How the Express Return Policy Works & How to Get Your Money Back

Aside from having good-quality clothes that won’t completely break the bank, Express also has a pretty generous return policy. Their return policy is similar to others I’ve seen, but with Express, you have 60 days to return your items as opposed to the usual 30 days. Since there are a few additional details worth noting, I did a deep dive into all the fine print of the Express return policy for you. With these tips, you’ll get your money back every time you need to make an Express return.

Wondering if you can return something if you already tore the Express tags off? Curious about what you can never return? Ahead I combed through the Express return policy so you don’t have to.

For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299.

 

Before You Start an Express Return:

You have 60 days to return your items for a refund.

Express gives you a full 60 days to return items for a full refund as opposed to the 30 days you get at stores like Amazon, Forever 21, and Lululemon.

For items you purchased in a store, you’ll need to make your return at an Express store location. You can’t return in-store purchases through the mail.

For items you purchased at Express.com, you can either make your return in a store (it’s free!) or mail your return back (you’ll pay $6.99 for shipping).

TIP: For online orders, the 60-day countdown starts the day you receive your item in the mail.

 

Items from an Express Factory Outlet have to go back to an outlet.

You still get 60 days to return items from an Express Factory Outlet, but you’ll have to make your return at an Express outlet location — not at a regular Express store.

You also can’t return your Express Outlet purchases through the mail, per the fine print of their return policy.

So think twice about shopping at an Express Factory Outlet if you’re on vacation and won’t be near a store to make a return.

TIP: For Express Factory Outlet online orders, you can still return them by mail (like you would with other online returns).

 

You’ll need your receipt if you want a refund.

Without a receipt, you’ll only get to exchange the item for something of equal value. Just keep in mind that they don’t issue refunds or store credit for returns without a receipt.

If you’re returning an online purchase, you’ll need your return packing slip or shipping confirmation email in order to get a refund. Without your order confirmation, you’ll only be able to make an exchange. Keep in mind that you won’t get refunded for any shipping costs you paid.

 

Tags must stay attached to get a full refund at Express.

Express makes this policy pretty clear, but it bears repeating here. If you want to return an item, make sure you don’t cut off the tag that says, “Do Not Remove This Tag” in big letters. Express won’t accept your return if this tag is missing.

As long as that tag is in place, then you’re good to go.

 

You can’t return used, worn, or washed clothing to Express.

This is pretty standard across all return policies, but just make sure your items are in the same condition they were when you bought them. If your item is a little worse for the wear, you can always consider donating or reselling it online.

 

How to Return Express Items:

Return items in store.

The easiest (and cheapest!) way to return something to Express is by paying a visit to your local Express store. They’ll accept items you bought in store as well as items you bought online (as long as it’s not from their outlet stores). Make sure you have the receipt and that the tags are still attached.

 

Return items by mail.

If you bought something from Express.com, you have the option to return it by mail (and you’ll pay the $6.99 return shipping cost) OR you can return it in an Express store.

Note: you can’t return items you bought in an Express store through the mail. You’ll have to return the items to an Express store instead.

 

How to return Express items by mail:

1. Sign in to the Express Returns Portal online.
2. Enter your order number and billing ZIP code.
3. Choose the product you want to return and the reason why you’re returning it.
4. Repeat these steps for each item you’re returning.
5. Once you’re done, you’ll get an email confirmation with a prepaid shipping label.
6. Attach the prepaid label to a box and take it to a UPS location.
7. Once Express receives the items, you’ll get a refund back to your original payment method.

 

Returning items by mail will cost you $6.99.

If you return something to Express through the mail, they’ll charge you a return shipping and handling fee of $6.99. This gets deducted from your refund. Just keep this in mind before you return something through the mail.

TIP: If you have an Express store near you, it’s free to return things there.

 

Exceptions to the Express Return Policy:

Some items are completely non-refundable.

If you accidentally (or intentionally) removed a tag that says “Do Not Remove” on it, you can no longer return that item to any Express. Additionally, some items marked “Final Sale” can never get returned, so always double-check if your item is nonreturnable before you buy it.

 

Face coverings are nonreturnable.

If you buy a face mask from Express, it’s nonrefundable due to sanitary reasons.

 

What to Know About Express Refunds:

Expect your refund within 10 days for in-store returns.

If you return something to an Express store, you’ll likely see the refund on your card within 10 days.

 

It can take over three weeks to get a refund if you return something via mail.

If you ship something back to Express, it might take around three weeks for your refund to hit your original payment method. This is because the item has to get to the Express warehouse. Once they receive it, they’ll refund your original payment within 10 days.

 

Read Up on More Return Policies

If combing through return policy fine print makes your eyes glaze over, don’t miss our comprehensive guide to return and exchange policies. We dug through the heavy text and laid out all the important return policy details for your favorite stores.