I got an email the other day telling me about a major change in the Gap return policy and the idea for this post was born. I actually thought I had already written about the return policy at Gap, but alas, I’ve only written about the return policy at Old Navy. I hope this article answers all of your questions and makes your next return a walk in the park.

How Many Return Days Does Gap Allow?

30 days for both in-store and online returns.

Gap did allow for 45 return days, but in June of 2022 they lowered it to a measly 30 days.

For online purchases, you have 30 days from the shipped date, not the date of delivery, which SUCKS.

Make sure you try stuff on and return it quickly if you don’t like it.

Don’t let new clothing from Gap sit on your closet floor in the bag.

PRO TIP: AFTER 30 DAYS, THROW AWAY YOUR RECEIPT

If you’ve gone past the 30-day return window you’re better off throwing away your Gap receipt and making a receipt-less return. Don’t give them your loyalty number or credit card and take the merchandise credit for the current selling price of the items.

Are There Any Exceptions to 30 Days?

Yes, there are two exceptions.

– Final Sale Items – Anything at Gap marked “Final Sale” is exactly that, and cannot be returned or exchanged.

– Athleta – Clothing items with the Athleta label still comes with an extended 60 day return policy.

See Also: 8 Smart Tips to Saving Money at Athleta

Last Resort BONUS Tip: Give Gap a Call

From commenter Farrah, she let me know that if you’re stuck in the 30-45 day window to call your local store and ask if you can make the return.

She had success doing this and I think as many shoppers are still getting use to the 30-day return policy, you stand a great chance of success, at least for a while longer.

You have NOTHING to lose, pick up the phone and give it a try.

PRO TIP: GAP IS BUCKLING DOWN

I recently had a store manager tell me that in an effort to reduce return fraud, they are instructed to not take anything back after 35 days of purchase. Not even for store credit. The only exception is clothing that’s falling apart due to a manufacturing defect.

Do I Need My Receipt to Make an In-Store Return?

Yes.

There may be an exception made if store employees can track your purchase using your credit card, but in most cases you’ll need your receipt to make a return at Gap.

What If I Lost My Gap Receipt?

You might be able to talk the manager into store credit if the item still has the original tag on it.

For online purchases, you can login to your Gap account and find your order history and thus you can find your online receipt or invoice.

Can I Wear Clothing, Then Return It?

Yes, sort of.

I was told by a Gap representative that you can try and return a worn item, and as long as you DON’T remove the tags, you stand a good chance of getting your money back.

See Also: American Eagle Return Policy: All the In’s & Out’s

PRO TIP: DON’T ABUSE THE GAP POLICY

You can guarantee that Gap is tracking your receipt-less returns and will ban you from future returns if you make too many without a receipt. What the magic number is, I’m not sure. I’ve heard that 3 receipt-less returns is the max and I’ve also heard that anything over $100 without a receipt will raise a red flag.

What About Shoes Bought at Gap?

30 days.

Shoes from Gap come with the same 30-day return policy like the rest of their clothing.

How Do I Return a Gift Without a Gift Receipt?

This one can be tricky.

You can’t make this type of return via the mail but you stand a good chance in-store.

It will be up to the manager, but in many cases they’ll give you store credit for the lowest selling price of the item as long as it still has the original tags on it.

Can I Return Stuff Bought Online to My Local Gap?

Yes.

Just bring in the original packaging and invoice slip to your local Gap and they’ll happily help you with your return or exchange.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that you CANNOT return items bought at a regular Gap store to a Factory or Outlet store.

Are Online Returns Free?

Yes.

Both online returns and exchanges are completely free when you use the the Gap interactive return process.

You’ll be given the option to create a UPS or USPS prepaid label.

Then just pack your items in the original box or bag (or something similar), affix the label to it, then drop it off at the appropriate location.

Gap will refund you the cost of the items as soon as they receive them and email you a confirmation of the refund.

PRO TIP: DON’T SLEEP ON ONLINE RETURNS

With only 30 return days, you don’t want to wait on a possible online return. This is because Gap told me it can take up to 14 days for them to receive and process your return. So it’s more like a 15 day return window on online purchases. Treat it as such and you’ll save yourself a big headache down the road.

What If I Want an Exchange Rather Than a Return?

Not a problem.

You’ll process your return the same way as above, but you’ll fill out the exchange form stating what color or size you’d like to exchange the item for.

Can I Return a Gap Gift Card?

Yes.

Surprisingly, Gap lets you return gift cards.

They will refund the value of the card back to the original form of payment, so you’ll NEED your original receipt to make it happen.

Is the “Gap Factory” Return Policy the Same?

Yes.

Purchases from a Gap Factory store also come with a 30-day return policy and require a receipt.

Ask the Reader: Are you a fan of the Gap return policy? How do you feel about the new 30-day return window?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)