Amazon's return policy: 30 days for most items, 15 for Apple, plus the fees

Updated October 23, 2026 · Everything below comes from Amazon's "Amazon Return Policy" help page, read on that date. The link is at the bottom. Amazon says it may modify this policy at any time, so check its page before you rely on a return.

The short answer

Amazon says most items can be returned for a refund or replacement within 30 days of delivery as long as they are in original or unused condition. It says to check the product detail page for an item's return eligibility before you order, and your Order History after you order. (Amazon)

The windows, by item

Amazon lists these exceptions to the 30-day window. (Amazon)

• 7 days: digital books accidentally bought from the Kindle Store that have not been read; digital textbooks, workbooks and other educational content that have not been downloaded; songs or albums accidentally bought from the Digital Music Store using Alexa.
• 15 days: Apple brand products and Boost Infinite brand products sold in new condition, and items in the Amazon Haul store that are over $3.
• 90 days: select Amazon Renewed products in "Acceptable," "Good" or "Excellent" condition; most nonperishable baby products; items bought from a Birthday or Custom Gift List by someone other than the registry owner; mattresses (excluding crib mattresses).
• 180 days: items bought from a Wedding Registry by someone other than the registry owner.
• 365 days: Amazon Renewed products in "Premium" condition, and items bought from a Baby Registry by someone other than the registry owner.

Amazon says items shipped from Amazon.com through its Global Store, including Amazon Resale, can be returned within 30 days of delivery, with some exceptions. (Amazon)

What can't be returned

Amazon says some products are non-returnable, such as: (Amazon)

• Perishables.
• Products that may pose potential health and safety risks if returned.
• Products with shipping restrictions.
• Customized products made specifically for you.
• Redeemable products.
• Amazon Pharmacy products and pet medication products.
• Certain digital products and automobiles.

Products listed as Final Sale, including trading card games, specific discounted items and Amazon Haul items of $3 and under, are non-returnable and non-refundable. If a non-returnable or Final Sale item arrives damaged, defective or materially different from what you ordered, Amazon says to contact Customer Service. (Amazon)

Third-party sellers

When you order from a third-party seller that ships its own inventory, your return goes to the seller instead of Amazon. Amazon says sellers must offer one of: a return address within the United States, a prepaid return label, or a full refund without requesting the item be returned. Additional fees may apply for returns to third-party sellers. (Amazon)

Fees that can apply

Amazon says returns are generally free, but certain situations may cost you. (Amazon)

• Return shipping fee: you may be charged if you pick a drop-off option that is not free, return a heavy or bulky item, or have an unusually high return rate.
• Late fee: you may be charged when you do not drop off or complete a carrier pickup on or before the "return by date." The fee is 20% of the item price for the first 30 days after that date and 100% afterwards.
• Damage fee: up to 50% of the item price if you return an item that is damaged, missing parts, not in original condition, has tags removed or has obvious signs of use, for reasons not due to an Amazon or seller error.
• Restocking fee of 100% of the item price: for software and video games that are opened, activated, used or missing parts, and for opened collectible cards, board games and table top games, and collectible or chase variant figurines.

Amazon defines heavy or bulky as 50 lbs or more, a longest side over 59 inches when packed, or a girth over 130 inches. (Amazon)

How you get your money back

Amazon says it can take up to 30 days to receive and process your return, and that a refund is issued once Amazon or the seller has received the item and determined you are eligible. Once issued, your bank may need more time. (Amazon)

• 2-3 hours: Amazon.com Gift Card or Gift Card balance.
• 3-5 business days: credit card.
• Up to 5 business days: Shop with Reward Points.
• Up to 10 business days: debit card, checking account, EBT card, or cash at participating locations.
• Up to 30 days: prepaid credit card, depending on the card issuer.
• No refund issued: promotional certificate.

Other things Amazon says

• Condition: return items in original or unused condition, with tags attached, hygiene seals and liners intact, and in the original manufacturer's packaging with components, accessories and manuals.
• Bundles: you must return all items bought in a Bundle with Savings. Partial refunds are not available.
• Discounts: if a returned item was part of a discount qualification, Amazon reduces your refund to account for the return.
• Abuse: Amazon may adjust the availability of returns for customers who abuse the service, and may ask for more information, such as a government-issued photo ID, when processing a return.
• Personal data: erase personal information from computers and electronics before you return them.

How to use this when you shop

• Check the brand. Apple products are 15 days, not 30.
• Put the "return by date" in your calendar. Missing it can cost 20% of the price.
• Check who sells it. A third-party seller handles the return, and the terms can differ.
• Check the price before you buy. A return window doesn't make a price good. Our guides on which stores price match and getting the difference back if the price drops cover how stores handle price changes, and holiday return policies compares Amazon with other stores.

Common questions

What is Amazon's return policy?

Amazon says most items can be returned for a refund or replacement within 30 days of delivery, as long as they are in original or unused condition. Apple brand products in new condition are 15 days.

Does Amazon charge for returns?

Amazon says returns are generally free, but fees can apply, including a late fee of 20% of the item price for up to 30 days after the return by date, a damage fee of up to 50%, and a 100% restocking fee on opened software, video games and some collectibles.

How long does an Amazon refund take?

Amazon says it can take up to 30 days to receive and process your return. After the refund is issued, it lists 3-5 business days for a credit card and up to 10 business days for a debit card.

Sources

• Amazon — Amazon Return Policy

Policies change. Check Amazon's page before you rely on a return. Price AI isn't affiliated with Amazon.

Related: Does Amazon price match?, Apple's return policy, holiday return policies at big stores, Walmart's return policy, Target's return policy, Best Buy's return policy, and which stores price match.

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