Credit card return protection is an insurance-style protection provided by certain credit cards that allows you to get a refund if the retailer you made your purchase from doesn’t allow a return. However, return protection isn’t as common as other card benefits, and you’ll need to carefully review restrictions on what’s reimbursable. Find out more about what credit card protection is (and what it isn’t), how credit card protection works, exclusions, and cards that could help you get a refund for a brand-new toy, blender, or shirt that you’ll never use.
What Is Credit Card Return Protection?
Typically, credit card return protection provides a 60- or 90-day return policy for items fully purchased with the credit card within the United States. Some credit card rewards programs may also protect purchases made with rewards points. Usually, the item is eligible if it’s your own personal property and is in like-new condition (but unsatisfactory to you in some manner) and the merchant or retailer won’t allow a return, exchange, or credit. Most programs have a maximum amount refundable per item—typically between $250 and $500— and per year, such as $1,000. You don’t need to register or notify the card company or merchant when you make your purchase—it’s an automatic benefit if offered by your card.
Alternate name: Satisfaction guarantee
How Does Credit Card Return Protection Work?
First, examine the retailer’s return policy; you can usually find it on the receipt or store’s website. Remember that stores may have different policies for sale or clearance items. This step is important because you might need to list on your claim form why the store won’t accept a return. If the store denies your return because the return deadline passed or for another reason, you’ll either contact your credit card issuer or an insurance company that works with your issuer to process claims. You can find out who you need to call by reading your card’s guide to benefits or calling your card’s customer service line. Your issuer or insurance company will give you a claim form after you contact them. You usually have 30 days from the day you started the claim to return the claim form. Submit the form to the email or postal address provided, along with any required documentation, such as an itemized receipt or credit card statement. After the issuer or insurer approves your claim, you’ll follow instructions for sending the merchandise. Unfortunately, you may be on the hook for mailing or shipping costs. If everything goes as it should, the issuer or insurer will reimburse you for your purchase.
Common Exclusions
If you think you might use credit card return protection, first ensure an item is covered before swiping or tapping your card. Where credit card return protection is concerned, exceptions are numerous. Most exclusions make sense—although some are surprising. Exclusions typically include:
Living animals and plantsDamaged, defective, and altered itemsAutos, boats, and other vehiclesFormal clothing, such as gowns and tuxedosItems purchased outside the United States Jewelry, art, antiques, or used itemsSeasonal items, such as Christmas decorHome items intended to be permanently installed, such as ceiling fansStamps, coins, tickets, and other metals
Some policies won’t let you return consumable, limited-life, perishable goods (such as food or batteries), or items purchased at auctions. Also, you may not be able to use this benefit if you’re an additional cardholder rather than the original cardholder.
Cards Offering Return Protection
A few networks and issuers offer this benefit far more frequently. For example, American Express has 19 cards with return protection, including business cards. While this may sound like quite a few, American Express offers 63 cards with purchase protection, which covers stolen or damaged items. Return protection may also be included with Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cards. However, these cards tend to come with higher annual fees. Mastercard appears to offer its “satisfaction guarantee” primarily for debit card holders through various banks. This guarantee is similar to what others call return protection, for up to $250, within 60 days of purchase. Here are a few standout credit card options:
