Lowe's return policy: 90 days, and the items with a much shorter window

Updated October 15, 2026 · Everything below is taken from Lowe's returns policy page on that date. The link is at the bottom. Lowe's can change its policy, so check the page before you rely on a return.

The short answer

Lowe's says most new, unused merchandise can be refunded or exchanged with a receipt within 90 days of the original purchase date. (Lowe's) But many of the things people buy at Lowe's for a project fall into shorter windows, some as short as 48 hours. Find your item in the list below before you assume you have three months.

The windows that are not 90 days

Lowe's lists these exceptions, counted from the purchase date unless noted. (Lowe's)

• 48 hours: major appliances, portable air conditioners and evaporative coolers, paint sprayers, portable generators, pressure washers, chainsaws, pole saws, utility vehicles, golf carts, go-karts, motorized bikes, construction heat and parts, and tile saws. For delivered items, the return must be started within 48 hours of delivery or pickup.
• 30 days: liquid paint, TVs and electronics, water heaters, most outdoor power equipment, special order custom blinds, HVAC systems, and plants other than trees, shrubs and perennials.
• 90 days: CRAFTSMAN battery and electric outdoor power equipment.
• 365 days: trees, shrubs and perennials, and purchases made with certain Lowe's commercial or rewards credit accounts.
• Holiday items: Christmas and Halloween items must be returned on or before the holiday.
• Outlet stores: all sales are final, with one exception: major appliances with mechanical or electrical defects that make them nonfunctional, returned within 48 hours. Outlet items can only go back to the same outlet.

What you need to bring

Lowe's says it doesn't accept returns or exchanges without a valid proof of purchase. Accepted proof includes a physical or electronic receipt, an order number, the payment card or digital wallet you used, your phone number, or a MyLowe's Rewards or MyLowe's Pro Rewards account. Lowe's may ask for a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or military ID, to verify a refund. The page doesn't describe a no-receipt return option. (Lowe's)

Gift returns need the original receipt and have to fall within the return window. (Lowe's)

How to return an online order

• Start the return through your order history. (Lowe's)
• Eligible online items can be mailed back with a FedEx label, dropped at any FedEx location. Without a FedEx label, online and in-store purchases can be returned at any Lowe's store. (Lowe's)
• Major appliances and oversize items can go to a store or be scheduled for home pickup through customer care at 1-800-445-6937. (Lowe's)

How you get your money back

Refunds go to the original payment method, with exceptions. Lowe's says to allow up to 7 business days for the funds to post, depending on your bank. (Lowe's)

• Paid by check: a refund within 3 days is in-store credit. Later refunds may be cash or in-store credit.
• Paid in cash: refunds over $1,000 may be mailed as a check at Lowe's discretion.
• Gift card, refund card, merchandise card, in-store credit or a third-party marketplace storefront: refunded as in-store credit.
• Lowe's Pay: credited to the financing institution, which handles the refund with you.
• MyLowe's Money: returned to your digital wallet.

Delivery and shipping charges are nonrefundable unless the error was Lowe's. Special order configured products returned or canceled after 72 hours carry a 20% restocking fee and must go back to the store of purchase. (Lowe's)

What can't be refunded

Lowe's lists labor and installation charges, gift cards, in-store credits, refund cards and merchandise cards, safety masks, highway trailers, whole house generators, as-is merchandise, paint samples, trading cards, and items that have contacted bodily fluids once used. (Lowe's)

How to use this when you shop

• Put the date in your calendar. For a TV, a can of paint or a water heater, you have 30 days. For a generator, pressure washer or appliance, it can be 48 hours.
• Keep your proof of purchase. No receipt, order number, card or rewards account means no return.
• Check how you paid. Paying with a gift card or in-store credit means your refund comes back as in-store credit.
• Compare the price first. A long return window doesn't make a price good. Check the same item at other stores before you buy; our guide on how to price check in a store shows how in about 30 seconds, and which stores price match covers Lowe's, Walmart, Target and Best Buy.

Common questions

What is Lowe's return policy?

Lowe's says most new, unused merchandise can be refunded or exchanged with a receipt within 90 days of purchase. Major appliances, generators and several tools are 48 hours, and TVs, electronics, liquid paint and water heaters are 30 days.

Can I return something to Lowe's without a receipt?

Lowe's says it doesn't accept returns or exchanges without valid proof of purchase. Proof can be a receipt, an order number, the payment card or digital wallet you used, your phone number, or a MyLowe's Rewards account. The page doesn't describe a no-receipt return option.

How long do Lowe's refunds take?

Lowe's says refunds go to the original payment method and to allow up to 7 business days for funds to post, depending on your bank.

Sources

• Lowe's — Returns Policy

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

Related: Home Depot's online return policy, Costco's return policy, holiday return policies at big stores, and which stores price match.

← All guides