Returning items to Walmart can be a hassle-free process if you understand their return policy.
Whether you have a receipt or not, Walmart offers options for returning or exchanging your purchases.
In this guide, I’ll delve into the details of the Walmart return policy, including the rules for returns with and without a receipt, exemptions, and helpful tips for a smooth return experience.
Let’s begin.
What Is Walmart Return Policy: With Receipt and Without Receipt?
Walmart’s standard return policy provides a generous 90-day window for returns and exchanges, applicable for in-store, online, and app purchases.
Here’s an overview of the general return policy:
| In-Store | Walmart.com | Walmart Marketplace Third-Party Sellers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return Timeframe | 90 days | 90 days | 30 days |
| Proof of Purchase | Recommended | Recommended | N/A |
| Without Receipt | Allowed for some items With verification and government ID | N/A | N/A |
| Item Condition | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Original Packaging | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Return Method | In-Store or Curbside | In-Store, Curbside, or By Mail | In-Store or By Mail |
| Shipping Fee (for Mail Returns) | N/A | Free | Free |
| Restocking Fee | Applies to select items | Applies to select items | Up to 20% |
What Is the Return Policy at Walmart for In-Store Purchases?
As per the Walmart in-store return policy, you can return purchases in two ways:
In-store
Curbside
Can you return Walmart online orders in-store?
Yes, you can also return most online purchases from Walmart.com to any Walmart location. Some items from a third-party Marketplace seller are also eligible for in-store returns.
Note: In some cases, a different Walmart store can process and accept your return, even if you bought it from another physical location.
However, it’s entirely up to the specific store’s discretion and accommodations.
Here are some examples:
Bakery items aren’t returnable to Walmart stores without a bakery section.
A location that doesn’t stock the particular item you want to return won’t likely process your request.
To be sure, go to the original store of purchase for returning items purchased in-store.
What Is the Walmart Return Policy: Without Receipt?
You can still return items without receipts, but it’s best to have the original packaging and accessories. Walmart may not accept returns if they can’t verify it’s from their store.
You’ll also have to go through a verification process, so it’s best to bring any government ID with you.
As per the Walmart return policy, no-receipt refunds are acceptable up to three times within 45 days.
Note: The Store Manager decides if they’ll accept your item. For example, they may deny your request if they’re unable to confirm you purchased from Walmart stores.
The Walmart employee can also deny your return if your records show you have excessive requests.
While most of their products are eligible for returns without a receipt, there are some exceptions, which I’ll discuss next.
Exemptions to Walmart’s 90-Day Policy
While most products generally fall under the standard 90-day policy, some items have different return windows and conditions.
Here’s a quick summary:
| PRODUCT CATEGORY | RETURN WINDOW | SPECIAL CONDITIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Major appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, oven ranges, etc. | 2 days for a full refund OR 30 days | Must have a receipt In original, factory-sealed packaging |
| Fish | 3 days | May vary |
| Produce and fresh flowers | Before the Best By date | Must have a receipt |
| Luxury products | 14 days | Must have a receipt |
| Prepaid wireless phones | 14 days | Must have a receipt |
| Select postpaid or contract cellphones | 14 days | Must have a receipt To the original store of purchase |
| Unopened and tobacco products | 14 days | Must have a receipt To the original store of purchase |
| Consumer electronics, such as drones, digital cameras, e-readers, PCs, and laptops | 30 days | Must have a receipt |
| PC components, like RAM, motherboards, graphic cards, etc. | 30 days | Must have a receipt In original, factory-sealed packaging |
| Appliances like air conditioners, evaporation coolers, generators, dehumidifiers, and pressure washers | 30 days | Must have a receipt |
| Extended warranty | 30 days | Must have a receipt Online processing |
| Hearing aids, prescription glasses, and contacts | 60 days | Must have a receipt |
| Walmart Private Brand items | 90 days | Only requires the package |
| Food | 90 days | Must have a receipt |
| Furniture | 90 days | Must have a receiptMust be disassembled before returning Must have all original accessories |
| Tires | 90 days | Must still be unused With original packaging |
| Funeral products | 90 days | If damaged, defective, and unused |
| Walmart+ Membership | 90 days | Before activation |
| Perennials, trees, and shrubs (dead or alive) | 1 year | N/A |
What Items Aren’t Eligible for Walmart Returns?
While Walmart’s return policy is generous, there are exceptions. The following items are non-returnable and non-refundable, even if you have a receipt:
Firearms
Ammunition
Gas-Powered Recreational Vehicles (such as dirt bikes, mini bikes, scooters, etc.)
Prescription Drugs
Personal Intimate Massagers
Electronic PINs or Prepaid Cellphones
Video Game Download Cards
Used Tires
Diabetic Supplies, including syringes and lancet devices
Trading Cards
Precious Metals
What Is the Return Policy for Gift Items?
Gift items are only eligible for in-store returns, regardless of where the sender bought it.
Note that you must present the gift receipt or the packing slip (if you received it by mail) when initiating a return.
Otherwise, you can provide the sender’s email address or the gift’s order number. The Walmart employee will try to look up the purchase in their system to verify it.
If you don’t have any of these details, you might still try talking to a Store Manager. I’ve tried returning a gift item once, and the staff I talked to was pretty accommodating.
Walmart may give you the option to exchange the gift or refund its value to a gift card.
What Is the Walmart Online Purchase Return Policy?
Online purchases from Walmart.com follow the same standard 90-day policy.
You can return online purchases in three ways:
In-Store
Curbside
By Mail
However, an exception is if you bought an item with the Pay With Cash feature. In this case, you can only return the product in-store.
Walmart Marketplace Sellers
Third-party merchants also sell on the Walmart Marketplace. They have different policies, but there’s a minimum standard imposed on all sellers, such as:
| PRODUCT CATEGORY | RETURN WINDOW |
|---|---|
| General policy for most items | 30 days |
| Major and large appliances | 2 days |
| Electronics, such as computers, printers, cameras, drones, etc. | 14 days |
| Luxury items, such as fine art, jewelry above $300, gems, etc. | 14 days |
Note: As stated, these are simply the minimum standards. Please check with the seller if they have any specific conditions and requirements for returns, refunds, and exchanges.
In general, though, MP sellers also won’t accept returns for the same ineligible items I listed above.
What Is the Walmart Refund and Exchange Policy?
Most eligible products for returns are also eligible for either a refund or exchange.
Walmart typically processes refunds to the original form of payment. However, there are some exemptions and conditions, which are:
| Mode of Payment | Refund Method | Refund Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| With Receipt | ||
| – Credit Card | – Original Form of Payment OR – Walmart shopping card or gift card (if the original card isn’t present at the time of return) | Within 10 days |
| – Debit Card | – Original Form of Payment OR – Cash OR – Walmart shopping card or gift card (if the original card isn’t present at the time of return) | Within 7 days |
| Without Receipt | – Cash refund for values less than $25 (up to manager’s discretion) OR – Walmart gift card for values over $25 | Immediate |
| Gift Card | – Original gift card OR – A new Walmart gift card | Within three hours |
| Gifts | – Sender’s original form of payment OR – A new Walmart gift card OR – Cash (items under $10) | Varies |
Are There Exceptions to the Refund and Exchange Policy?
Yes, some items aren’t eligible for refunds whether you have proof of purchase or not. Some examples are:
Opened or used unlocked wireless phones
Open, used drones
Air beds and air mattresses
Opened or used medical equipment
Does Walmart Refund Shipping Charges?
Walmart may not refund any shipping fees you originally paid for when ordering from their website, unless the retailer caused the issue.
How Does Walmart Refund Online Order Transactions?
For online purchases, Walmart will process your refund once the carrier scans the package you returned. It may take around two days for the update to post.
How To Return an Item to Walmart: In-Store, By Mail, Home Pickup, or Curbside
Here are your options:
Return your in-store or online purchase to a Walmart location.
Return your online purchase by mail.
Schedule a curbside drop-off for your returns.
If you’re a Walmart+ member, schedule a home pickup by Walmart.
| Return In-Store | Return By Mail | Return by Curbside | Return by Home Pickup (for Walmart+ members) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Store Purchase | Head to the customer service desk along with the item you want to return. | N/A | Initiate the return online. If available, choose the Return Curbside option. | Initiate the return online. If available, choose the Returns from Home option. |
| Online Purchase | Initiate the return online, and bring the email confirmation to the store. | Initiate the return online, and drop off the package to the nearest USPS or FedEx location. You can also schedule a pickup by FedEx. | Initiate the return online. If available, choose the Return Curbside option | Initiate the return online. If available, choose the Returns from Home option. |
I’ll detail each method below.
Return In-Store and Online Purchases In-Store.
The items you bought from a physical Walmart location are only eligible for in-store returns. Conversely, you can return some online purchases to any Walmart store.
Follow these steps:
1- Note: This is a necessary step for returning online purchases. However, it’s optional for in-store items.
Log into your Walmart account and look through your Purchase History.
OR
Visit Walmart.com/returns and click Start your return.
- Follow the prompts.
Select Return to store.
Save the Return barcode.
Submit your request.
Once you receive the email confirmation, proceed to the next step.
2- Bring the item you wish to return, along with the following (whichever is applicable):
Return barcode and email confirmation
Government ID
Original card used for the in-store purchase
Receipt or any proof of purchase
3- Head to the customer service desk.
4- Present your item and provide the required information.
5- Choose from your refund and exchange options.
Return Online Purchases By Mail.
Returning items by mail is suitable for online purchases or when your items aren’t eligible for in-store returns at Walmart. Return by mail with these steps:
Initiate the return process through your Walmart online account.
Look for the item in your purchase history.
Select Return by mail.
Print the Walmart return label provided.
Pack the item securely, including all original accessories and packaging.
Attach the return label to the package.
Drop off the package at a designated shipping USPS or FedEx location.
Once Walmart receives and processes the return, you’ll receive your refund or exchange.
Note: Walmart offers free returns. Meaning, you don’t have to spend a dime for the shipping fee with this method.
Alternative: Scheduling a Carrier Pickup
If it’s inconvenient to go to the carrier’s location, you can schedule a pickup instead. However, this is only available for FedEx at the moment.
Here’s how to return Walmart online order by carrier pickup:
When choosing a return method, select Carrier Pickup by FedEx.
Choose a pickup date.
Pack the item securely, including all original accessories and packaging.
Attach the return label to the package.
Wait for the scheduled time and date, and hand the package to the FedEx driver.
Choose the Curbside Return Option.
Walmart has started rolling out its curbside returns feature to select locations. If it’s available for you, here are the steps to do it:
After initiating the return online, click the Curbside Return option.
Wait for the confirmation email.
Drive to the Walmart store and park in a pickup parking spot.
Follow the provided instructions.
Return Items via Home Pickup (for Walmart Plus members).
Walmart Plus members have an additional benefit – free pickups from home for eligible returns.
Here’s how to do it:
Go to your purchase history.
Select Start a Return and choose the items you want to return.
If the option is available, click Return from home.
Select a timeslot.
Wait for the Walmart delivery driver at the scheduled date and time.
In line with the Walmart Plus return policy, you don’t have to print any shipping label or pack your items. However, it’s not widely available yet.
The only restriction is you must be present at the time of pickup.
Walmart Return Policy Tips
Before you order, there are things you can do to use the Walmart return policy better.
Double-Check Return Policy.
Before making a purchase, double-check the return policy exemptions list to ensure your item is eligible.
If you’re ordering from Walmart.com, note that the return policy depends on the particular seller and not Walmart. Contact the seller and Walmart to ask if there’s a return policy for the item.
Confirm with the Seller.
There are some items sold at Walmart that Walmart might not refund, but the seller might. Although it’s usually rare to find items like these, you can ask the seller if they have a return policy for the item you purchased.
If they do, you can ask them for specific steps on how to return the item, just in case.
Keep and Take a Photo of Your Receipt.
Aside from keeping the receipt, ensure to take a picture of it. This way, you’ll have a physical and digital copy.
Although it’s possible to claim a return policy without a receipt, having even a picture of the receipt adds to your proof and makes the return process much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Return Online Orders to Walmart?
Yes. You can return items you bought from the online marketplace to a physical location. If you’re a Walmart+ member, you can opt for a home pickup service (in limited locations).
Does Walmart Do Exchanges?
Yes. Most returned items are eligible for an exchange, save for a few exceptions.
How Do Walmart Returns Work?
There are four ways to return your items:
In-store (for in-store and online purchases)
By mail (for online purchases)
Curbside (for in-store and online purchases)
Home pickup (for Walmart+ members only)
How Long Do I Have to Return Something to Walmart?
For most items, you have 90 days to return your products. However, you’ll only have 14 days for some items.
Are There Walmart Free Returns?
Yes. Most returns are free at Walmart. Shipping returns by mail doesn’t cost anything.
How Long Does It Take for Walmart to Refund?
It depends. If you buy an item internationally, it’ll take longer. If you buy from the official Walmart, you’ll get your refund as fast as it initially took to receive the item.
Can You Return Damaged or Defective Items?
Yes. Walmart lets you return items that you bought damaged or defective or if the warranty covers them.
Does Walmart Have a Holiday Return Policy?
As of 2022, Walmart introduced a holiday return policy. Eligible purchases starting from October 1, 2022 were returnable until January 31, 2023.
For this year, you’ll have to wait for an announcement.
Do I Need a Receipt To Make a Refund?
Walmart allows you to request a refund even if you lost the receipt. However, it’s dependent on the store manager’s discretion.
Some items also require a receipt. For example, the Walmart electronics return policy states you must have a receipt for:
Digital music players
Digital cameras
PC components
Unused drones
And more
How Long Can I Return Something to Walmart Without a Receipt?
As you would with a receipt, you’ll have up to 90 days to return your item, with a few exceptions.
Can You Return Items Over $50 to Walmart Without a Receipt?
Yes. Walmart’s policy doesn’t limit returns based on the product’s price. However, you’ll only receive a gift card.
Does Walmart Open Your Unopened Returns?
Walmart may open even seemingly unopened packages to verify their contents.
What’s Considered a Walmart Return Policy Violation?
Customers can commit a return policy violation if they try to return items they bought outside Walmart. Moreover, excessive returns without a receipt will raise an alarm and may prompt store managers to decline future requests.
When Can You Return Walmart Items In-Store?
Most Walmart stores are open from 6 AM to 11 PM every day of the week, including Sundays. However, there are some exceptions for certain locations or holidays.
The Bottom Line
Since Walmart updated its return policy, it has been a lot easier and more convenient to return an item.
More than that, Walmart is pretty flexible with its policy. If you’re not 100% satisfied, it’s a good enough reason to return your purchase (except for the special categories I detailed above).
I hope this guide helps you make an easier and more seamless return. If you’re an avid shopper, you must also know Amazon’s return policy.
