Target maintains a flexible return policy. Understanding the precise timelines and specific conditions for different product categories is important for a smooth return process. The duration you have to return an item varies based on the type of product purchased and the method of payment used. This guide details the exact windows and rules that govern Target’s policy, including exceptions and extensions.
The Standard Return Window
The majority of items purchased from Target are covered by a standard return period of 90 days. This timeline applies to most unused and unopened merchandise, offering a generous window to decide whether to keep your purchase. For in-store transactions, the clock begins ticking on the date printed on your receipt.
If the purchase was made online, the return period starts when the order is formally “invoiced.” This invoicing date is determined by when the item is shipped, delivered by a service like Shipt, or made ready for in-store or Drive Up pickup. The 90-day rule establishes the baseline duration for a refund or exchange.
Extending the Return Period with Target RedCard
Shoppers who utilize a Target Circle Card, which includes the Target Debit Card, Target Credit Card, or Target Reloadable Card, receive a significant benefit to the standard return window. Using any of these payment methods grants an automatic extension of an additional 30 days beyond the normal period. This benefit applies to nearly all items purchased.
For most general merchandise, this extension means the 90-day period is lengthened to a total of 120 days from the purchase or invoice date. An item that normally has a 30-day return period, such as a major electronic device, would then be eligible for return for up to 60 days when purchased with the card.
Specific Rules for Electronics and Mobile Devices
Certain high-value and technology-based items are subject to shorter return windows than the standard 90 days. Most general electronics and entertainment products, including televisions, cameras, and video games, must be returned within 30 days of purchase.
Apple and Beats products, which include items like iPads, Apple Watches, and iPhones, have a restrictive return period of only 14 days. Mobile phones purchased with a carrier contract also fall under this 14-day limit. These contract phones must be returned to a Target store location with a certified Target Tech representative present for the return to be processed. A restocking fee of up to $35 may be applied to the return of these contract mobile devices.
Exceptions for Specialty Items and Seasonal Purchases
Target Owned Brands
A significant exception applies to merchandise from Target’s exclusive owned brands, such as Cat & Jack, Good & Gather, and Threshold. These items are covered by a one-year satisfaction guarantee, allowing them to be returned for up to 365 days with a receipt. This extended duration is a quality assurance promise, permitting a refund or exchange even if the item has been opened or used.
Target Optical
Items purchased through Target Optical, including prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, are subject to the standard 90-day return window. Contact lenses must be returned in their original, unopened, and unexpired packaging for a refund. Prescription glasses and frames are covered by a guarantee that allows for returns or exchanges within the 90-day period if the customer is not completely satisfied.
Open or Unsealed Items
The return policy treats opened items differently based on their category. Most beauty and cosmetic products, even if they have been opened or lightly used, are eligible for a refund within the standard 90-day window.
Opened movies, music, video games, and computer software are not eligible for a full refund. These media products may only be exchanged for an identical title on the same or a different gaming platform.
Holiday Exception Period
Target implements a temporary policy known as the Holiday Exception Period to accommodate gift-giving. Purchases made during this timeframe, which typically runs from November 1st through December 24th, receive an extended return deadline.
For most items, the 90-day return window does not begin until December 26th. The return clock for electronics and Apple products also starts on December 26th, extending their shorter return windows well into January.
Returning Items Without a Receipt
The ability to return an item without the physical receipt is possible, though it significantly changes the outcome of the transaction. If you used a Target Circle Card or a credit or debit card for the purchase, the store staff can usually look up the transaction using that payment method. Shoppers who made purchases while logged into their Target account can also have their receipt retrieved digitally.
When no proof of purchase can be verified, a refund is issued in the form of a Merchandise Return Card, which acts as store credit. The value of this store credit is typically determined by the lowest selling price of the item over the last few weeks. Target tracks these no-receipt returns that require an ID, imposing an annual limit of $100 in store credit per customer.
Items That Cannot Be Returned
A specific group of products is designated as non-returnable under any circumstances. This category includes all forms of gift cards, such as Target GiftCards and third-party specialty gift cards for restaurants or entertainment. Personalized or customized merchandise, which cannot be resold, is also ineligible for return. Digital downloads and specific health and hygiene items, such as opened or unsealed breast pumps, are permanently excluded from the return policy. Trading cards and trading card accessories, even if unopened, are also designated as final sale items.