Best Buy Camera Return Policy: Time Limit, Requirements, etc Explained

Best Buy Camera Return Policy

Camera returns fall under Best Buy’s general Return & Exchange Promise. That means you have 15 days from the date of purchase or delivery to return a camera to Best Buy. My Best Buy Elite members can return items within 30 days, and My Best Buy Elite Plus members can make returns within 45 days.

To gather the details of Best Buy’s camera return policy, we studied the return policy listed on Best Buy’s website and contacted Best Buy’s corporate customer service department, as well as Best Buy store locations.

Rules and Requirements

For a full refund, the camera return should include all original packaging and accessories. Best Buy accepts returns without the packaging — and even with missing accessories — but you may not receive the full amount of your purchase.

It is also best to have your receipt on hand when making a return. If you don’t have the receipt, a store associate may be able to look up your purchase using your My Best Buy member information or the credit card you used to make the purchase. However, without proof of purchase, returns are subject to the store manager’s approval and refunds may be issued as store credit.

A few additional rules specific to camera returns include:

• For bundles like DSLR camera packages, you may return all or part of the bundle; your refund will include only the value of the item(s) you return. For example, if you buy a camera body and lens bundle and want to return the lens, your refund amount will be for the value of the lens only.
• Camcorders, DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, and camera lenses are subject to a restocking fee of 15% of the purchase price if the package is open.

Refunds

In most cases, Best Buy will issue a refund to your original method of payment, including gift card purchases. A few exceptions include if you paid more than $800 in cash or $250 by check, in which case Best Buy will issue you a refund by check.

For most in-store returns, you will receive your refund immediately to your original form of payment. (Note: If you used a debit or credit card, the refund might appear as a pending transaction at first; the amount of time it takes for the refund to process will vary depending on the issuing bank for your card.)

For online returns or those that require a refund by check, your refund will take several days to process. Check refunds will arrive within 10 business days. Returns by mail will process within two to three business days after Best Buy receives the item, but refunds may take up to seven additional days to clear to your credit card or bank account.

How to Return a Camera to Best Buy

To make a camera return, bring your item(s) to a Best Buy store, along with the packing slip or receipt, the debit or credit card you used to make the purchase (if applicable), and a photo ID. Returns are available during regular store hours — 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Online orders are also eligible for return by mail. You can pay to return the camera using the carrier of your choice or use Best Buy’s prepaid return label (which can be accessed from your online account). If you use the prepaid label, Best Buy will deduct the return shipping cost from your refund — unless the reason for your return is a Best Buy error. Estimated return shipping fees will appear in the Online Returns Center when you print a prepaid label.