On the surface, the Lowe’s 90-day return policy seems pretty straight forward. But once you dig into it a little bit you realize it has some nuances to it that are worth knowing, especially if you shop at Lowe’s regularly. I originally wrote this article back in 2017, and unfortunately their policy has gotten much worse in recent years, especially with how they handle no-receipt returns and major appliance returns. Let’s break it all down.

Lowe’s Give You 90-Days to Make a Return

The Lowe’s return policy stipulates that you have 90 days to return items to their store on the vast majority of thigs they sell.

Return Policy on Major Appliances Sucks

You only have 48 HOURS from time of delivery or pickup to return major appliances.

(NOTE: This is new as of early 2023, it used to be 30 days on appliances.)

So you’ll want to inspect appliances VERY closely upon delivery and refuse delivery if you notice something you don’t like.

If you notice damage after the delivery team leaves, you have 2 days from the time of delivery to call Lowe’s at 1-800-445-6937 to report the damage -OR- any missing parts.

The MAJOR exception to this is appliances returned in original, unopened, undamaged, and factory-sealed packaging, they still have 30 days.

This got me wondering what qualifies as “Factory-Sealed Packaging” on a refrigerator that they take out of the box BEFORE they wheel it into your kitchen.

So I called Lowe’s and was told the following, “If you did not receive the refrigerator in a box, then you are not required to return it in a box. Do not worry about that. This only affects customers who throw the packaging away.”

This leads me to believe that they’re talking about small appliances that you bring home yourself. Things like a microwave, small refrigerator, or a mixer that come in a box when you buy them and bring them home. You have 30 days to return these items as long as you don’t open them.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve had a different experience on this new twist in their return policy.

PRO TIP: CONSIDER LOWE’S CREDIT CARD FOR APPLIANCE PURCHASE

If you’ve read any of my articles on here, you know I’m not a big fan of store credit cards as the APR is astronomical and the terms typically suck.

The one big exception is with the MyLowe’s Rewards credit card. If you open a new credit card, not only will you get 20% off your first purchase, but you’ll get a 30 day return policy on major appliances.

See Also: Employees Tell Me 9 Clever Ways to Save at Lowe’s

You Need Your Receipt to Make a Return

This is where their return policy started changing FOR THE WORSE in mid-2023.

In the past, if you didn’t have your receipt, Lowe’s would attempt to use your credit card, MyLowe’s card, or phone number to find your order details and issue store credit.

Those days appear to be LONG GONE as I’ve personally had them refuse my return twice when I didn’t have my receipt and they couldn’t find my order.

The last time I tried this type of return they would NOT even attempt to look up my order and I was told that their return policy regarding no-receipt returns is changing and rolling out to all stores by early-2024.

I was told that they were getting hit hard by scammers trying to return stolen merchandise, or used products well past 90 days, and they have changed their return policy because of this.

It’s too bad that a small percentage of returners have ruined their once useful policy for the rest of us.

Note: As of January 2024, from talking to many Lowe’s shoppers, this new policy is still being rolled out nationwide and some stores still have the old return policy posted but are adhering to the “new” policy and not allowing ANY returns without a receipt.

Let me know in the comments if your local Lowe’s is adhering to the old or new policy regarding this issue.

PRO TIP: ALWAYS GET RECEIPT EMAILED TO YOU

When checking out, always opt to get a printed receipt and one sent to your email. Then create a “Lowe’s” folder in your email account and drag all your receipts into it so you can quickly retrieve a receipt when you need it.

See Also: Home Depot Return Policy: It’s Now Clearly Better Than Lowe’s

Need Receipt When Paying with Cash or a Check

You will DEFINITELY need your receipt to get a refund or exchange if you use cash or a personal check.

The days of Lowe’s looking up your purchase with your phone number, or Lowe’s account, are long gone it appears.

Obviously this only applies to in-store purchases.

Exceptions to the 90 Days

There are quite a few exceptions and here they are…

Winter/Holiday Seasonal Items – Must be returned by December 31st of the same holiday season.

TVs and Electronics – 30 days. Does Lowe’s actually sell TVs?

Outdoor Power Equipment – 30 days.

Trailers – 30 days.

Air Conditioners and Evaporative Coolers – 30 days.

Water Heaters – 30 days.

Paint – 30 days.

Plants – 365 days. More on this below.

FYI: You can only return trailers to a Lowe’s store in the same state that you bought it.

PRO TIP: ALWAYS GET A LOWE’S PRICE MATCH

If you notice that a local competitor like Home Depot or Ace Hardware has the item you bought at a lower price, you can get a price-match without returning the item.

Just bring in proof of the lower price and you’ll get cash back for the difference.

Returning Used Outdoor Power Equipment

If you bought a lawn mower, chain saw, weed eater, blower, pretty much anything that takes gasoline, I was told by a manager that you can return it within 30 days.

But you MUST drain all the gas from it before you bring it back and you MUST have the receipt.

What About Online Purchases?

The same 90-day return policy exists on purchases made via Lowes.com.

Most items bought online come with a prepaid shipping label which is WAY cool.

Just repackage the item with the original box, manual, and parts and send it back at no charge.

Or even easier, return the item to your local Lowe’s store if you have one in your area.

Unfortunately, when you return an item via the mail you’re out the original shipping charges (if any).

See Also: Lowe’s Employee Discount: What Is It? How Do I Get It?

WHOSE POLICY IS BETTER? LOWE’S VS. HOME DEPOT

From talking to store employees, it seems to come down to individual store managers and how they handle returns.

Some managers (at both retailers) are very willing to bend over backwards to keep the customer happy and accept a return on darn near any product, regardless of age or condition.

The takeaway here is to get familiar with both retailers in your area and figure out which store is more lenient on returns (ESPECIALLY RETURNS WITHOUT A RECEIPT) and take your business there.

Returning Items Bought In-Store via the Mail

If taking items back to the store is not convenient, you can indeed return items via mail.

Because you won’t have a prepaid shipping label, you’ll have to call Lowe’s directly at 1-800-445-6937 to initiate the return process.

Defects That Happen After 90 Days

You just might be eligible for some relief if your product/appliance has a manufacturer defect after your 90 day return window expires.

Just call Lowe’s at 1-888-77-LOWES to schedule a factory-certified service appointment.

If the repair is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty you won’t be charged a cent.

PRO TIP: PAY ATTENTION WHEN THEY SCAN YOUR STUFF

When you’re checking out and have multiple items that are only slightly different (color, size, etc) make sure they scan each item individually.

If they try and take a shortcut and scan the same item repeatedly, thinking they’re all the same, it will be VERY difficult to try and return any of the items as the SKU won’t be on your receipt.

Return Policy on Plants is Great

1 year from date of purchase.

This 1-year “plant guarantee” does not include annuals or clearance plants.

Just bring the dead plant back along with your receipt and you’ll get your money back.

If you still have the plant’s original container bring that back too, it will make the return process much easier.

PRO TIP: CLEVER “RECEIPT HACK” WHEN BUYING PLANTS

When buying plants from Lowe’s, keep your receipt in a save place. When buying indoor plants, my favorite tip is to put it in a Ziploc bag and tape it to the bottom of the container so you’ll never lose it.

Gift Cards…Can You Return Them?

The only way you can return a lost or stolen gift card is by presenting the original receipt.

Once presented, Lowe’s will reissue a new gift card for the remaining balance.

Ask the Reader: Do you have any tips to make the Lowe’s return policy even more useful? Let me know in the comments section below.

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)