Lowe’s strives to provide exceptional service to its customers, and part of that commitment includes a comprehensive return policy designed to accommodate customer needs. Below, we’ve outlined Lowe’s return policy, detailing the key principles and procedures to facilitate your return experience.
Never miss a return date!
Lowe’s Return Policy With Receipt: General Returns
- Under Lowe’s return policy, most new, unused merchandise can be refunded or exchanged with receipt within 90 days of the original purchase date.
- If purchased with a Lowe’s Commercial Account (LCA), MyLowe’s Pro Rewards Credit (MLPRC), the MyLowe’s Pro Rewards American Express Card (MLPRA), the MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card (MLRCC), or Lowe’s Business Rewards (LBR), you have 365 days from the date of purchase for returns, unless the item falls under an exception below.
- Returns are processed based on the original method of payment.
Specific Payment Methods
- Purchases made with a Lowe’s Gift Card, refund card, merchandise card, or in-store credit will be refunded as in-store credit.
- Purchases made with a debit card will be refunded as cash or credited back to the debit card.
Returns Without Receipt
- Lowe’s does not accept returns or exchanges without a valid proof of purchase.
- Lowe’s can attempt to validate your purchase using a physical or electronic receipt, order number, payment card or digital wallet, phone number, or your MyLowe’s Pro Rewards or MyLowe’s Rewards account.
- Lowe’s refund verification systems may require a valid picture ID (state driver’s license, state ID card or military ID).
- Receipt scanners/storage apps can be very useful for ensuring you always have a copy of your original receipt.
Return Policy Exceptions
- 48-Hour Return Policy
- Applies to major appliances, portable and window air conditioners and evaporative coolers, paint sprayers, construction heat and parts, tile saws, and utility vehicles, golf carts, go-karts and motorized bikes. The return must be initiated within 48 hours of delivery or the time of pickup.
- Items in original, unopened, undamaged, factory-sealed packaging may be returned within 30 days of delivery or the time of pickup.
- Gas-powered portable generators, pressure washers, chainsaws and pole saws are also 48-hour items, and they are not eligible for the 30-day extension.
- 30-Day Return Policy
- Applies to items like TVs and electronics, liquid paint, water heaters, HVAC systems, most outdoor power equipment (such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, tillers and snow blowers), special order custom blinds and window treatments, and plants other than trees, shrubs and perennials.
- Excludes CRAFTSMAN branded battery and electric outdoor power equipment items, which have a 90-day return policy.
Holiday Items
- Christmas and Halloween items must be returned on or before the day of the holiday.
- Items purchased after the holiday are final sales with no returns.
Nonrefundable Items
- Includes labor and installation charges, delivery and shipping charges (unless due to Lowe’s error), in-store credits, refund cards, and merchandise cards.
- Gift cards, including Lowe’s, third-party, Visa, or MasterCard gift cards, are also nonrefundable.
- Safety masks or facial coverings are no longer accepted for return or exchange.
- Highway trailers, whole house generators, as-is merchandise, paint samples, and trading cards are also nonrefundable.
Special Order Configured Products Restocking Fee
- Applies to special order configured products returned or canceled after 72 hours from purchase.
- A 20% restocking fee is imposed, with tax applicable in select states.
- This fee applies to installed sales unless specified otherwise in your installation contract or right to cancel.
Plants
- Receipt is required for any tree, shrub, or perennial purchased at Lowe’s within one year of the original purchase date.
- All other plants fall under the 30-day return policy.
Hazardous Materials or Products With Lithium Batteries
- Items containing flammable liquids, gases, or hazardous materials cannot be returned through mail, even if drained.
- These items, along with those containing lithium batteries, must be returned to your local Lowe’s store.
Problems With Your Order
- For damage due to shipping/delivery, missing items, or shipping/delivery errors, contact Lowe’s customer care at 1-800-445-6937 to report the error or damage.
- For defective items, call Lowe’s Service Advantage hotline for assistance and potential warranty coverage.
Miscellaneous
- Lost or stolen Lowe’s Gift Cards can be replaced for the remaining balance with the original receipt.
Never miss a return date!
Lowe’s has a specific return policy tailored to its outlet locations.
General Outlet Policy
- Most sales at Lowe’s Outlet locations are final and cannot be returned.
- Items at Lowe’s Outlet may have cosmetic damage or have been previously returned.
- Shoppers are advised to inspect items thoroughly before purchase.
- Items purchased at Lowe’s Outlet must be returned to the same Outlet; returns to regular Lowe’s retail stores or different Outlets are not permitted.
- Items purchased at regular Lowe’s retail stores cannot be returned to Lowe’s Outlet locations.
- A valid receipt is required for all permitted returns.
Permitted Returns
- Lowe’s Outlet will accept returns only for major appliances with mechanical or electrical damage or defects that make the appliance non-functional.
- These permitted returns must be initiated within 48 hours after taking possession of the item.
- Returns for mechanical or electrical damage that occurred after purchase or delivery are not accepted.
- Returns for cosmetic damage or other reasons are not allowed.
Refund Methods for Permitted Returns
- For permitted returns with a valid receipt, Lowe’s Outlet offers the following refund methods:
- Cash refund if the purchase was made with cash or a debit card.
- In-store credit if the purchase was made with a check less than 3 days ago.
- Cash refund if the purchase was made with a check 3 or more days ago.
- A credit to your card if the purchase was made with a credit card.
- In-store credit if the purchase was made with an in-store credit or gift card.
Non-Refundable Items
- The following items are non-refundable and cannot be returned:
- Any activated third-party gift cards, including Visa or MasterCard gift cards.
- In-store credits, refund cards, and merchandise cards.
Sources: Lowe’s Return Policy (read September 30, 2026).
Never miss a return date!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general Lowe's return policy?
Most new, unused merchandise can be refunded or exchanged with a receipt within 90 days of the original purchase date, unless noted in the Return Policy Exceptions. Purchases made with a Lowe's Commercial Account, MyLowe's Pro Rewards Credit, the MyLowe's Pro Rewards American Express Card, the MyLowe's Rewards Credit Card, or Lowe's Business Rewards may be returned within 365 days of the date of purchase.
Can I return an item to Lowe's without a receipt?
Lowe's does not accept returns or exchanges without a valid proof of purchase, but it can attempt to validate your purchase using a physical or electronic receipt, order number, payment card or digital wallet, phone number, or your MyLowe's Pro Rewards or MyLowe's Rewards account. Its refund verification systems may require a valid picture ID.
Which items have a shorter return window at Lowe's?
Major appliances, air conditioners and evaporative coolers, paint sprayers, portable generators, pressure washers, chainsaws, tile saws, utility vehicles, golf carts, go-karts and motorized bikes must be returned within 48 hours of delivery or pickup. TVs and electronics, liquid paint, water heaters, HVAC systems, most outdoor power equipment, and plants other than trees, shrubs and perennials have a 30 day return window.