Whether you're picking up last-minute holiday gifts or often return presents in the new year, you need to know if you'll be able to make returns. But while some stores might make it easy for you to get a refund, store credit or exchange, others enforce strict time limits and restrictions.
GOBankingRates.com reviewed 50 popular retailers' return policies so you know what you need in order to get a refund. Click through to see highlights of your favorite store's policies, so you can start shopping smarter today.
Nordstrom Return Policy
Time limit to return: None
Nordstrom doesn’t really have a return policy. On its website, the retailer claims it handles returns on a “case-by-case basis with the ultimate objective of satisfying the customer.” So, if you’re unsatisfied with a purchase made in one of Nordstrom’s stores or online, the retailer will work to fix it.
See: Nordstrom, Zara and Other Sales to Add to Your Calendar
The retailer does have one caveat, however: Special-occasion dresses cannot be returned if the tag indicating that the item can’t be returned if removed is removed from the dress.
L.L.Bean Return Policy
Time limit to return: None
Not only does L.L.Bean have a great shipping policy, but it also has a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. You can return items you're not happy with at any time.
But keep in mind that if you choose to ship an online purchase rather than return it to a store for a refund, your refund will be reduced by $6.50 to cover the cost of the prepaid shipping label. However, L.L.Bean Visa cardholders receive free returns.
Costco Return Policy
Time limit to return: Varies
Costco promises to "refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied." You can also get a refund on merchandise — but there are some exceptions.
See: Save $100 on Your Next Trip to Costco
For example, electronics and major appliances — televisions, computers, cameras, touchscreen tablets and more — must be returned within 90 days.
Bed Bath & Beyond Return Policy
Time limit to return: Varies
Saving money at Bed Bath & Beyond is pretty easy, and so is returning items. Returns at Bed Bath & Beyond can be made with a receipt or packing slip for a refund in the original form of payment.
If you don’t have a receipt, Bed Bath & Beyond can try to track down purchases made in the past 365 days. If the purchase can’t be tracked down, you’ll receive store credit or an exchange for the current selling price of the product less 20 percent.
And note that if you're shopping for baby items, merchandise must be in the same packaging and unused.
Staples Return Policy
Time limit to return: Varies
Not only does Staples offer a price-match guarantee, but you can return office supplies at any time for a full refund.
But Staples does have a few exceptions to its time period for returns. Some electronics — such as computers, printers and digital cameras — and furniture must be returned within 14 days of receipt. And in the past, Staples has extended the return period for these purchases when made during the holiday season in late November and December.
Zappos Return Policy
Time limit to return: 365 days
This online shoe, clothing and accessories retailer allows customers up to a year to return items in their unworn, original condition in the original packaging. Plus, shipping is free on returns with the prepaid UPS shipping label that you can print by logging onto your account on Zappos.com.
Find Out: 19 Tricks to Save Money on Shoes
Sephora Return Policy
Time limit to return: 60 days, but varies
You can receive a full refund for Sephora.com purchases that are returned within 60 days. But, you’ll receive store credit for items returned within 61 to 90 days. You can also return gifts and receive an online store credit.
Sephora in-store purchases can be returned with a receipt. If you don’t have your receipt, and Sephora can’t verify your purchase, you’ll have to show a valid ID to receive store credit. Gifts can be returned for store credit.
Macy’s Return Policy
Time limit to return: 365 days
Macy’s accepts returns within a year of purchase, but some restrictions might apply. With mattresses, for example, the store allows 60 days to 120 days to try your purchase. Then, you have 14 days after that period to contact the retailer to schedule a return.
But beware: You'll be charged an $85 pick-up fee plus a 15 percent fee.
Bloomingdale’s Return Policy
Time limit to return: 365 days
You can return almost anything at Bloomingdale's within 365 days. Just make sure your item is in saleable condition.
If you don’t have a receipt but have a Bloomingdale’s account, your account will be credited. Without a store account, you’ll receive a merchandise credit for the lowest selling price in the past 180 days. Bloomingdales.com also offers free returns on online orders.
JCPenney Return Policy
Time limit to return: Varies
Boasting one of the strongest rewards policies, JCPenney has a decent return policy as well. If you don’t have a receipt, you can receive a merchandise voucher for the item’s lowest selling price in the past 45 days if you show a valid ID. Gifts returned with a gift receipt will be refunded in the form of a store gift card.
Furniture and appliances must be returned within 30 days. Fine jewelry and electronics must be returned within 60 days with a receipt. And special-occasion dresses must be returned in their original condition with the green return tag in place.
Kohl’s Return Policy
Time limit to return: Varies
Premium electronics must be returned in original packaging within 30 days. However, premium electronics purchased from Nov. 1 to Dec. 25, 2016, may be returned by Jan. 31, 2017.
See: 28 Ways to Save Money at Kohl's
For in-store purchases, if you don’t have a receipt and Kohl’s can’t locate your transaction, you can exchange the item or get merchandise credit based on the lowest 13-week sale price. Online purchases can be returned to a store or mailed.
Michaels Return Policy
Time limit to return: 180 days
You can return your Michael's in-store or online purchase within 180 days. If you don’t have a receipt for an item you bought in store, Michaels may be able to look up purchases made with a credit or debit card or a rewards number. Otherwise, you’ll have to show a valid photo ID, and you’ll receive store credit for the item’s lowest selling price in the past 90 days.
Anthropologie Return Policy
Time limit to return: None, but some exceptions
This women’s apparel and home décor retailer lets customers return all items — except furniture and oversized items — at any time. Furniture and oversized items must be returned within 30 days.
Online purchases can be returned with a pre-paid label, but a $5.95 will be deducted from your refund. So, you might opt to return your Anthropologie items to a store.
If you return online purchases to a store, you should have the original packing list or show a government-issued ID. Anthropologie states that it has the right to refuse or limit returns without a packing list.
Sam’s Club Return Policy
Time limit to return: None, but some exceptions
This warehouse club that saves customers a ton of money also allows them to return most items for a refund at any time.
However, cellphones and tablets must be returned within 14 days. Electronics, unopened games, movies, music and software must be returned within 90 days. And certain items — such as adult beverages, cigarettes, prescription eyeglasses and open contact lens boxes — may not be eligible for returns.
Bath & Body Works Return Policy
Time limit to return: None
Bath & Body Works' Return Policy states: "If at any time you're not completely satisfied with the quality of our products, you may return them to any of our Bath & Body Works stores."
If you return online orders to a store, you’ll receive cash or a gift card. To be reimbursed to your original form of payment, you must return online orders by mail. And if you don’t have a receipt, you’ll receive an exchange or a store credit on the item’s lowest selling price.
REI Return Policy
Time limit to return: 365 days
You have up to a year to return REI items for a replacement or refund with proof of purchase. REI's return policy doesn't, however, cover "ordinary wear and tear" or improper-use damage.
Retail purchases and gift returns (refunded to the recipient) are refunded in the form of a check. Online and phone orders are refunded to the original payment type, with some exceptions. And, REI encourages customers to hold onto the original packing material for returns.
IKEA Return Policy
Time limit to return: 365 days
IKEA boasts a "no-nonsense" return policy, which allows you to return items within 365 days with a receipt. If you don’t have a receipt, the furniture store will try to find the purchase. And if that fails, you can get a store credit for the item’s lowest selling price in the past year.
Target Return Policy
Time limit to return: 90 days on most unopened items
Target's return policy gives you up to 90 days to return most new, unopened items to this big-box retailer for a refund or exchange. But some exceptions include drones (14 days), and electronics and entertainment items (30 days). However, the return period for these items purchased between Nov.1 and Dec. 25 starts on Dec. 26.
See: The Worst Things to Buy at Target and Walmart
Also, Target REDcard debit and credit cardholders have an extra 30 days to return nearly all items.
Lowe’s Return Policy
Time limit to return: 90 days, but varies
If you have a receipt and return your Lowe's item within 90 days, you might be able to get a refund. There are some exceptions to the Lowe's return policy, though. Major appliances, outdoor power equipment and highway trailers must be returned within 30 days. And winter holiday seasonal items must be returned by Dec. 31 of the same holiday season.
And if you don’t have a receipt, you may get store credit for the item’s current selling price.
Walmart Return Policy
Time limit to return: Varies
Walmart encourages customers to keep original packaging for at least 90 days if you plan to return them. However, there are exceptions to the policy.
Computers, tablets and digital cameras, for example, must be returned within 15 days. Post-paid cellphones must be returned within 14 days, and pre-paid cellphones must be returned within 15 days. However, the return window is extended for these items if they’re purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24.
If you don’t have a receipt, you can receive a cash refund, a gift card or an exchange under certain guidelines.
Amazon Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days
Amazon, a go-to online retailer for saving money, has a 30-day return policy for most items. However, items shipped between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2016, may be returned until Jan. 31, 2017.
And there are other exceptions. Baby items — other than clothing — can be returned within 90 days. Books purchased from the Kindle store can be returned within seven days. And some purchases, such as AmazonFresh items, can’t be refunded.
Carter’s Return Policy
Time limit to return: None, but call your local store
Carter's return policy is pretty lenient. You can exchange or return new, unworn items for a full refund if you have a receipt or packing slip. If you don’t have a receipt, Carter’s may be able to look up your transaction. Otherwise, you can receive a merchandise exchange for the current selling price.
For online returns by mail, you can use the prepaid label provided by Carter’s. But $6 will be deducted from your return credit to cover shipping costs.
Toys “R” Us & Babies “R” Us Return Policy
Time limit to return: 90 days, but some exceptions
At Babies "R" Us and Toys "R" Us, you can return most items within 90 days. However, items must be in new, unused condition and in their original packaging with all of the accompanying accessories, paperwork and receipt if you want to get the full credit. If you make a gift return at a store location, you can receive a merchandise credit — but you should have a gift receipt or an online packing slip.
See: Toys That Will Sell Out Fast This Christmas
Certain items — including cameras, DVD players, video game hardware and drones — must be returned within 30 days. And movies, music, video game software, trading cards and breast pumps must be in unopened packages to receive a refund. Otherwise, these items may only be exchanged for identical items.
Foot Locker Return Policy
Time limit to return: 90 days
Foot Locker offers exchanges and refunds for items in new condition returned within 90 days. A gift card will be issued for returns made after 90 days if you don't request an exchange. And returns after a year will not be accepted.
You can return online purchases to a store or by mail. Foot Locker provides a prepaid shipping label, but $6.99 will be deducted from your refund.
Williams-Sonoma Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days
If you want to return something you bought from Williams-Sonoma, make sure you have a receipt. Items with a receipt can be exchanged or returned within 30 days for a full refund. Items with a gift receipt can be returned for merchandise credit.
Take note: You can't return monogrammed items, special-order items, custom upholstery, food, items damaged through regular wear and tear, and final sale items.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Return Policy
Time limit to return: 60 days
At Dick's Sporting Goods, you can exchange or return most new, unused items in the original packaging for a refund with a receipt or packing slip within 60 days. If you don’t have a receipt, you must show a valid ID to receive a refund in the form of a store credit for the lowest selling price of the item. You can exchange a gift with a gift receipt or receive a gift card.
Certain items — such as firearms, ammunition, crossbows and outboard motors — can’t be returned. And, if returning by mail, some packages may come with a free return shipping label — or a shipping label that will deduct $8 from your return refund.
Old Navy, Gap & Banana Republic Return Policy
Time limit to return: 45 days
Whether you shop at Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic, you can return or exchange items in their original condition within 45 days with a proof of purchase or the credit card you used to make the purchase. And items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 can be returned by Jan. 15 or 45 days after the purchase — whichever is later.
If you return a gift with a gift receipt, you’ll receive a gift card. If you don’t have a gift receipt, you’ll get a merchandise credit by mail in the amount of the current selling price. Final-sale items cannot be returned.
Home Depot Return Policy
Time limit to return: 90 days, but some exceptions
Home Depot's return policy states you can return most new, unopened items within 90 days. But you might have even more time, depending on what you used to buy the item. If you purchase an item with the Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, Commercial Revolving Charge or Commercial Account, you can get a full refund within 365 days.
But there are some exceptions to Home Depot’s return policy. For example, furniture, mattresses, area rugs, generators, gas-powered equipment and tractors, and electronics must be returned within 30 days.
Victoria’s Secret Return Policy
Time limit to return: 90 days
Not happy with your Victoria's Secret purchase? To receive a refund, you must return an item with a receipt and a sewn-in garment tag intact within 90 days. After 90 days, you can receive a merchandise card. Gift returns also are refunded in the form of a merchandise card.
If you don’t have a receipt, you can exchange items or receive a merchandise credit based on the lowest selling price of the item.
For online purchase, you may reuse the original packaging. If you use the retailer’s prepaid return label, $5.99 will be deducted from your refund. Also, you can return sale and clearance items purchased online or by phone.
Express Return Policy
Time limit to return: 90 days
Express will issue a refund in the form of the original payment if you return an item with a receipt within 90 days or if the retailer can locate your purchase. If Express can’t locate your purchase in its database, the return can’t be processed — but you may be able to exchange a single item. Also, items with a “do not remove” tag can’t be returned for a refund if the tag has been removed.
Items with a gift receipt can be returned for merchandise credit. Online purchases can be returned to a store or mailed using the prepaid label provided. Returns for shoes are free, but $6.99 will be deducted from refunds for other purchases sent with the prepaid label.
DSW Return Policy
Time limit to return: 60 days
DSW's return policy lets you return unworn items in their original packaging with a receipt or invoice within 60 days to receive a full refund in the form of the original payment. Returns made after 60 days receive a merchandise credit.
Online purchases can be returned to a DSW store. Or, you can mail the item, and an $8.50 shipping charge will be deducted from your refund.
Zara Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days
If you bought something on Zara.com, you can get a refund in the form of the original payment if you return an item in perfect condition with a receipt within 30 days. Gifts with a gift receipt can be returned for a store voucher. Underwear items cannot be returned, except for babies.
Cabela’s Return Policy
Time limit to return: 90 days
You can exchange or return an item to Cabela within 90 days. Without a receipt, items can be exchanged or returned for a gift card in an amount equal to their lowest sale price. Shipping charges for returned online purchases will be deducted from your refund.
For items returned in stores, Cabela’s requires a valid ID. And certain items such as firearms can’t be returned, and gasoline-powered items and drones can’t be returned if they’ve been used or display signs that oil or fuel has been added.
T.J. Maxx Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days
At T.J. Maxx, you can return unused items for a refund within 30 days. If you return items after 30 days or without a receipt, you'll receive store credit. The same applies with a gift receipt, or you might be able to exchange the item.
Shipping costs for online orders are not refundable. And there’s a $9.99 fee that’s deducted from your refund if you use the return shipping label provided by TJ Maxx. However, you can return online purchases to a store for free.
T.J. Maxx also has a holiday return policy: If you buy an item between Oct. 16 and Dec. 24, 2016, you can return it by Jan. 23, 2017.
Ulta Return Policy
Time limit to return: 60 days
Want to return that beauty gift set you bought at Ulta? You can receive a refund if you return items with a receipt or packing slip within 60 days. After 60 days, you can receive store credit.
Original shipping fees for online purchases are refunded only if the product is defective or damaged by Ulta. For online purchases returned to a store, you should include all original packaging materials. If you return by mail, you're responsible for the cost of shipping.
Sears Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days for most items
You can return most items within 30 days. However, Sears extends the return period to Jan. 31, 2017, for items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24. But Christmas seasonal items can’t be returned after Dec. 25.
There also are exceptions to the Sears return policy. For example, furniture must be returned within seven days of the delivery date. Postpaid cellphones must be returned within 14 days of purchase. And items such as opened music, movies and software can only be exchanged for identical items if they're defective.
Kmart Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days for most items
Kmart will give you a refund on most items within 30 days of purchase. However, the return period is extended to Jan. 31, 2017, for items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24. But, again, Christmas season items can’t be returned after Dec. 25.
Exceptions to Kmart’s return policy include mattresses and furniture, which must be returned within seven days of purchase. Opened music, movies and software can only be exchanged — if they are defective — for identical items. Also, delivery, labor and installation fees are not refundable.
Forever 21 Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days
Forever 21 only refunds online purchases returned by mail, and store purchases must be returned to stores. On top of that, the retailer doesn’t offer free shipping for online returns. But, it does refund original shipping charges if an item is damaged, defective or wrong. You can return your items to a store to exchange it or receive store credit.
Abercrombie & Fitch Return Policy
Time limit to return: 60 days
Abercrombie & Fitch will refund you in the original form of payment if an item is returned within 60 days. It offers store credit for items returned after 60 days and for gifts with a gift receipt. If you return an item without a receipt, you must show a valid ID and will only receive store credit for the item’s lowest selling price.
The retailer provides a shipping label for online returns, but a $7 fee will be deducted from your refund.
PetSmart Return Policy
Time limit to return: 60 days
To receive a refund from PetSmart, return your item within 60 days. If you don't have a receipt — of if the receipt is older than 60 days — show a valid ID to receive a merchandise return card for the item's most recent sale amount.
However, you must have a receipt to return electronic merchandise, grooming tools, filters or pumps, and pet medications or vitamins that are valued at $10 or more.
Shipping charges for online purchases are not refunded. And if you return an item by mail, you have to pay the shipping charges.
Neiman Marcus Return Policy
Time limit to return: Varies
On its website, Neiman Marcus states it will "gladly accept your timely return of eligible items by mail or at any Neiman Marcus store." The retailer requests, however, that your items should not be worn or washed. And, you should also include the original packaging and tags.
Your online purchase can be returned for free if Neiman Marcus receives it with a SmartLabel within 15 days of the date it was delivered to you. If received after 15 days, your refund will be deducted to cover the return shipping fee.
Apple Return Policy
Time limit to return: 14 days
Want to get your money back from your Apple purchase? Keep in mind you have only 14 days from the day you received an Apple product to return it.
The item must be repackaged with all cords, adapters and documentation. And some items, including Apple Store gift cards and electronic software downloads, are ineligible for returns.
Best Buy Return Policy
Time limit to return: 15 days on most products
Most products must be returned within 15 days. However, My Best Buy Elite members have 30 days to return purchases, and Elite Plus members have 45 days. And purchases made between Oct. 30 and Dec. 31, 2016, can be returned through Jan. 15, 2017.
See: 27 Smart Ways to Save Money at Best Buy
To process a return in a store, Best Buy requests that customers bring their receipt or packing slip, the credit card used to make the purchase and a photo ID. Online purchases should be returned with the packing slip or a printed return form. Best Buy offers a prepaid return label, but a shipping fee may be deducted from your refund.
Harbor Freight Return Policy
Time limit to return: 90 days
You can return items to Harbor Freight Tool within 90 days for a full refund or replacement. You must have proof of purchase and show a valid ID for in-store returns. For online purchases, shipping charges are not refundable.
A restocking fee may be charged for some items. And, items that contain gas or oil cannot be returned.
GameStop Return Policy
Time limit to return: Varies
GameStop's return policy states unopened new items must be returned within 30 days. However, new tablets must be returned within 14 days for full refunds. Opened items can be exchanged for identical items.
Meanwhile, new accessories can be returned for a refund within 30 days. You can get a full refund for pre-owned merchandise within seven days or get an exchange for an identical item within 30 days.
Barnes & Noble Return Policy
Time limit to return: 14 days
To receive a refund from Barnes & Noble, most items must be returned within 14 days. When returning items bought in store, call your local store for details on the return process.
If you bought your items online, you can return them in store or by mail. However, they must be in their original condition, and shrink-wrapped products must not be opened. Shipping charges for online purchases are nonrefundable, and you have to pay for return shipping.
Pottery Barn Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days, but varies
Pottery Barn items can be returned within 30 days, but Quick Ship upholstery has a seven-day limit. However, items purchased from a Pottery Barn gift registry can be returned or exchanged within 90 days of your purchase or your event.
Mattresses, personalized items and other select items cannot be returned. And delivery fees are not refundable.
Dillard's Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days
Dillard's in-store return policy states it will issue a refund in the form of the original payment if the unused item is returned within 30 days in its original condition with proof of purchase.
You must pay for shipping fees for online purchases that are returned by mail. And original shipping charges are not refunded. You can't return personalized and clearance items marked down 65 percent or more.
Family Dollar Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days
An item can be exchanged or returned within 30 days to Family Dollar Store for a refund in the original form of payment if you have a receipt. Without a receipt, you can get an exchange or refund at the lowest advertised price. Also, you can make up to three returns without a receipt in a 30-day period.
Ross Return Policy
Time limit to return: 30 days
To receive a full refund from Ross, return the item with a receipt within 30 days. If you return the item after 30 days, you can only get an exchange or store credit.
Returns without a receipt require a valid ID and will be refunded in the form of a store credit or exchanged at the current selling price.
Policies accurate as of Nov. 17, 2016. Some of the policies included in this article might have exceptions or additional rules and details not mentioned here. Please visit the retailers' websites to see full refund and return policies.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 50 Stores With the Best and Worst Return Policies