Best Buy Return Policy (What You Need to Know)

Need to Make a Return to Best Buy? Here's Everything You Should Know

Whether you picked up a gadget that didn’t quite hit the mark or something wasn’t working as expected, Best Buy’s return policy makes getting your refund or exchange simple—once you know the basics. Let’s break it down and help you navigate the process without any hassle.

BestBuy.com's Return Policy: The Essentials

For most products, you’ve got 15 days to return or exchange them. Just bring the item along with all the original packaging, accessories, and your receipt to any Best Buy store, and they’ll process the return or exchange. This applies to items purchased both online and in-store, so it’s all pretty straightforward.

However, activatable devices (like cell phones, mobile hotspots, or cellular tablets) have a shorter return window—14 days. Plus, there’s a $45 restocking fee for these devices, unless you bought a prepaid phone. For certain other products like drones, DSLR cameras, and projectors, expect a 15% restocking fee when you return them.

What If You Don’t Have the Original Box?

If the product is still in like-new condition, you might be in luck. Best Buy will generally accept returns if you’ve got the original packaging and accessories. If something’s missing, they could still take the return but may deduct a fee from your refund. So, double-check that you’ve got all the parts and pieces before heading to the store.

Can You Return Something After Using It?

The general rule here is that Best Buy requires the item to be in like-new condition. If you’ve used the product but still have all the original packaging and accessories, they may accept it. Just make sure it’s not heavily used or damaged, otherwise, your return could be denied.

No Receipt? Here's What You Can Do

If you’ve lost the receipt, don’t stress too much. Best Buy can often look up your purchase with the credit card you used. If they can’t find your transaction, you might still be able to get store credit or exchange the item, but without a receipt, they’re not obligated to offer a full refund.

How Fast Can You Expect a Refund?

Refunds typically appear on your bank statement within five business days when you return the item in-store. If you’re mailing in your return, it could take up to 30 days for the refund to process once Best Buy receives the item. For larger cash or check payments, you’ll get a refund check mailed within ten days.

Can Online Purchases Be Returned in Store?

Yes, you can avoid the extra hassle and shipping fees by returning your online purchases directly to a Best Buy store. Just bring your packing slip or proof of purchase along with the item, and they’ll process the return for you.

Items That Can't Be Returned

Not everything is eligible for returns. Final sale items, personalized orders, prepaid cards, and certain custom orders are non-returnable. Plus, anything that’s worn, damaged, or missing significant components (like accessories or tags) may be denied for a refund or exchange. Always check the latest details on Best Buy’s return policy to make sure you’re in the clear.

The Bottom Line

Best Buy’s return policy is flexible for most purchases, but there are a few conditions to be aware of—especially around restocking fees and the like-new condition requirement. Keep your receipts, bring everything back in good shape, and you should have no trouble getting your refund or exchange. Following these tips can make your returns simple and stress-free.