What Happens when you make a purchase at Walmart and for some reasons you want to return it? What are the processes to follow? What are some of the policies regarding returning items to Walmart? If you want to know everything you need to know about Walmart return policy, then read through this article.
Overview of Walmart’s Return Policy
Walmart has a return policy that is simple and easy to follow. Most items bought from Walmart can be returned within 90 days from the day you bought them. This applies to items bought in-store, online, or through the Walmart app.
You can return products for different reasons—maybe the item didn’t fit, was damaged, or you just changed your mind. Walmart allows customers to return items and either get their money back, exchange the item, or receive store credit.
To make a return, you will usually need a receipt. But even if you don’t have one, Walmart may still accept the return if you show a valid government-issued ID.
Returns can be made by going to a Walmart store or by starting the process online. Walmart tries to make it easy for customers to return items without stress.
How to Return an Item to Walmart Online
Below are the various way to return an item to Walmart online:
1. Log In To Your Walmart Account
To begin, sign into your Walmart account on the website or the Walmart app. After signing in, go to your Purchase History. This is where you will see all the things you have bought lately.
Find the item you wish to return and click “Start a Return.” You can proceed to the next step if the item is eligible.
2. Select a Reason for the Return
Walmart will want to know the reason for the return. It may have arrived damaged, you received the wrong item, or you simply changed your mind. Choose the most correct one from the options. This allows Walmart to process your return more easily.
Depending on what you chose, you could get a full refund, an exchange or store credit.
3. Pick a Return Method
Then, select how you’d like to return the item.
Typically you will get two options:
- By mail: Generate a free return shipping label.
- In-store return: Take the item and a return code to your local Walmart.
Prefer a no-fuss option? The return is easy via mail and doesn’t involve leaving your home.
4. Pack the Item and Ship It
Should you decide to ship the item back, pack it well. Please utilize the original box (if able). Attach the return label you printed earlier.
Leave the package at a FedEx or USPS store near you. Make sure to get a tracking number if the need arises/goes away.
5. Wait for Your Refund
When the item is in Walmart’s hands, they will begins the refund process.
Refunds typically return to your original method of payment and may take a few days to appear. If you paid with a gift card, the money will be issued back to that card.
Want to track your return? Just head back to your Walmart account and look for the status under “Returns” or “Orders.”
In-store Process to Return Item to Walmart
Below are the in-store process to return items to Walmart:
1. Gather the Item and Receipt
You need to make sure you have all the necessary document before commencing for return. Endeavor to come along with receipt or order confirmation email. In a situation that you don’t have a receipt, you don’t need to worry, Walmart may still accept your return with a valid photo ID.
Don’t forget to put the item in it’s original package, that will make the process easy, especially if it’s an electronic or high-value product.
2. Visit the Customer Service Desk
First, you are actually going to go directly to the Customer Service Desk at your local Walmart store, which is generally near the front entrance. Tell the associate you’d like to return what you’ve bought.
They will inspect the item, your receipt or ID and ask a couple of quick questions about why you’re returning it.
Returning an item you bought online? Just bring the email confirmation (or even see the return barcode in the Walmart app — still works!
3. Choose a Refund or Exchange
Once the return is approved, you’ll be given a few options. You can:
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Get a refund back to your original payment method
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Accept a Walmart gift card (especially if you don’t have a receipt)
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Choose to exchange the item for something else
Want the fastest option? A refund to a Walmart gift card is usually instant.
4. Receive Your Refund
The next step is to get a refund. So if you paid with cash, you will get a refund of cash. If what you used to make purchase is debit or credit card, Walmart will send the refund to your your bank but it may take a few business days to reflect
If you don’t have the receipt when making the return, Walmart will still give you a refund, but it will be based on the item’s selling price, and not what you originally paid for.
Walmart Return Policy Without a Receipt
Walmart will still allow you to return most items without a receipt. Simply take the product and a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, to the Customer Service Desk. Your ID does allow Walmart to track no receipt returns.
A store associate will then scan the item and verify its eligibility. If approved, you can return an item for a Walmart gift card, cash (for items below $10) or receive an even exchange. The refund will be calculated based on the current price of the item.
Note: Not all items can be returned without proof of purchase. Air mattresses, certain electronics and some health or beauty products may be excluded.
It also limits your no-receipt return frequency. Excessive returns like that could get you denied.
Use the Walmart app to automatically save receipts digitally for easier returns in the future.
Walmart Return Policy for Opened or Used Items
Walmart does allow returns on opened or gently used items, as long as the return request is made within the return window — typically 90 days from the original purchase. Things such as clothing, home goods and some electronics are returnable if they are undamaged and in good shape.
If you opened the item but didn’t really use it much (or at all), you can return it with the original receipt for a refund (or exchange). For certain items, including electronics and air mattresses, return windows might be shorter — generally 14 to 30 days — so verify the product details.
Many used items, such as cosmetics or underwear, cannot be returned after they have been opened — and, in many instances, without packaging.
Without a receipt, show a valid photo ID. Depending on the item and condition, Walmart may provide either a gift card refund, or an exchange.
Walmart Return Policy for Specific Categories
Below are the Walmart Return Policy for specific Categories:
1. Electronics and Appliances
Electronics — TVs, laptops and tablets — need to be returned in 30 days. The same applies for appliances like vacuums and coffee makers. Retain all accessories, and original packaging, and your receipt.
2. Clothing and Shoes
Walmart has a 90-day return policy for clothing and shoes. Items can be tried on, but they cannot be heavily worn or damaged. Tags and packaging are beneficial—even necessary in some cases—but they don’t tell the full story.
3. Food and Grocery Items
Unopened or defective food products may be returned for a refund or exchange. Perishable foods can also often not have to be returned — they may issue a refund through their customer service line.
Holiday Return Policy at Walmart
To help shoppers make things a little more flexible, Walmart has a longer return window during the holiday season. If you purchase items over the holidays — typically, between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 — certain products receive additional time for returns.
So electronics and items that typically have a 14 or 30-day return period will have their return window commence on Dec. 26, not the day you purchased them. This allows extra time for returns after the holidays.
You’ll also want to retain the original receipt, packaging, and accessories for a hassle-free return. Unopened items can be accepted if they’re in good condition. Refunds return to the original payment method, or you can ask for store credit.
This policy covers both in-store and online purchases — just be sure to check product-specific guidelines.
Note that—you know what I’m gonna say, right? Return rules can vary from year to year, and you should always always always visit Walmart’s official site for the latest holiday news.
Refund Methods and Timeframes
When returning an item to Walmart, your method of refund will generally be the same as your original payment method. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the refund will be credited back to that card. For cash buyers, you’ll receive a cash rebate.
If you used a gift card, the refund goes back to a Walmart gift card. Items returned without a receipt may either receive a Walmart gift card or an even exchange, depending on the item’s value.
Refund timeframes can vary:
- Your cash refunds are issued immediately.
- It can take up to 10 business days for the refunds to show up on your account when refunds are issued to cards.
- Please allow 2-3 weeks for online returns, including shipping and processing time.
Always save your receipt and original packaging to help expedite the process. Walmart also emails confirmation for online refunds after processing the return.
What Items are Non-Returnable at Walmart?
Even though Walmart is known for its generous return policy, you cannot return a few items, both opened and unopened.
Here’s a handy list of non-returnable items:
- Software or video games which have been unsealed (except where they are faulty)
- Prepaid cards (including third-party cards) & Gift cards
- Weapons of all types, including firearms, ammunition, and explosives
- Prescription medications
- Things that are personal, such as custom-potted photos
- Medical equipment (opened, used)
- Perishable food as long as it’s not damaged or spoiled
These items are designated “Final Sale” on the receipt or at checkout. If the item is defective or damaged, Walmart may still issue you a refund or replacement, but not for buyer’s remorse.
To avoid problems, always ask a Walmart associate or check the product listing online before you buy.
Returning Items Bought from Walmart Marketplace Sellers
Walmart. com also offers items sold by third-party sellers in its Marketplace. These items have different return rules than other Walmart products.
You’ll need to visit your Walmart account and locate the order in question, then click “Start a Return” to get the process going. You’ll find instructions, depending on the seller’s return policy. Some sellers include free returns, while others may add restocking or return shipping fees.
Most Marketplace sellers accept returns within 30 days, but the time frame can differ. Before purchasing, you’ll want to look for the seller’s return policy on the product page.
Returns are approved and refunds are issued once they are received by the seller. You’ll typically receive the refund via your original method of payment.
If something’s wrong with the seller — no response, refusal of a return — Walmart customer support will assist you.
Exchanging vs. Returning: What’s the Difference?
Exchanging and returning an item are very similar processes, but they serve two very different purposes at Walmart.
A return is when you are taking an item back and requesting a refund. Most items can be returned for 90 days (less for electronics), and the funds are returned to your original payment method or as store credit.
Exchange, on the other hand, is where you return and get the item swapped for another one — perhaps a different size, color, or a replacement for a defective product. Exchanges are most effective for clothing, shoes and electronics still in the return window and in good condition.
To return or exchange, you can take the item — along with your receipt and original packing — to any Walmart store. For online orders, head to your Walmart account to begin the process.
In short:
Return = Refund
Exchange = Replacement
Can You Return Clearance or Discounted Items?
Yes, Walmart lets you return clearance or discounted items the same as you would return regular-priced goods. Provided the item is still within the return window —typically 90 days, depending on the brand—you can take it back and get a refund or exchange.
The trick is to save your receipt and original packaging. Walmart’s return policy still applies whether the item was on sale or marked down. If returned they’re in salable condition — and that they’re not on the non-returnables list (for example, final sale or perishable goods), opened items may be accepted.
Clearance item refunds are calculated using your purchase price, not the original price. So if you purchased it on sale, that’s the amount you will be reimbursed.
When you don’t have a receipt, Walmart generally provides store credit or exchange, depending on the item value and return history.
Walmart’s Return Policy for Damaged or Defective Products
If you get a damaged or defective product from Walmart, you’re entitled to return it or exchange it, even if you’ve used it. Walmart knows that sometimes items arrive broken or don’t work as advertised.
For in-store returns, take the item you want to return, your receipt and the original packaging to any Walmart store within the return window — generally 90 days or 30 days for electronics.
For online orders, you can visit your Walmart account, select the item and begin the return or replacement process. You might be asked to upload photographs of the damage, and Walmart will send you a free return shipping label.
Usually, you have the option of a refund or a replacement, and your money can be returned to the original payment method once your return is approved. For a quick and speedy resolution report the issue as soon as you notice it you do not need to kill time.
Returning a Gift to Walmart: What You Need to Know
Received a gift from Walmart that you don’t need? No big deal — you can return it, no problem, even without receipt. With a gift receipt, you’ll receive a Walmart gift card or an exchange for the merchandise. Simply take the item and a gift receipt to any Walmart store.
No gift receipt? If not, you might be allowed to return it anyway. Walmart may request your ID and issue you a Walmart shopping card based on the item’s current resale value.
Ensure that the item is unopened and in good condition. If it’s a gift from Walmart. com, you can initiate a return online by clicking on “Gift Return” and submitting the order number.
Gift returns adhere to the same time limits as regular returns — typically 90 days, or shorter for some items. Whether you’re swapping it out for something else or simply want store credit, gift returns are simple and convenient (as they are with most gift returns at retailers) at Walmart.
Walmart App and Return Tracking
Yes, you can initiate a return in the Walmart app itself and check your refund status. It is a convenient method when you have to return an item without leaving your home.
To start a return:
1. Install the Walmart app and sign into your account.
2. Tap on “Purchase History.”
3. Choose the item you want to mail back and click “Start a Return.”
5. Pick the reason and follow the steps to receive a return label or in-store instructions.
To track your return or refund:
1. Return to “Purchase History.”
2. Tap the item you returned to check the return or refund status.
3. You’ll get updates such as “in transit,” “received” or “refund issued.”
Walmart does send emails notifying you when your return is being processed and when your refund is approved.
With the app, you will save time and know at every step where you are.
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