Best Buy Return Policy: Everything You Need To Know (Plus a Few Hacks Too)
I’m not gonna lie, the Best Buy return policy is kind of confusing and gotten WAY worse in recent years. Different lengths of time to return stuff, different ways to return items, and some products that you flat-out can’t return. Because of all these factors, I figured it was time to officially figure out their return policy by talking directly to Best Buy employees who actually deal with it, and angry customers, on a daily basis. I did exactly that and here’s everything you need to know about their return policy, plus a few hacks to make it work better for you.
2024 Holiday Policy Update:
Best Buy has extended their return policy for items purchased between November 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024.
You now have until January 14, 2025 to return or exchange these items.
How Many Days Do I Have to Return Something?
15 days.
“Regular” Best Buy customers only get a measly 15- day return window.
If you’re a My Best Buy Plus, or a My Best Buy Total member, you get a 60 day return policy.
In case you were wondering, and who wasn’t, the My Best Buy Plus membership costs $49.99/year, and the My Best Buy Total runs $179.99/year, and they both also come with free 2-day shipping. Details HERE.
Cell Phones and Devices with a Carrier Contract – 14 days for everyone.
Wedding Registry Items – 60 days from date of purchase.
Litter Boxes – For some reason beyond my knowledge, cat litter boxes sold by Best Buy come with a 90-day return window for everyone.
PRO TIP: AFTER 15 DAYS RETURN HACK
If you have your receipt, and it’s only been a few days past 15 (up to 7 days), you stand a good chance of scoring an even exchange if your polite and you have a legitimate issue with the product. It really comes down to the manager on shift, but often times they’re willing to work with you. If not, then you’ll have to contact the manufacturer and file a warranty claim. For this reason, I suggest window shopping at Best Buy but make your actual purchase on Amazon where you get a 30 day return policy and they’re pretty lenient if you have issues with a consumer electronic product.
How Does the Best Buy Return Policy Work?
Here’s the skinny so you can actually make the Best Buy return policy work for you.
In-Store Return – You can return an item bought at Best Buy or BestBuy.com directly to any brick & mortar location.
To make the return go smoothly bring in your receipt or packing slip, the credit card used, and a valid photo ID.
Return by Mail:
Do-It-Yourself – You pick the carrier, use the included Return Form on your packing slip, and pay for the shipping yourself.
No packing slip? Print this blank one and fill it out. Refund will be processed with 2-3 business days of receiving your item.
Use the Prepaid Return Label – Print a prepaid return label, pay nothing upfront, and send your item back to Best Buy for a refund via UPS.
Expect the cost of the return shipping to be deducted from your refund unless the return is a result of a Best Buy error.
PRO TIP: ALWAYS OPT FOR IN-STORE RETURN IF POSSIBLE
When returning an item bought from BestBuy.com, always return it to your local store if you can. Not only will you avoid any return shipping charges, but you can also take advantage of an instant exchange or a much quicker refund to your original form of payment.
See Also: The Best Buy Price Match Policy: Tips To Help You Save BIG
How Do I Return a Gift to Best Buy?
If you return a gift bought at Best Buy by walking into a physical store, you’ll get store credit for the purchase price.
For gifts returned via mail, they’ll credit the gift purchaser and notify them via e-mail.
What Can’t I Return to Best Buy?
There are some products you can’t return to Best Buy.
They include the following:
Final Sale Items – These are clearance products marked as “Final Sale”. If you’re not sure if item is Final Sale, ask an employee before you purchase it.
Special Orders – You’ll only get 85% of the original price refunded. These are items that are typically ordered directly from the manufacturer and not stocked by Best Buy.
Digital Content – This includes games and software that can be downloaded.
Prepaid Cards – This includes prepaid cards from Nintendo, AT&T, Verizon, eBay, and Disney.
Gift Packaging – Pretty obvious. This would be really hard to return.
Membership Costs – This includes the annual Geek Squad membership. Update: Thanks to employee Kristy who says Geek Squad memberships can be returned within 14 days of purchase. After that they will pro-rate it.
Completed Services – This refers to services that Geek Squad has completed for you.
Opened consumable items – This includes batteries, ink and 3D printer filament, and items returned that are damaged, unsanitary or missing major parts.
PRO TIP: DID BEST BUY MAKE AN ERROR?
If you’re returning something to Best Buy via mail, and the reason for the return is an error on Best Buy’s part, they’re on the hook for the return shipping charges. Do not let them charge you for return shipping as they sometimes will try and slip those charges in if you’re not paying attention.
See Also: Newegg Return Policy: A Very Complicated Policy That We Make Sense Of
Do I Have to Pay Re-Stocking Fee on Certain Items?
Yes.
Unfortunately you’ll have to pay a re-stocking fee on these items.
DSLR Cameras and Lenses – 15% re-stocking fee.
Smartphones – $45 flat re-stocking fee.
Drones – 15% re-stocking fee.
Projectors – 15% re-stocking fee.
Rideables – 15% re-stocking fee.
Special Order Products – 15% re-stocking fee.
What If I Don’t Have a Receipt?
If you don’t have a receipt, be prepared to show a valid ID when returning something to Best Buy.
They do this to try and cut down on return fraud in their stores.
They reserve the right to refuse any return without a receipt if they feel it’s fraudulent.
See Also: 7 Insider Tips to Save Money at Best Buy
What If My Return Has Been Opened?
No worries, just pack everything back up as well as you can and get a full refund as long as your still within the return period.
Make sure you don’t forget any manuals or instructions that can with the item.
What If My Return is Missing Parts?
Don’t let that stop you from returning something to Best Buy.
From their site, “If you do not have all the original packaging or accessories, that’s okay too. We can process a return with a nonrefundable deduction on your refund for what is missing.”
What About a Cash Refund?
Keep in mind that if you pay with cash, and your order is over $800, you’ll have to settle for a corporate check as a refund.
You’ll get the check in the mail within 7-10 days.
Stores don’t keep a lot of cash on hand and so they won’t be able to refund you with cash.
The same applies when you spend $250 by check or by a debit card without a major credit card logo.
Can I Return an Item That I Got a Price Match On?
Yes…BUT.
I got a comment on this issue from J.Cole stating that he had to settle for store credit on an item that he got a price match on because a competitor had a lower price.
I asked a Best Buy manager about this the last time I was shopping and she said that’s only the case when doing an online return and selecting “Found a better price” as the reason for your return.
She said when returning in-store, you’ll get a full refund for what you paid, to your original form of payment, and it doesn’t matter if you got a price match on the item or not.
Can I Return Refurbished Items?
Yes.
The regular return policy applies to refurbished, open-box, and pre-owned products.
Can I Return an Unopened Video Game?
I had someone in the comments ask if they could return an unopened video game they bought 2 months ago.
I wasn’t sure of the answer so I hit up Best Buy Live Chat and was told YES, it’s returnable for store credit since it is unopened.
I then asked if the original purchase of 2 months ago would be a problem and was surprisingly told…NOT a problem.
What if I Used a Gift Card to Make the Purchase?
Not a problem.
If you bought the item with a Best Buy gift card, you’ll get a full refund back to that same gift card.
If you don’t have the gift card anymore, no worries, just call Best Buy at 1-888-237-8289 with your order number and they’ll re-issue you a new gift card.
Ask the Reader: Have you had success taking advantage of Best Buy’s return policy? Any issues I need to add to this post that I may have overlooked?
By Kyle James
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)
Tv screen broke during the refund/exchange 15 days. Will BEST BUY exchange the 70” Samsung tv?
Hi Michelle, unfortunately damaged TVs cannot be returned, and it is not something that is covered under the extended warranty.
BUYER BEWARE OF BEST BUY
my boss bought a printer with gift cards. They attempted to deliver after business hours and the carrier immediately returned the item. She called Best Buy said they would deliver next business day no problem. Well they didn’t called today and the said refund will go back to the gift card but we threw it away cause the balance was zero. They said too bad that’s where they money went for the return. All we wanted was the printer we paid for but they said since a refund was being processed they can’t ship a new one. So now we are out $225 all cause the carrier returned an item without trying to deliver next day during business hours
It says on their website that if you no longer have the gift card you paid with that you can call them at the number listed in their return FAQ and they will send you a new gift card.
Hey K R,
I’m so sorry to hear that happened to you. In the event that a refund is processed back to a gift card you no longer have, Best Buy Customer Care is able to re-issue a gift card! By calling the 1-888-BESTBUY number, specialists are able to cancel the gift card the refund was processed to and re-issue a new one via mail to the address on file, typically around 7-10 business days, however this can depend on business needs.
You may want to mention that a lot of big retailers, including Best Buy, use a system to track non-receipted returns. In an effort to combat return fraud, DL information is entered into a database. If you make too many returns without a receipt, they will block your license so that you can no longer make non-receipted returns. If this happens, you will have to contact either Best Buy’s customer help line, or refund admin, if they have any.
So this is annoying. I did a chat and a phone call with 2 different people and I explained that I had purchased a screen cover for my new phone and it keeps lifting all around the edges and mostly the bottom of the screen. They both said I was over my15 days. Keep in mind the app stated I had until today. I purchased it on 7/17/2021 and the app says 8/1/2021. I added the days and it is today 8/1/2021 and I confirmed on a date calculator that it’s correct. So now I am heading to the store to see what they say after I show them the app.
Hi Shellie!
With the 15 day policy you are correct, your return policy would have been active up until the end of day on 8/1. Depending on the brand of screen protector as well, some brands allow Best Buy to honor the manufacture warranty for them and replace it in store for you during that time, however it is only select brands and manufacture policy may change at any point so in store exchange is not guaranteed.
I purchased an air conditioner 19 days ago unfortunately I caught covid right after so I was in Quarantine. I had someone come out to install my ac only to learn the volts are too high for my place. Anyone know who can I speak to about this situation? While I understand there is a 15 day return policy I had covid. Anyone know if the store would work with me in this case and at least give me store credit?
Here we go with the COVID excuses. Do you think Best Buy cares you came down with COVID? Do you honestly think they will take a doctors note so you can return your item? You should have just went to the store with COVID and returned your item. Your loss…
Dear John,
You are an ASS.
Signed,
The World.
You’re one of those people that need their teeth kicked in.
You’re one of those people that needs to be in prison.
Hi Samantha,
I’m very sorry to hear you developed a virus, but I’m glad to hear you’re doing better! As far as an extended return policy, while Best Buy does not have any special policies for during COVID, all Best Buy associates are aware of and work to uphold our values, one of which is taking care of the customer. While I cannot speak for your local store or the 1-888-BestBuy customer care team directly, I can say that we try to work with every customer that wants to work with us! They may be able to offer you store credit or an exchange for the same or like item, but again, this would be up to the manager on duty at your location. I wish you the best of luck!
Hey there!
Just wanted to throw in a few updates to your list. In terms of restocking fees, if the items are unopened (packaging and original seal) then there is no restocking fee, EXCEPT for activated phones. When a phone is scanned into the system and activated using a serial number and IMEI, we are no longer able to sell that phone again and it gets shipped back to the manufacturer. So if you purchased a phone unlocked, if it’s unopened there will not be a restocking fee. However, if it is activated in a Best Buy store, there will be.
Also, large appliances are now subject to a 14 day return policy, starting either on the date of delivery or when you leave the store with it if you picked it up, regardless of your rewards status.
For unopened video games, it will be dependent on the manager on duty at your local store where you return. A return for store credit will not be guaranteed past the return period even if unopened for video games. For both opened games and unopened games past policy however, they can offer to see what the trade in value would be in our system for you to get a gift card for the value, though it will be less than what you paid.
Lastly, I think the biggest hack to add would be to be kind to your stores representatives. It’s important to remember they are just doing their jobs and following their policies. However, if you are nice to an associate, it goes a long way. Trust me, we do want to work with you, and will do everything we possibly can. However, yelling, swearing, belittling or demanding a different manager is either going to get you turned away or escorted out of the store.
Hi Kyle,
I ordered a BOGO water bottle on Best Buy for $39.99 minus a $5 coupon so my total was $34.96. However, when I received my package and opened it, there were two limited addition movies that are no longer available in the store or online and they are now selling on other sites for double and triple what my water bottles cost me.
My water bottles are now no longer available either. Therefore, my question is do I keep these movies and resell them or take them back for my $34.96 refund for the water bottles I never received? I’m playing devil’s advocate and know the “right” thing to do, but wanted your advice (since you offer it so well) 🙂 Thank you in advance for your help.
-J-
As far as Best Buy is concerned it was their mistake and the product is yours. This happened with a bunch of iPads a few years ago. Family ordered one and received 5.
Bought product online, product wrapping super loose, product inside has been tampered and is not new new. How does this get past? Do they not inspect for tampering?
Can you return something bought on bestbuy.com to a Canadian Best Buy store
So,.I have wasted countless hours with best buy. I am so pissed at them . Phone call after phone call. All different answers. Bought 2 items paid over 800 bucks. Go for in store pick up, they have no clue where order is. Then they cancel order and never issue my refund. I no longer have the prepaid card because it was thrown away with zero balance, because they said I would get in store credit. Now I am told to go to that store to get a check mailed. I am livid. Best buy blows
I purchased a galaxy Smartwatch during Cyber Monday sale as a gift. The watch face is too large for my daughter’s wrist. Can I get the exact watch in the smaller face size at the Cyber Monday price to avoid having to get a full refund? I will not pay full price as it was purchased for to the sale.
Hi, my sister bought me and my dad apple pencil, but unfortunately it is not compatible with out ipads.I live in Cali and she bought in NJ, can I return/exchange (with other gen pencil) in store? I have the receipt with me. It was bought on 27th nov 2021
Hi, if I purchased an item on sale, and if it’s within the return period, but the item is no longer on sale, can I return the item and repurchase it right away using a gift card I have obtained after the fact – and still get the sale price after returning and repurchasing right away and now paying with the gift card?
We bought a Samsung dishwasher at Bestbuy (online) on 11-5-21, it leaked, called Samsung service, they insisted it be serviced unmounted. Took ten days for them to come out. STILL LEAKS (only with large loads).
We decided to return it, called they said no problem, gave us a case number, but they needed to talk with my wife to confirm the return since it was purchased in her name. When she called and gave the case number, Bestbuy now says that large appliances are excluded from return extension (Jan 16, 2022), but say their website hasn’t been updated to reflect that. We were also told they couldn’t confirm that we could speak to a manager.
Do we have any recourse?
Has anyone had a similar experience?
Hi Kyle, thanks for your write up. Today (March 3rd, 2022) I was informed that Apple will announce the new iPad Air 5 at their event on March 8th. I purchased the iPad Air 4 on March 1st and reading your write up and their policies I should be able to return the iPad until March 15th, but for kicks and giggles I am aiming at March 11 (Friday) when the sale of the iPads starts. I want to exchange mine and have no problem paying a little more if the new model is more expensive. Should I go to the store to give them a heads up or just walk in on March 11 and ask for an exchange?