Walmart Return Policy 101 (Plus, What’s Different for W+ Members!)
Get to know all the ins and out of the Walmart Return Policy!
We may be huge Walmart fanatics, but it’s inevitable to be pleased with every purchase. For the times it doesn’t work out, you’ll need to know the details of Walmart’s return policy.
Luckily, we’re breaking down the ins and outs of what you need to know regarding every item, detail, and exception! If you prefer to read the entire policy on you’re own, you’ll find it on Walmart’s official return page.
You should always be satisfied with your orders, and Walmart understands that, resulting in an extremely generous return policy. If we missed anything that you know, leave a comment to help other readers! Note that this policy breakdown applies to items bought from U.S. Walmart stores, Walmart.com, Walmart Business, or from Marketplace sellers on Walmart.com.
Welcome to Walmart Return Policy 101!
The majority of Walmart items can be returned within 90 days.
You can either ship your return or bring it to the store. During holiday shopping, return windows may be extended or limited depending on the item. If you have a Walmart account, visit your purchase history and select the item you want to return and why.
Special return perks for W+ Members:
Returns from Home:
This return method is exclusive to W+ members! It requires no printing, no repackaging, and no need to leave home.
Contactless Home Pick-ups:
A trusted InHome associate will pick up your return, whether you’re home or not with their In-Home contactless return method. There is also no printing or repackaging with this return method.
Sign up for a Walmart Plus Membership to take advantage of the above return methods and see what other perks you’ll gain! 🤩
Other return methods for everyone else and W+ members:
Curbside Returns:
Curbside drop-off returns are available to everyone as long as your item is eligible. This method allows you to make easy returns without leaving your car and requires no printing and no repackaging of your return.
Start your return online in the app. Eligible items will show curbside as a return option. Park in a designated pickup spot upon arrival and let Walmart know you’re there through the app. Once you show your receipt to an associate, they’ll complete your return.
In-Store Returns:
To get a barcode to return at the customer service desk inside Walmart, you’ll choose “in-store return”. You’ll then confirm your refund amount and officially submit it. Bring the email confirmation with your email to your nearest Walmart, and you’re all set!
Return by Mail:
For online orders, you’ll follow that same process except for selecting “Return by Mail”. After submitting the questions, you’ll print your return label, pack your item(s), and drop it off at our nearest USPS or FedEx location.
If you don’t have an account, you can always bring your item with an email confirmation or receipt. This way, you can efficiently complete an in-store return. Note that produce and food items must always be returned in-store.
Are there any other Walmart refund and exchange exceptions?
Some Walmart return window exceptions might include the following:
- Consumer electronics – 30 days
- Drones – 30 days
- Electric bikes – 30 days
- Hearing aids – 60 days
- Major appliances – 2 days
- Most Marketplace sellers – 30 days (may be subject to a restocking fee up to 20%)
- Marketplace collectible items – 14 days
- Marketplace luxury items – 14 days
- Perennials, shrubs, trees – 365 days
- Prescription glasses & contact lenses – 60 days
- Vacuums and floor care – 30 days
- Walmart protection plans – 30 days
- Wireless phones – 14 days
Here’s a list of some non-returnable items and exceptions:
- Airsoft & airguns
- Ammunition
- Archery bows
- BB guns
- Branded gift cards (Visa, MC, AmEx)
- Check/card cashing fee
- Crossbows
- Diabetic supplies
- Electronic games
- Firearms
- Gas-powered recreational vehicles
- Gift cards
- Home diagnostic testing kits
- Home hygiene medical equipment
- Lottery
- Pepper spray
- Precious metals & coins
- Pregnancy, ovulation, COVID-19 tests
- Prepaid cell phone minutes
- Prepaid gaming cards
- Prescription medications and devices
- Reloadable debit/credit cards
- RV Sewer lines
- Sex toys & vibrators
- Sim cards
- Snow tires (in any condition)
- Software downloads
- Tires, wheels, or rims (used or mounted)
- Toilets, toilet bowl/urinals (used/installed)
- Trading cards
- Video game download cards
- Video on demand
- Walmart Express bill payments
*Some items sold at Walmart are not returnable or might have additional exceptions. View the detailed return policy to learn more.
What’s the Walmart return policy for a return without a receipt?
No problem! Walmart team members can look up your store purchases with the credit or debit card you paid with. Online orders can be looked up with your phone number or email. Refunds processed back to a debit or credit card without a receipt may take up to 10 business days.
What if my item is recalled?
Recalled products will receive a cash refund regardless of their purchase condition. However, there may be exceptions for recalled WIC and SNAP items.
How long does Walmart Electronics Return Policy run for?
There are a few items that must be returned in a 30-day window. This includes most electronics, such as phones, cameras, tablets, computers, TVs, and electric vehicles (scooters, bikes, etc.). This also includes drones, but, if opened, drones are exchange-only. If you wait until after 30 days for these items, directly contacting the manufacturer for further assistance is your best bet.
Most prepaid phones can only be returned or exchanged within two weeks.
Now you can seamlessly enjoy your Walmart shopping experience!
There’s nothing better than a Walmart risk-free shopping spree. Save money, live better, and here’s to happy shopping!
Thank you for this. I ran into an issue recently with an item I ordered from them. It was a 3rd party item that Walmart did not offer themselves. I bought something similar off Amazon before that worked well and tried the Walmart.com version because the price was better. I just now used your info to start a return. I wasn’t offered the option for drop off at the pick up, but all options given were free. I submitted my refund and it came back no need to return and they refunded me. It honestly is going in the trash because it is unusable and likely why they don’t want it back. I will definitely be leaving a review to save others from the same mistake.
You’re very welcome, Sue! 🤗 Glad this information was helpful! Thanks for sharing your recent experience when trying to return an item you purchased from a 3rd party seller. Happy to hear you were able to receive the refund without returning the item! 🙌❤️
Just a quick update to this. It did not allow me to leave a review and when I clicked on the item from my purchase history it mysteriously is no longer in stock so I cannot leave a review. It seems strange. You’d think I should be able to leave a review if I bought it, regardless if it is in stock or not. It lets me ask to be notified when it is back in stock, so someone else may fall for it too.
Oh bummer! Thanks for the update, Sue! Sorry to her you aren’t able to leave a review! 😔
I bought mushrooms for delivery and they were rotting so I did a return online. They actually wanted me to bring them back to the store before they would give me a refund. smh. The mushrooms were only $2 something. I would have spent more in gas taking them back.
That is horrible, but I am sure they have to do that here and there or people would take advantage all the time and say something was bad. Mine was from a 3rd party seller so it may have been partly why. I included an extended note as to why it was unusable. The price was just under $9 with tax so not a huge amount, but more than your mushrooms.
I’ve found their return process to be fairly easy. I almost always do the in-store return option, and I screenshot or print the email with barcode. I go right to customer service and the refund goes back on my card almost instantly.
The only time I had an issue was when i ordered a big plastic dresser thingy and didn’t realize until I got it all assembled that one of the (last) pieces was super damaged. At that point I wasn’t able to get it back in the box to return and contacted customer service, who worked with me to get it all handled. I’ve been very impressed with the online returns process and their online customer service.
Thanks a bunch for sharing how smoothly both in-store and online returns have worked for you, Amy! 💕
I bought a cute jumper, unfortunately it didn’t fit … went through all the steps for the return which I was familiar with and then had a shock: “No need to return this item.” Why wouldn’t I need to return it? The item is still available for online purchase.
YES! I’ve had that experience with a few items I needed to return too! Thanks for mentioning how it has worked for you!