Everything You Need To Know About CVS’s Return Policy

Have you ever bought something at CVS and then realized later that you don’t actually need it or want it? Well, you’re in luck because CVS has a pretty great return policy.

In general, you can return most items to CVS within 60 days of purchase as long as you have your original receipt and the item is unopened and in its original packaging. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as electronic items, and gift cards, but generally speaking, CVS is pretty lenient when it comes to returns.

No need to worry! In this blog, we’ll answer all of your questions about the CVS return policy so that you can shop with confidence all the time.

Related: Impulsive Buyers’ Guide To Slow Shopping

What is the CVS Return Policy?

Let’s start with the basics. You can return or exchange items bought from CVS Pharmacy within 60 days from the date of purchase. They will return the money to your original form of payment, such as a credit or debit card.

How to Return an Item from CVS

You can either return an item to any CVS store or by mail.

In-store Returns

You can return non-prescription items bought from CVS Pharmacy or CVS.com to any CVS Pharmacy store for an exchange or a refund. According to the CVS return policy, you may need to submit a valid photo ID for a return or exchange.

It’s recommended that the item you want to return is new, unopened, and undamaged. Also, ensure that you still have the original receipt. Without checking all these boxes, you may be unable to return or exchange an item.

If you return an item with its original receipt, you can either receive a refund or get store credit (in the same amount that you bought the item with.)

Return by Mail

If you purchased a non-prescription item on CVS.com (that’s eligible for return or exchange), you can also return it by mail within 60 days from the purchase date.

However, before returning an item by mail, make sure to call CVS’s customer care at 1-888-607-4CVS (1-888-607-4287). This is so that you can be guided on the mail return process thoroughly and avoid any confusion later.

FAQS About the CVS Return Policy

1. Any Exceptions to the 60-Day Return Limit?

Nope.

Even if you want to return a non-prescription item, you must do so within 60 days.

2. Can I Make a Return Without a Receipt?

If you want a hassle-free return process, then you should have a receipt. But if you don’t, there’s still hope!

The returned item can either be exchanged for the same item or refunded as store credit.

Unfortunately, when you make a return without a receipt, you’ll be given the lowest advertised price of the item in 60 days.

Keep in mind that returns lacking proof of purchase may be limited or denied.

3. Can I Return Opened or Used Items?

The CVS return policy recommends that items should be unopened and unused before return.

But, it doesn’t mean that you can’t try. CVS doesn’t explicitly state that you can’t return an item that you’ve opened or used. So, it’s worth a shot.

4. Any Exceptions to the CVS Return Policy?

Just like everything in life, there are exceptions to CVS’s return policy. You can’t return:

• Gift cards, prepaid cards, and phone cards 
• Some healthcare items (these are not specified, so you can call customer care to be sure) and personal care products
• Home Covid-19 test kits
• Prescriptions bought online. Because of legal restrictions, you can’t return prescription medications ordered online to CVS Pharmacy stores. You’ll have to call CVS at 1-888-607-4287 to discuss any questions or concerns.
• Special-order items. If you need help with these items, call customer care at 1-888-607-4287.

5. What If I Bought the Item with PayPal?

If you want to return an item you bought online using PayPal, you can only get store credit. In case you’d like a refund to be made to your PayPal account, you can call CVS’s customer care.

6. Why do I need to submit my photo ID?

To fish out improper returns, CVS uses a third-party processor to record ID information during a return to help the company validate future returns. This applies to all returns.

7. Can I Return Pharmacy Items?

Yes!

All CVS Pharmacy Brand products come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Long story short, you can return all pharmacy products for free and get a full refund. The product can either be opened or unopened and there’s no time limit attached for a return.

Note that items that are damaged, without a receipt, or that fail to pass CVS’s third-party verification process may be denied a refund or exchange.

To make an in-store return, make sure you carry your receipt along with the product to any CVS Pharmacy store You can also opt for a mail return; to do so, call customer care at 1-888-607-4CVS (1-888-607-4287) for further clarification.

All other non-prescription pharmacy items may be returned within 60 days but they should be unopened.

8. Is it Possible to Return Prescription Items?

Yes and no. You can return prescription items purchased from a CVS store, but not the ones purchased online.

You can view the return policy for prescriptions purchased in-store at any CVS pharmacy.

Have any questions or concerns about prescription items ordered through CVS.com? Call customer care at 1-888-607-4CVS (1-888-607-4287).

9. What About Beauty Products?

Glad you asked.

If you aren’t thoroughly satisfied with a beauty product purchase made in-store or at CVS.com, you can return the item for a full refund. This covers cosmetics, sun care, hair care, nails, skincare, hair accessories, hair color, healthy skincare, and fragrance.

Refunds for beauty products must be requested within 60 days of purchase and can be opened or unopened. It doesn’t matter whether you bought it in-store or online, you can return the product in any CVS store (with the receipt, of course.)

Beauty products purchased on CVS.com can be returned in-store and by mail.

If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll be given store credit to be put toward an exchange or a future CVS Pharmacy purchase.

Related: A Beginners Guide To Clean Beauty Products

10. Can I Return Unopened Food Items?

Unfortunately, you can’t return food items – whether opened or unopened.

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