As a coupon nerd whose been adding new coupon codes to my American Eagle page literally since 2004, I’m quite familiar with how AE operates. So I figured it was time to breakdown how the American Eagle return policy works as it’s not as cool as their clothes, especially with their return shipping fees. As with any policy, there are nuisances that need to be examined and questions that need answered, many of which are not found on their website.

Amazingly, American Eagle Outfitters used to have NO time frame on returns.

But unfortunately those days are over, as they now adhere to a 30-day return policy if you want a FULL refund and a 60-day policy for merchandise credit.

You can return both sale items and clearance items as well.

PRO TIP: AE HAS A HOLIDAY EXTENSION ON RETURNS

Specifically, anything bought between October 24th and December 31st can be returned up until January 15th, or 30 day, whichever is longer.

In other words, anything bought after December 15th is returnable for 30 days from purchase. Thus anything bought from October 24th – December 14th has until January 15th to be returned.

Clothing Can’t Be Worn or Washed

Items must NOT be worn or laundered if you want to return them.

This doesn’t mean you can’t try the item on at home and wear it around a little bit…just don’t take the tags off and wear it to work or to the bar (for example).

Also See: 15 Slick Hacks to Save Big at American Eagle (Like Really Big)

Not Completely Screwed If You Lost Your Receipt

Fortunately, they’ll still let you do an even exchange or get store credit.

Keep in mind they’ll take more than just a receipt as proof of purchase. These things also work: Invoice, order confirmation page, order details page, and order emails.

If You Take Tags Off, Don’t Throw Them Away

If you take the tags off, but don’t wear the item, you can still return it with the tags not attached.

But if you take the tags off, throw them away, then try to make the return (even if you didn’t wear it) you might run into issues. I asked a chat rep about this specifically and was told, “It will be up to the manager’s discretion”.

So your best bet is to keep the tag attached if you can.

The Price That Will Be Refunded to You

I asked AE specifically about this and was told “The price you purchased it at”.

Apparently, this is even the case if the item is not stocked any more or on clearance.

I’m curious to hear from my readers on this one as it seems too good-to-be-true.

Usually you’re stuck with the lowest selling price of the item in the past year or 6 months.

Thanks to AE employee Emely for verifying this information in the comments. She stipulated that you must have your receipt in order to get back what you paid to your credit or debit card.

She also said that the one exception is if the item is under $10, they give that back in cash “no matter what”.

See Also: Get the American Eagle Student Discount and Save 20% Off Your Order

Return Online Purchases In-Store When Possible

This is highly recommend.

Just bring in your order confirmation email or online invoice as proof of your purchase.

They also ask you to bring in the original credit card used to make your purchase.

If you have to make an online return, AE has setup an online portal to guide you through the return process.

When returning online purchases, AE asks you to reuse the original packaging if possible.

Here is the link to visit to get to the portal and start your online return.

PRO TIP: ONLINE ORDERS GET A BONUS

American Eagle gives online orders a bonus 7 days to make a return. To clarify, that comes out to 37 days if you want a full refund and 67 days if you’re cool with merchandise credit.

Also, “merchandise credit” cards are NOT gift cards, they are very plain cards that say “Merchandise return card” on them. They can only be used for AE merchandise and cannot be cashed out.

You Pay the Return Shipping Costs

This is where their return policy is definitely NOT as cool as their clothing.

After doing some digging around on the AE website it appears only some items qualify for free returns.

From the screenshot above, those items include Aerie bras, swimwear, Apartment items, Tailgate Items, and 3rd party shoes.

Otherwise, it looks like a $5 fee will be deducted from your refund to cover shipping costs which SUCKS.

Whether your refund is to a debit or credit card, the average wait time is 5-7 business days for it to post to your account.

PRO TIP: HOW TO AVOID THE RETURN SHIPPING FEE

Not all hope is lost as I have a tip you can use to AVOID the $5 return shipping fee. My hack involves the AE credit card. If you use it on your purchase, you get FREE return shipping on everything.

While I’m not a big fan of store credit cards, this is a nice little perk, especially if you find yourself making a lot returns via the mail due to not living close to an American Eagle store.

My wife and I actually just opened an AE credit card when doing some Christmas shopping for our kids, and the gal DID NOT mention this perk so I don’t think many shoppers are aware of it, until now that is.

Also, if you’re a level 3 Real Rewards member you get free online returns.

Only One Exception to Their Return Policy

From my research, there only seems to be 1 exception and here it is…

– Swimsuit or Bikini Bottom – If the hygiene liner is removed you CANNOT return the item.

How To Return Damaged Items

You absolutely can return stuff that arrives damaged.

Just bring it back to any store.

American Eagle Outfitters ask you to call them at 1 (888) 232-4535 if you have any specific questions about a damaged item you received.

AE Track How Many Returns You Make

It’s almost certain they are tracking your returns, especially those you make without a receipt for store credit.

So don’t abuse their lenient policy or it will surely get dialed back.

You Can Also Return “AE Live” Orders

Orders purchased via the AE Live app can absolutely be returned.

You can return items to your nearest AE location or via the online portal described above.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the return policy at American Eagle? Good, bad, or ugly?

By Kyle James

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)