Exactly What You Need to Know About the CVS Return Policy

CVS's return policy might not have the legendary status of Costco's return policy, but it still offers plenty of flexibility and satisfaction guarantees. While you can’t return certain healthcare items or prescription medications, the return policy is still pretty forgiving. Since CVS doesn’t price match, it might be easier to return an item and repurchase it to save a few bucks.

CVS Return Policy

CVS provides a solid satisfaction guarantee. Most items can be returned within 60 days of purchase for a full refund back to the original form of payment. If you used a gift card originally, you'll receive store credit.

You don’t need a receipt for CVS returns if you linked your purchase to your ExtraCare rewards account. They can look up your purchase using your ExtraCare card. Even if you paid with ExtraBucks, CVS will issue you new ExtraBucks with a fresh expiration date.

Certain exceptions to the 60-day return policy do exist, though. For example, prepaid cards, phone cards, and gift cards are non-returnable. And depending on local laws, you might not be able to return alcohol and cigarette purchases to CVS.

As for the good exceptions, beauty items have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and can be returned opened or unopened. CVS brand products also offer a no-time-limit return policy.

How to Return an Item to CVS

In-Store Returns

Bring the item to any CVS store along with your receipt or ExtraCare card. Customer service will process your return and issue your refund to the same form of payment you used to pay with. If you don't have your receipt, your refund will be issued to a CVS gift card.

Online Returns

To return your online purchase by mail, you have to call Customer Care at 1-888-607-4CVS. They will process the return for you over the phone. CVS will provide a prepaid shipping label if the return is due to their error.

Online Returns In-Store

Your online purchases can be returned in store or online. To return in-store, bring your online purchase and invoice within 60 days to any CVS location for a refund. The invoice has a barcode that can be scanned in-store for easy returning.

Tips to Hack the CVS Return Policy

1. Leverage CVS returns to refresh your ExtraBucks. 

When returning items purchased with ExtraBucks, CVS reissues them with a new expiration date. This refreshes the validity of your rewards, allowing you to reuse them for future purchases within a new timeframe.

2. Opt for holiday shopping for extended return periods.

During the holiday season, CVS extends the return period for items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24. You can return these items through Jan. 31 of the following year. This is especially useful for gifts and seasonal purchases.

3. Return cosmetics for store credit without a receipt.

If you don’t have a receipt for your purchased cosmetics, ask for a store credit instead of a refund. CVS allows returns of unopened and opened beauty products. Getting a store credit will let you use the refunded amount for future purchases.

4. Take advantage of the 100% money-back guarantee on CVS brands.

If you're not 100% satisfied with a CVS Pharmacy store-brand product, you can return it for free (some exclusions apply). The Our Brands guarantee applies to both opened and unopened packages and has no time limit.

To return in-store, bring the product along with your receipt or invoice to any CVS Pharmacy store for a full refund. To return by mail, call Customer Care at 1-888-607-4CVS (1-888-607-4287) for details. You can see a list of Our Brands on the CVS website.

5. Sign up for email receipts to simplify returns. 

Opt for email receipts at CVS to keep your purchases documented and avoid losing physical receipts. You can also link your purchases to your ExtraCare card. This increases the chance of your purchase being verified in the system, making returns smoother without a receipt. Plus, you’ll earn rewards on your purchases.

6. Call for refunds on online orders under $10. 

For items purchased online from CVS that are under $10, you might not need to return the item to get a refund. Simply call CVS customer service, and they may process a refund directly, saving you the effort and cost of shipping the item back.

7. Watch for adjustments during store returns of online purchases. 

When returning an item purchased online to a CVS store, make sure the cashier includes any shipping costs in your refund, if applicable. 

8. Know what items you can't return.

Certain items can't be returned to CVS for health and safety reasons or due to specific policies. These include healthcare items, home health products, personal care products, special-order items like motorized scooters and lift chairs, and prescription medications. Certain opened or damaged items, items without a receipt, or items that don't pass third-party verification cannot be returned — but these are normally at the manager's discretion.