Target is a popular destination in the U.S. for shoppers looking for a wide variety of products at low prices and allows returns of most items within a set window if customers have the original receipt.
However, what if you want to return an item to Target but have misplaced the original receipt for the purchase? Here is everything I’ve discovered about Target’s policy for returns without the receipt!
Target Return Policy Without Receipt
Target will return items without the receipt within 90 days (30 days for electronics) if you can bring an alternative proof of purchase. This includes the purchasing credit/debit card, return barcode, or packing slip. You can only return up to $150 worth of items without a receipt per year.
If you want to learn more about Target’s return policy for items without a receipt, how long you have to return these, and what type of refunds you are eligible for, keep on reading!
How Do You Return Items To Target Without A Receipt?
You can visit a nearby Target store to return items without the original receipt by showing an alternative proof of purchase to the staff.
For example, Target employees will be able to look up your order if you paid via any of the following payment methods:
- Credit cards, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa
- Debit card
- Target gift card (you will need to bring in the physical card)
- Personal check (you will need a blank check from the same checking account)
- Target Debit Card
- Target RedCard
- Target Visa Card
Once your order is located in the system, the unique return barcode will be scanned to begin the return or exchange process.
However, note that you must also bring a valid form of government-issued photo ID for verification purposes.
How Long Do You Have To Return Items To Target Without A Receipt?
You have up to 90 days after the purchase date to return items to Target without the receipt.
However, electronics do need to be returned within 30 days with the original receipt (or an alternative proof of payment) if you want a full refund.
In terms of extensions, any Target RedCard members are eligible for a 30-day extension to any base Target return period—expanding the electronics return window to 60 days, and 120 days for other items.
Does Target Limit The Number Of Returns You Can Make Without A Receipt?
Target allows customers to make only $150 worth of returns without a receipt in a period of 1 year, and so Target’s fraud prevention program monitors all returns that are brought in without an accompanying receipt.
By using your photo ID and payment methods, Target associates will look you up in the system and keep track of your returns.
Once you have reached the $150 limit for the year, you will not be able to make more returns without a receipt until that 12-month period is up.
How Long Can Target Look Up Your Receipts For Old Purchases?
Target can look up your orders and digital receipts for approximately one year after purchase.
Customers can also access their orders purchased from Target.com for up to one year as well from their own computers.
If you are a Target Circle account holder and used this account for the purchase, it will show up under your account on the Target app—simply navigate to the orders tab to view your purchase history.
Note that Target gift card transactions and cash-based purchases are not available for at-home lookup.
What Can You Use Instead Of A Receipt For Target Returns?
Target accepts three main forms of proof of purchase: receipts, return barcodes and packing slips.
If you have a return barcode or packing slip for the item to be returned, you can bring it along and have the return processed without the receipt.
However, don’t forget to bring the method of payment as well since Target employees might still need to look you up in the system.
What Type Of Refund Does Target Give You Without A Receipt?
Target typically issues refunds directly onto the debit or credit card used for the purchase, even if the item is returned without a receipt.
If a Target gift card was used, you can request cashback for your refund in the form of another gift card.
However, in some situations Target will issue your refund in the form of a merchandise return card—this occurs when you have no proof of purchase at all.
Only one merchandise return card is issued per return, and it can only be used within Target’s stores.
What Can You Do If Target Does Not Accept Your Return Without A Receipt?
If Target does not accept your return request without a receipt, you can try reselling the item, gifting it to someone else, or keeping it (as the last resort).
There are certain situations in which Target will not accept a return without a receipt.
For instance, you must produce a receipt if you return something the day you bought it—Target’s system needs 24 hours before it’s possible to look up purchases, so if you want to return something the same day, you need the receipt.
Other than that, Target also cannot return items without a receipt if these were bought with cash, as they cannot look up the unique return barcode of your order.
In such cases, Target is not legally required to accept the returns.
For information on shopping at Target, you can see our other posts on the Target return policy after 90 days, the Target customer service desk hours, and the best time to shop at Target.
Conclusion
According to Target’s return policy, customers have 90 days to return most Target items to the store without the original receipt and must bring along their method of payment and a valid photo ID for employees to look up the transaction and return barcode.
Refunds are processed to the purchasing card or via a merchandise return card that can only be used in-store.
