To return something on Amazon, go to Your Orders, find the item, select the option to return it, choose a reason, pick a refund or replacement, then choose how to send it back. Most items sold on Amazon.com can be returned within 30 days of delivery, as long as they're in original or unused condition.
Here's the catch. Amazon's fee table says that if you miss the return by date, you can be charged a fifth of the item price for the first 30 days after it, and the full item price after that. That matters most when you've already had an advanced refund or a replacement, because Amazon charges your account if the item doesn't arrive back in time.
How to start an Amazon return
- Go to Your Orders.
- Find the item or the order you want to return.
- Select the option to return the item.
- Choose the reason for the return. Be accurate here; Amazon gives you a comment box for details.
- Choose a refund or a replacement, if both are offered.
- Select your return method.
- Follow the instructions: print the label and return authorisation, or for a label-free, box-free return, take the QR code Amazon gives you to the drop-off location with the item.
Each return label belongs to one specific return, so don't put items from different orders or shipments in the same box. If you're sending back a laptop, camera or other device, erase your personal information first. Amazon also says devices, including laptops, desktops and Kindles, can't be returned more than 30 days after delivery.
Amazon return windows by item
| Return window | Items, as of October 2026 |
|---|---|
| 30 days | Most items sold on Amazon.com, counted from delivery |
| 7 days | Unread Kindle books bought by accident, digital textbooks not yet downloaded, songs or albums bought by accident with Alexa |
| 15 days | New Apple and Boost Infinite brand products; Amazon Haul items over $3 |
| 90 days | Most nonperishable baby products, mattresses (not crib mattresses), Amazon Renewed items in Acceptable, Good or Excellent condition, gifts from a Birthday or Custom Gift List |
| 180 days | Gifts bought from an Amazon Wedding Registry by someone other than the registry owner |
| 365 days | Amazon Renewed items in Premium condition; gifts bought from an Amazon Baby Registry by someone other than the registry owner |
Some things can't go back at all: perishables, items that may pose health and safety risks, customised products, Amazon Pharmacy and pet medication, gift cards, downloadable and opened software, and Final Sale items such as trading card games, Funko Pop figures and Haul items of $3 or less. If one of these arrives damaged, defective or materially different from your order, contact Customer Service.
How long an Amazon refund takes
Amazon refunds once it, or the third-party seller, has received the item and decided you're eligible. It can take up to 30 days to receive and process a return. After that, the payment method decides the wait:
| Refund method | Time after Amazon issues the refund |
|---|---|
| Amazon.com Gift Card balance | 2 to 3 hours |
| Credit card | 3 to 5 business days |
| Shop with Reward Points | Up to 5 business days |
| Debit card, checking account, EBT card, cash at participating locations | Up to 10 business days |
| Prepaid credit card | Up to 30 days, depending on the issuer |
| Promotional certificate | No refund issued |
If Amazon can't use your original payment method, for example because the card has expired, the refund goes to your Amazon account balance. Track progress in Your Returns, under the Last 3 Months section, or by selecting Return/Refund Status in your confirmation email. If you returned something more than 30 days ago and haven't heard about a refund, contact Amazon Customer Service. For currency-converted orders, Amazon refunds in your local currency at the original exchange rate.
Return shipping and the fees to watch
Delivery addresses in the 50 US states, and APO/FPO addresses with a US zip code, are eligible for free returns, and Amazon says most returns don't need a box or label. Fees can still apply:
- Choosing a shipping or drop-off option that isn't free. Paid return shipping and restocking fees come out of your refund.
- Heavy or bulky items, meaning 50 lbs or more, a longest side over 59 inches when packed, or a girth over 130 inches.
- An unusually high return rate on your account.
- A damage fee of up to half the item price for items returned damaged, used, missing parts or with tags removed.
- A restocking fee of the full item price for opened, activated or used software and video games, and opened collectible cards, board games and figurines.
Partial refunds also apply when inspection finds customer use, damage or missing parts. Buy a Bundle with Savings and you must return every item in it to get a refund. If you return something that counted towards a discount, Amazon reduces your refund to account for it.
Returns to third-party sellers
When a third-party seller ships its own stock, your return goes to the seller, not Amazon, and you submit a return request the seller reviews. Sellers must offer a US return address, a prepaid return label, or a full refund without needing the item back. If the seller doesn't reply within two business days, you can request an A-to-z Guarantee refund.
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Changed your mind? How to cancel a return
- Find the return and choose Return and Refund Status next to its return authorisation.
- Select Manage this Return.
- Select Cancel this return. You can create a new return afterwards if you need to.
If you booked a pickup, you can ignore the pickup attempts or contact the carrier to cancel it. Returning a gift works differently: use the 17-digit order number from the packing slip or digital gift receipt on the Returns page, and the refund goes to the gift card balance of the account that made the return.
My advice before you send anything back
I'd check the return window on the product page before you buy anything pricey, because the exceptions catch people out, especially Apple products and Haul items. Then drop the return off well before the return by date, keep the receipt, and pick gift card balance if you want your refund fastest. Bought from Haul and not sure what to expect? Here's my take on whether Amazon Haul is legit, and if you're wondering how refunds work with other ways to pay, see what works with Apple Pay on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you get to return something on Amazon?
Most items sold on Amazon.com can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Some have 7, 15, 90, 180 or 365 day windows instead.
How long does an Amazon refund take to show up?
After Amazon issues it, a gift card balance refund takes 2 to 3 hours, a credit card 3 to 5 business days and a debit card up to 10 business days.
Are Amazon returns free?
Delivery addresses in the 50 US states and APO/FPO addresses with a US zip code are eligible for free returns, but non-free drop-off options, heavy items and damage can bring fees.
What happens if I miss the Amazon return by date?
You may be charged a late fee of a fifth of the item price for the first 30 days after the return by date, then the full item price.
Can I cancel an Amazon return?
Yes. Choose Return and Refund Status next to the return, select Manage this Return, then Cancel this return.
