Retailer return policies aren’t always straightforward. You may think you can return that big-screen TV, but the merchant won’t take electronics back, or the return window is limited to a short timeframe.
That’s where credit card return protection can help. Some cards extend a store’s return period, or they’ll reimburse you if the retailer won’t take the item back.
What is credit card return protection?
Return protection is a perk that extends the return window for a purchase, or allows you to get a refund even when a store won’t take an item back. It’s typically provided by credit card processors such as Mastercard or American Express, rather than issuers such as Chase or Citi. While retailers themselves have return policies, credit card return protection typically adds more time to return or exchange items.
When you use a credit card return protection feature, you may have to ship the item to an address designated by the processor, which could mean additional costs. Mastercard and American Express, for example, require cardholders to pay for shipping.
How to use credit card return protection
If you use an eligible card to purchase an item that’s eligible for return protection, you’re automatically covered. But filing a claim typically requires you to submit paperwork, including:
- A purchase receipt.
- A credit card statement showing the purchased item.
- A copy of the store's return policy.
- Written confirmation that the store refused to accept the return.
Among major payment processing networks, Mastercard, American Express and Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cards offer return protection. (Discover eliminated the benefit in 2018.)
| Mastercard* | American Express* | Visa* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cards covered | All Mastercards | Select American Express Cards | Visa Signature and Infinite cards |
| Duration (from purchase) | 60 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Coverage | Up to $250 per claim, 4 claims per 12 month period | Up to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per year | Visa Signature: Up to $250 per claim Visa Infinite: Up to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per year |
| What's covered or excluded | Details in card benefits guide (see below) | Details in AmEx return protection policies (see below) | Details in your specific Visa Signature card’s terms and conditions, and in the Visa Infinite return protection policies (see below) |
| Coverage for gifts | Gifts are covered as long as they were purchased with an eligible card | ||
| Additional restrictions | Coverage is secondary; if insurance could reimburse you, you must file a claim with your insurer first | Purchases must be made within the U.S. or U.S. territories | Visa Signature: Check with your card issuer to see if you qualify Visa Infinite: Purchases must be made within the U.S. |
| Source | Mastercard card benefits guide | American Express return protection policies | Visa Infinite return protection policies |
*Benefits may vary by issuer. Check your issuer's benefits guide for complete details.
The bottom line
Return protection can be a helpful benefit when an item has to go back. But before you count on it, read your card's terms and conditions to see what is and isn't covered.
