The Refund Policy Database

Many major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco can look up purchases by credit card, loyalty account, or phone number, so a physical receipt is often not required. However, without any proof of purchase some stores will only offer store credit at the current selling price, and others may decline the return entirely.

A restocking fee is a percentage of the item price charged when you return a product — typically 10–25% for electronics, appliances, or opened software. It covers the cost of repackaging and reselling. Not all retailers charge them; check the store's policy before you buy if this matters to you.

Costco is widely considered to have the most generous return policy, offering an essentially unlimited window on most items. Nordstrom and L.L.Bean are also known for hassle-free returns. For everyday retail, Target and Walmart both offer 90-day windows with no receipt required in many cases.

Return windows for online purchases vary by retailer but typically range from 30 to 90 days from the delivery date. Amazon offers 30 days for most items. Some retailers extend windows for holiday purchases. Always check the specific store's online return policy, as it can differ from in-store returns.

Yes. In most US states, stores are legally allowed to set their own return policies as long as they are clearly disclosed. However, if a product is defective or misrepresented, consumer protection laws may give you the right to a refund regardless of store policy. Some states (like California, Connecticut, and New Jersey) have stricter rules requiring posted return policies.