We're reader-supported and only partner with brands we trust. When you buy through links on our site we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated and are subject to change.

The Michaels return policy is fair, but a little tricky. It’s not so much that the return policy is complicated, but it’s definitely glitchy and a bit of a head-scratcher. Especially when you’re returning online orders.

But we’ll break it down for you – glitches and all.

If you love to shop Michaels deals, download the Krazy Coupon Lady app so we can tell you when we see seasonal sales and deals!

 

1. Michaels return policy gives you 60 days with receipt.

Michaels used to have a super-long, 6-month return policy. But changes in the Spring of 2021 reduced the timeframe down to 60 days.

 

2. You can return at Michaels without a receipt– but bring your ID.

Michaels return policy allows for returns without a receipt. But the store is going to try to do everything they can to look up your order and find your receipt for you. So if you’re past the 60-day-with-receipt policy, you could still try to make a return, but they might find you in their system.

If they can’t find your purchase, you must present a valid photo ID. Then, you’ll be offered the lowest selling price for the item over the past 90 days via store credit. You might not get all of your money back – but it’s something.

 

3. You will need your receipt to return Cricut and Glowforge items.

The worst things to buy at Michaels are books and craft machines.

You can’t return anything Cricut- or Glowforge-brand unless you have a receipt and the item hasn’t been opened. If there’s a defect or your Cricut machine is damaged, contact the manufacturer and try to get it figured out through the warranty process.

TIP: This is the same policy as Hobby Lobby. But the Hobby Lobby return policy includes sewing and embroidery machines in the no-open, must-have-receipt requirements. So if you’re going to purchase one of those items, purchase them at Michaels where there aren’t as many restrictions.

 

4. You cannot return opened items to Michaels.

Michaels wants to resell your item, so don’t open it unless you know you won’t need to return it.

The only exception to this is if the item is defective.

 

5. Michaels return policy gives you 14 days on custom framing orders.

michaels-home-wall-frames-62519a

You can’t necessarily get a refund for custom framing orders, but if you’re unsatisfied and bring your piece back into the store within 14 days, they will redo the job for no extra cost.

 

6. Online costume orders must be returned a week before Halloween.

michaels-halloween-costumes-101919i

Having second thoughts about that Halloween costume or accessory kit? If you ordered it online, you’ll need to return or exchange it at least seven days before the holiday per Michaels’ return policy. For in-store purchases, the 60-day Michaels return policy still applies – even for seasonal items.

 

7. Michaels classes are refundable up to the day of the class.

Screenshot of Michaels zoom classes and events.

If you signed up for an in-person class for something like sewing or scrapbooking, you can get a refund up through the day of the scheduled class.

 

8. These payment methods will get you store credit.

Use Raise.com to save an extra 10% on top of sale and coupon prices.

Typically, your refund will be issued via whichever payment method you used at checkout. But there are a couple exceptions.

If you purchased with a check in the past 10 days or are making a return with a gift receipt, your refund will be issued via store credit.

 

9. These payment methods will get you a cash refund.

A Michaels employee ringing up purchases at the checkout.

If you made your purchase with a debit card, your refund will be issued in cash.

You will also be issued a cash refund if you purchased online via PayPal. Yes! You can return online orders in-store. But it’s a little complicated. Let’s get into it.

 

10. Here’s how to return Michaels.com order in-store.

The Michaels return policy allows you to return in-store using the packing slip that comes with your item as your receipt. Or you can show the Michaels associate at the store your confirmation email on your phone.

TIP: You can’t return items you bought in store via mail. You have to go into the store to do it.

 

11. In-store returns results in a quicker refund.

It always takes longer to return items via mail rather than in-store, simply because there’s shipping and processing time involved.

 

12. In-store returns for online purchases aren’t clean.

When I recently made a return, the associate couldn’t find the order number for my purchase in the system, even though I gave her my shipping invoice with the order number. It wasn’t matching up. So she had to process it in the same way she’d do a receiptless return.

The only difference was that she had proof of the exact amount I had paid in her hands, so she manually entered the amount I was owed instead of giving me the lowest selling price over the past 90 days, like a true receiptless return.

It was kind of a mess, and she said Michaels.com returns are always fussy. I believe her!

But it’s still way more convenient than returning via mail.

 

13. You must call customer service to initiate a return from Michaels.com.

Person holding a phone with the number for Michales customer service on the screen.

There’s no way around it. Michaels return policy requires a call to customer service at (800) 642-4235 to make a return via mail. It’s a pain, and wait times can get lengthy. Yet another reason to return your items in-store!

 

14. Michaels.com orders get free return shipping.

If you do want to return via mail, Michaels will provide you with a free return shipping label. You won’t get your initial shipping fee refunded, though.

 

15. Coupons and Michaels Rewards dollars will be deducted from your return.

Michaels rewards info on a cell phone.

If you used a coupon, the coupon won’t be refunded – only the actual price you paid. Same thing with Rewards dollars, except the Michaels return policy ensures your voucher will be replaced so you can save money on a future order.

Have you successfully made a return at Michaels lately? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

Confused about Michaels return policy? Let's break it down.