11 Best Things About Walmart’s Return Policy

Walmart has some great return options for items that may surprise you.

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Updated Aug. 14, 2024
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Sometimes your Walmart purchases don’t work out perfectly, and you have to return them.

The good news is that the retailer has some policies that make it easier to return items or exchange them for better products. Check out these policies and take advantage of Walmart shopping hacks the next time you shop there.

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There’s a 90-day window for most returns

M. Suhail/Adobe New Hartford Walmart Home Department

Walmart has a generous return window for most products, with shoppers able to return products within 90 days for a refund or exchange.

But be aware that some products, like appliances and electronics, have a different return window, so it’s good to check if you’re unsure or worried you may be returning something.

There’s a longer policy for plants

anoushkatoronto/Adobe Garden Centre in Canadian Walmart

You may buy shrubs or perennials from Walmart but won’t know if they’ve actually succeeded until next year.

Walmart has you covered with a 365-day return policy on perennials, shrubs, and trees. Just remember to hold on to your receipt, and you’ll have to bring the item to the store to return it, so don’t compost it.

Walmart+ members can get home pick-up for returns

The Toidi/Adobe Walmart online order pickup sign in store

Walmart+ members get additional benefits like free grocery delivery and free shipping.

But members can also get their Walmart returns picked up at home instead of needing to take them into the store to return. There may be some restrictions, so check with your Walmart+ membership to see if your item qualifies.

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Walmart has a fresh guarantee

Joni/Adobe Checkout counters at Walmart Store

Walmart’s grocery section can be a great place to save money on groceries as well as returns.

The store has a Fresh Guarantee policy that allows you to return items like produce, meat, deli, and dairy items, as well as flowers, if you aren’t satisfied with their freshness. A receipt is required, so be sure to hang onto it.

Recalled items can get you cash

Sundry Photography/Adobe Walmart's Everyday low price tagline

There may be items that have been recalled, and it’s important to return them to your local Walmart.

You can get cash back for recalled items regardless of the condition when you return them to your local Walmart.

Use Walmart.com to track your return window

Alexey Novikov/Adobe Walmart website address in browser

Walmart’s website tracks your in-store purchases, allowing you to go back through your purchase history and find out when you bought something.

You can use the purchase tracking feature to help you figure out how many days you have left to start the return process.

You can do curbside returns

jetcityimage/Adobe Walmart Retail Location from outside

It can be hard to find time to return items with a busy schedule, but Walmart has you covered.

The retailer allows you to return items at a store’s curbside pick-up section, so you don’t have to get out of your car in the rain if you’re on a tight schedule or have a sleeping baby in the backseat.

You can return gifted items

M. Suhail/Adobe Customer Service Department of Walmart Superceter

Did you get two of the same things as gifts for your birthday, or perhaps you got something you didn’t want? Walmart has you covered.

You can return those to Walmart even without a gift receipt and exchange them for a different item or get a Walmart gift card for the amount for the item.

Use the Walmart app to start a return

FellowNeko/Adobe man using walmart app on smartphone

The Walmart app can speed up the return process and make it easier and quicker to get something returned.

Check the app for items you want to return, how you want to return them, and then submit your return. You can even use the app to access curbside returns.

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You don’t need a receipt to return something

Brett/Adobe Houston Texas walmart from outside

It can be helpful to keep your receipt if you want to return something, but for many items, it’s not necessary.

Walmart can look up your purchase history when you’re in the store to help process your order, or you can find your purchase history in the Walmart app to start the return. You can also return something without a purchase history, but you’ll need a valid ID.

You get extra time to return baby registry items

Andriy Blokhin/Adobe robot checking inventory at walmart superstore

A baby registry at Walmart can be exciting to have as you prepare for the arrival of a little one, but you also may end up with duplicates or things that your baby may grow out of before you put them in it.

Walmart has you covered with free returns on baby registry items for up to a year. That can be helpful if your baby outgrows a box of diapers you never opened or if you end up not using some gifts.

Bottom line

JHVEPhoto/Adobe Pearland Texas walmart from outside

Walmart can be a good option if you’re trying to save money on groceries, looking for affordable alternatives to expensive purchases, or just want to find something new for your home.

Remember to keep track of Walmart's return policies if you find something you need to bring back for a return or exchange. There may be some additional policies that can also help you save money.

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