cards: up to 5 days.
• Mail returns: on average 7–10 more business days after the return center receives the item.
• Target GiftCard purchases: refunded as a new eGiftCard.

In most cases the refund goes back to your original payment method automatically. Items bought on a “buy one, get one” deal are refunded at the prorated discounted price.

Tips before you return

• Check who sold it. Target Plus partner items have 30 days instead of 90.
• Return phones and Apple products fast: 14 days goes quickly, and opened phones can carry a restocking charge.
• Use the app barcode instead of hunting for a paper receipt.