Amazon Return Policy: 30-Day Window, Exceptions, Fees & Refund Times
By ReturnClerk · Verified Oct 31, 2026 against 1 official source · next review Dec 15, 2026 · Report a change
Quick answer
30days
from delivery, original or unused condition
Most items bought on Amazon can be returned for a refund or replacement within 30 days of delivery if they're in original or unused condition 1. Some categories have shorter or longer windows – for example 15 days for new Apple products and 90 days for most mattresses 1. Returns are usually free, but Amazon can charge late, damage and restocking fees in specific situations 1.
On this page
Amazon's return policy looks simple – 30 days for most things – but the details change with the product type, the seller and the condition of the item. This guide walks through the rules Amazon publishes on its own help page, including the fees that can quietly reduce your refund 1.
The standard 30-day window
Most items can be returned for a refund, replacement or exchange within 30 days of delivery, as long as they're in original or unused condition 1. Amazon recommends checking an item's return eligibility on the product page before you buy, and in your Order History after you buy 1.
Your personal deadline is the "return by date" shown in your return confirmation email or in the Return Request tab of your Order History – return the item before that date 1.
Items with shorter or longer windows
| Return window | Examples from Amazon's policy |
|---|---|
| 7 days | Kindle books bought by accident and not read; undownloaded digital textbooks 1 |
| 15 days | Apple and Boost Infinite products sold new; Amazon Haul items over $3 1 |
| 90 days | Select Amazon Renewed items, most nonperishable baby products, gifts from Birthday or Custom Gift Lists, mattresses (not crib mattresses) 1 |
| 180 days | Gifts bought from an Amazon Wedding Registry by someone other than the registry owner 1 |
| 365 days | Amazon Renewed in "Premium" condition; gifts from an Amazon Baby Registry 1 |
What you can't return
Amazon lists perishables, products with health and safety risks, products with shipping restrictions, customized items, redeemable products, Amazon Pharmacy and pet medication products, certain digital products and automobiles as non-returnable 1. Items marked Final Sale – including trading card games, specific discounted items and Amazon Haul items of $3 and less – can't be returned or refunded either 1.
If a non-returnable or Final Sale item arrives damaged, defective or materially different from what you ordered, contact Amazon Customer Service 1.
How to start an Amazon return
- Go to Your Orders and click Return Items next to the product 1.
- Choose a drop-off or shipping option. Amazon says most items can be returned for free at more than 8,000 locations, typically within a 5-mile radius of your address, and most returns don't need a box or label 1.
- Send the item back in original or unused condition, with tags, hygiene seals, original packaging, accessories and manuals 1.
- Don't combine items from separate orders in one return 1.
Before returning a computer or other device, erase your personal information following the manufacturer's instructions 1.
Refund timing
Amazon can take up to 30 days to receive and process a return 1. After the refund is issued, the money reaches you on this schedule 1:
- Amazon.com Gift Card balance: 2-3 hours 1
- Credit card: 3-5 business days 1
- Debit card: up to 10 business days 1
- Prepaid credit card: up to 30 days, depending on the issuer 1
Your bank may need additional time to make the funds available after Amazon issues the refund 1.
Return fees to watch for
Returns are generally free, but Amazon lists several fees 1:
| Fee | When it applies | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Return shipping | You choose a non-free option, return a heavy/bulky item, or have an unusually high return rate | Varies 1 |
| Late fee (may be charged) | Item not dropped off, or carrier pickup not completed, by the return-by date | 20% of the price for the first 30 days after the date, then 100% 1 |
| Damage fee | Item damaged, missing parts, tags removed or obviously used (not Amazon's or the seller's fault) | Up to 50%; Amazon Luxury 100% 1 |
| Restocking fee | Opened, activated or used software and video games; opened collectible cards, board games and figurines | 100% of the price 1 |
Heavy and bulky items – those weighing 50 lbs or more, with a longest packed side over 59 inches, or with a girth over 130 inches (girth = length + 2 × (width + height)) – may also carry a variable return shipping fee 1. And if the item you return was part of a discount qualification, Amazon reduces your refund to account for it 1.
Third-party seller returns
When a third-party seller fulfills and ships its own inventory, your return goes back to the seller rather than Amazon 1. Those sellers must offer a US return address, a prepaid return label, or a full refund without requiring the item back 1.
Returning a gift
Use the 17-digit order number from the packing slip or digital gift receipt to start the return on Amazon's Returns page; if you can't find it, ask the gift giver 1. Exchanges aren't direct – you return the gift and place a new order 1.
Quick tips
- Check the "return by date" as soon as you start a return, and drop the item off or complete a carrier pickup by then; Amazon may charge 20% or more if you're late 1.
- Keep packaging and tags until you're sure you're keeping the item, to avoid a damage fee 1.
- Pick the free drop-off option offered for your item to avoid shipping charges 1.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to return something to Amazon?
How long does an Amazon refund take?
Are Amazon returns always free?
Most items include at least one free return shipping option, but you may be charged if you pick a non-free shipping or drop-off option, return a heavy or bulky item, or have an unusually high return rate 1.
What if a Final Sale item arrives broken?
Final Sale items are non-returnable and non-refundable, but if one arrives damaged, defective or materially different from what you ordered, Amazon asks you to contact Customer Service 1.
How do I return a gift I received from Amazon?
Use the order number from the packing slip or digital gift receipt on Amazon's Returns page. If you want a different item, you'll need to return the gift and place a new order 1.
Sources
- 1Amazon Return PolicyAmazon Customer Service, text captured Oct 30, 2026
Verified Oct 31, 2026 against 1 official source. Next review Dec 15, 2026.
ReturnClerk is not affiliated with Amazon. Policies change and individual stores may apply them differently, so confirm with the retailer before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us or read how we verify.