Lowe’s Return Policy: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide

What is Lowe’s return policy?

The retailer’s general policy states you can return items within 90 days of purchase, unused and unopened. However, this doesn’t fit all cases, as I’ll discuss below.

If you’re thinking to return an oven you don’t need after all, or that new lawn mower isn’t working as it should be, this guide is for you.

Regardless of the reason, the good news is the retailer accepts returns on your Lowe’s purchase as long as you meet the requirements.

In this article, I’ll discuss Lowe’s entire return policy for in-store and online purchases, including how to get a refund or exchange.

Let’s get started.

What Is Lowe’s Return Policy?

Lowe’s requires you initiate a return within 90 days of purchase.

This general rule applies to most items. Your local Lowe’s store should be easily able to process your return in-store as long as you can show proof of purchase that has the original purchase date on it.

However, this isn’t always straightforward for the following reasons.

1. Returns are still up to your local store manager’s discretion, so not all your purchases may qualify.

2. There can be exemptions for certain items and situations.

3. The exact policy varies depending on the item you want to return. For example, the Lowes plant return policy vastly differs from Lowes appliance return policy.

Here’s a quick table to sum it up.

I’ll explain each exception in more detail below.

How Does Lowe’s Return Process Work?

It depends whether or not you have a receipt.

Lowe’s Return Policy With Receipt

Lowe’s general policy applies for most unopened or unused merchandise within 90 days of the original purchase date if you can show a valid receipt.

You can also return like new items, but it depends on the store manager’s decision.

Valid receipts can be anything that proves you bought the item at a specific price from a Lowe’s store on a specific date, such as:

• Printed receipts

• Digital receipts

• Order confirmation emails

Are There Extensions to Lowe’s Return Policy?

Lowe’s policy can go up to 365 days if you purchased the item using any of the following:

• Lowe’s Business Advantage (LBA)

• Lowe’s Business Rewards (LBR)

• Lowe’s Advantage Card (LAC)

• Lowe’s Commercial Account (LCA)

How Does Lowe’s Process Refunds for Returns with Receipt?

Does Lowe’s refund to debit card, or do they give you cash?

Lowes refund policy may vary according to the original payment method. Here’s a quick summary.

Lowe’s Return Policy Without Receipt

How about the policy for Lowes lost receipt?

Fortunately, Lowe’s return and refund policy can still cover your item without a receipt.

All you have to do is to bring any proof of identification, and a staff can log into the Lowe’s system to find the information they need, such as:

• Credit card number

• Checking account number

• Phone number

• Email address

• MyLowe’s card number

A caveat – Lowe’s keeps track of your returns history.

Trying to return multiple items to Lowe’s without a receipt can make them suspicious.

If you continue doing it, Lowe’s has every right to deny your request or even ban you from returning items to a Lowe’s store.

How Does Lowe’s Process Refunds for Returns without Receipt?

Lowe’s will use the information above to find your order details and refund you appropriately with the following methods:

• Store credit

• Cash

• Credit back to your account

What if they can’t retrieve your order or find your personal information in their system.

Luckily, you can still receive store credit equivalent to the item’s current selling price, even if you don’t have a valid receipt or proof of purchase.

Note: The store manager still has the final decision whether to accept your return request or not.

Are There Lowes Return Policy Exceptions?

As mentioned above, Lowe’s policy on returns, refunds, and exchanges can vary. Here are some exceptions to keep in mind.

Lowe’s Return Policy on Appliances

The general purchase return policy of 90 days does not apply to major appliances, such as:

• Refrigerators

• Freezers

• Dishwashers

• Washing machines

• Ovens

• Microwave ovens

Instead, you only have 48 hours to check the item, test for defects, and return it.

Fortunately, you can extend the return window to 30 days if the item is still in its original, factory-sealed packaging or you purchased it using one of these:

• Lowe’s Commercial Account (LCA)

• Lowe’s Advantage Card (LAC)

• Lowe’s Business Advantage (LBA)

• Lowe’s Business Rewards (LBR)

• Lowe’s PreLoad Card (PreLoad)

• Lowe’s Lease to Own (LTO)

Lowe’s Return Policy on Seasonal and Holiday Items

For holiday items, Lowe’s will only accept returns within 30 days and within the same holiday season.

You must return the item on or before the exact holiday. For example:

• Halloween decorations have until October 31

• Christmas ornaments have until December 25

Exemption: Out-of-Season Items

What if you purchased Christmas decorations from the clearance section in May?

The usual policy doesn’t apply, as Lowe’s consider these items final sales and no longer returnable.

Lowe’s Return Policy on Plants

You have 365 days to return plants, including:

• Trees

• Shrubs

• Perennials

Note: The Lowes plants return policy does not cover annuals or clearance plants.

Non-Refundable Products and Charges

These items and services are non-refundable unless you can prove that the item is faulty or that the mistake is due to Lowe’s error.

• Labor charges: including installation charges, assembly charges, and other related fees

• Shipping or delivery charges: unless Lowe’s make a delivery-related error

• Lowe’s gift cards: except for lost cards, in which case Lowe’s will transfer the old card’s remaining balance to a new one

• In-store credits, refund cards, merchandise cards

• Custom items: unless they arrived broken, defective, or with incorrect specifications

• Opened liquid propane gas tanks: non-exchangeable, non-returnable, and non-refundable

• Safety masks or facial coverings

• International purchases: items purchased internationally must be returned to the original store

Manufacturer Defects

If you have a defective purchase and you’re past the return time window, Lowe’s may still be able to help you.

You must call 1-888-77-LOWES to schedule a factory-certified service appointment, which will assess your item.

If the manufacturer’s warranty is still valid, they will repair or replace your merchandise.

How To Return Items to Lowe’s: 2 Easy Ways

1. Return Items In-Store.

Returning the items in-store can be easier if you live near a Lowe’s. You may also get your refund faster.

Just follow this quick guide:

1. Look for a Lowe’s near you using the website’s store locator.

2. Bring the item you want to return to Lowe’s and go to the customer service desk.

3. Present your proof of purchase or a *barcode.

4. If the staff asks you, show proof of identity, like a government ID or a driver’s license, to validate your order details.

5. Once they verify your order, they will process your return and issue you a refund.

Getting a Barcode

You can also get a barcode, which contains all your order details, if you have a MyLowe’s account.

Here’s how to get one:

1. Sign into your Lowe’s account on the Lowe’s website.

2. Navigate to Order History and look for the item you want to return.

3. Find the barcode in Order Details.

2. Return Items via Mail.

If you don’t have the time to go to a Lowe’s store and return the item personally, you can ship it.

For In-Store Purchases

1. Go to Lowe’s official website, specifically the Order Status page.

2. Click on the tab called Store Purchases.

3. There are two ways to look up an order: using the P.O. number and the Order number. You can find both in your receipt.

4. If you choose P.O. number, you’ll also have to input your phone number.
   If you choose Order number, you can input either your phone number or your email address.

5. Click the Check Order Status button and follow the prompts.

For Online Orders

1. The process for online orders is the same as store purchases, except you have to click the Online Orders tab instead.

2. Enter your email address and your order number.

3. Click the Check Order Status button and follow the prompts.

Shipping the Item

Once you’ve done either one, follow these steps.

1. Get an appropriate box that will fit the item, including all the original packaging, extra parts, and accessories.

2. Print two labels: a return label and a shipping label. One will go inside the box and another outside the box.

3. Take the package to a local shipping or delivery facility. You should be able to see the full details after entering your information on Lowe’s website.

Note: If you bought the item online, the return shipping is free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can You Return to Lowe’s Store After 90 Days?

Lowe’s return policy after 90 days with receipt only covers certain purchases. This includes trees, perennial plants, and shrubs.

If you have a Lowe’s credit card, you can enjoy the 365-day Lowes credit card return policy for general products.

Does Lowe’s Have a Restocking Fee?

Yes, Lowe’s has a 20% restocking fee for special orders or custom items canceled or returned within 72 hours. The only exception is if the items were faulty or broken upon delivery.

Can You Get a Price Match at Lowe’s?

Yes, you can get a price match at Lowe’s. If the item’s current price from a local competitor like Ace Hardware or Home Depot is lower than that of Lowe’s and it can be purchased online, you can buy the same item for the same lower price.

Which Has Better Return Policy: Lowe’s vs. Home Depot?

Both Lowe’s and Home Depot offer great return policies.

However, Home Depot’s return policy is a bit stricter than Lowe’s, as they tend to only accept requests if you can prove the item was faulty or broken upon purchase.

Can I Return Something to Lowe’s Without a Receipt?

Lowes no receipt return policy doesn’t exist – the company accepts returns even if you don’t have a receipt.

That said, keep in mind that there’s a limit. Lowe’s can deny your request or ban you from making further returns if you do it too often.

Can I Return an Opened Item to Lowe’s?

Yes, though this is still up to the store manager’s discretion. If you want to improve your chances, you can try to repackage it like its original factory-sealed packaging. Also, bring your original receipt and valid ID with you.

Does Lowe’s Refund Cash?

Yes, Lowe’s refunds cash purchases with cash. If you did not pay with cash, they will issue in-store credit or credit the amount back to your credit or debit account.

Can Lowe’s Deny My Return Request?

Yes. Lowe’s can deny your request for multiple reasons. Examples include not having the receipt, not having the item in its original packaging, and even returning too many things.

How Far Back Can Lowe’s Look Up a Receipt?

If you lost your receipt, Lowe’s can look up your order details as far back as three years for regular items and five years for big-ticket appliances. They must have your information, though.

What’s Lowe’s Large Appliance Return Policy?

Lowe’s return and refund policy differs from item to item. Lowes microwave return policy can differ from Lowes water heater return policy. This, in turn, differs from Lowes return policy on refrigerators, Lowes power tool return policy, Lowes lawn mower return policy, and so on.

Is There a Lowe’s Home Improvement Return Policy?

Yes, and it has the following conditions:

• The Lowes dryer return policy is the same for major appliances. You only have a 48-hour return window (up to 30 days if unopened).

• The Lowes hardware return policy is the same as the general policy.

• Lowes paint return policy states that you only have 30 days to return the item unopened and unused.

• The Lowe’s return policy on generators states that you only have 30 days to return the item unopened and unused.

• Labor charges are non-refundable.

The Bottom Line 

I hope this guide helps you return items to Lowe’s – with or without a receipt.

Lowe’s offers a pretty flexible return policy, especially if you have an account with this big home improvement brand.

Just ensure you know Lowe’s return policy before you buy an item in-store or online.