Target Returns Without the Receipt: Restrictions & Rules Explained

Short Answer

You can generally return items purchased at Target stores or online without a receipt. For online or in-app purchases, you can find a copy of your receipt in your order history. For in-store purchases, an associate may be able to look up your purchase to process the return, or you may receive a refund as store credit.

Target Return Policy Without the Receipt

When returning an item purchased at a Target store or online, you should provide the receipt if you have it. However, if you don’t have the receipt, Target will usually accept the return.^[1]

If you purchased the item using the Target app, view your purchase history to find the receipt directly in the app. For Target.com purchases, you can retrieve your receipt from your email confirmation or through your online account.^[1]

In stores, associates can use the barcode on an item’s packaging or the card you used at the time of purchase to find the transaction details.^[1] One store we contacted said it can use your card to retrieve the transaction information for 30 days after the purchase, or 90 days if you used a Target RedCard. If you paid by check, bring a blank check from the same checking account; an associate can use it to find the receipt from your transaction.^[2]

We contacted Target stores in Virginia, Texas, New Jersey, Washington, Nevada, Kansas, and Florida to confirm this policy — all the stores we contacted allow returns when you do not have the receipt. However, note that individual stores decide whether to issue refunds or exchanges for items returned without a receipt.^[1]

Return Time Limits

You have 90 days to return most unopened items in new condition to Target for a refund or exchange. Some items sold by Target have a modified return policy, which is typically noted on the receipt or packing slip.^[2] For example, some electronics have a 30-day return period.^[2]

Note that you have an extra 30 days for most returns (120 days total) if you are the holder of a Target RedCard debit or credit card.^[1]^[3]

It is also worth noting that while most stores follow the corporate guidelines, one store we contacted said you have 20 days to return the item if you do not have a Target RedCard, and 90 days if you are a RedCard holder. You may want to check with your local store to be sure.

Refunds for No-Receipt Returns

Your refund method for a no-receipt return at Target will vary depending on your original form of payment. Store and corporate customer service representatives confirmed the following refund details by payment method:

Credit or debit card: Refund to the card you used to make the purchase or store credit
Check: Cash or store credit
Cash: Cash, store credit, or a credit to your Target RedCard (if you have one); refund amount will be the current lowest sale price of the item

Note that you can only get a refund for a cash purchase if the item is still sold at Target. You will also need to provide your driver’s license for the store to scan when making a cash return without the receipt.^[1]^[2]