CVS Return Policy (Everything You Need to Know)
With more than 9,900 stores throughout the United States, CVS has become one of the nation’s leading pharmacy and retail chains, selling a wide variety of merchandise both in-store and online.
So if you’re a CVS customer and you’ve just purchased an item you don’t like and want to return it, you might be wondering – what is CVS’ return policy? Here’s everything I’ve found!
CVS return policy
CVS accepts returns at any CVS pharmacy or by mail for most non-prescription, new and unopened items within 60 days of purchase or delivery. However, CVS Pharmacy brand and beauty products can be returned even if they are opened. Returns without a receipt will be refunded with store credit.
If you’d like to learn more about the limitations of the CVS return policy, the process for returning an item to CVS, and more, keep reading!
What are the limitations of the CVS return policy?
Although CVS’s return policy is fairly lenient, you should keep the following restrictions in mind when returning items to CVS:
- Merchandise or beauty products that are not part of a CVS Pharmacy brand if opened, damaged, or lacking a receipt may be denied a refund or exchange.
- CVS will refuse returns of products that do not pass its third-party verification process.
- Special order items such as electric scooters and chair lifts cannot be returned to a CVS Pharmacy. Instead, you should contact CVS Customer Service at 1-888-607-4287 for assistance.
- For health and safety reasons, certain healthcare, home health and personal care products classified as sanitary cannot be returned unless they are damaged or defective.
- Customers who purchase products using PayPal during online checkout will not receive credit card refunds and will instead receive store credit that can only be used in-store.
- All gift cards, prepaid cards and calling cards are non-refundable unless required by law.
If you are not sure whether an item you purchased from CVS can be returned, please contact CVS Customer Service at 1-888-607-4287 to resolve your question.
Can I return an item to CVS without a receipt?
Although you can return items to CVS without a receipt, you will not receive a refund unless you provide proof of purchase.
Instead of a full refund, you’ll receive an exchange or store credit equal to the lowest price for that item within the past 60 days.
Therefore, CVS strongly recommends that all customers keep their receipts until the return window closes or until they are fully satisfied with their order.
Can CVS look up receipts?
Only select CVS locations will offer receipt lookup on their store systems as long as the purchase is made within 60 days.
However, this should only be your last resort, as CVS advises customers to keep the store receipt or request a digital receipt.
Please note that if you are looking for information on online purchases, you can find it in the order history of your online account at CVS.com.
Additionally, you can check your email inbox for order confirmation details. Remember, cashiers can’t search online orders in-store, so you’ll need to find the information yourself.
How do I return an item at CVS?
To return an item at CVS, simply bring your item to any CVS store along with the original receipt, valid government-issued photo ID, and the debit or credit card you used to make the purchase.
You may return any item purchased from CVS, except for the following categories:
- Prescriptions purchased online
- beauty products
- CVS Pharmacy Brand Products
- Partially used or opened products from other brands (non-CVS)
- Gift cards, prepaid cards, calling cards
- Specific health, home health and personal care products
To avoid any inconvenience, please contact your local CVS before heading to the store to see if your return is eligible for a refund or store credit.
Can I return my purchase to CVS by mail?
If your purchase is eligible for return or exchange, you also have the option to return it by mail within the same 60-day return period.
You can begin the process by calling CVS Customer Service at 1-800-607-4287, by which you will receive a prepaid return label in the mail.
Once you receive the label, attach it to the item (making sure to include all accessories) and drop off the package at your nearest post office.
Please note that CVS will begin the return verification and refund process upon receipt of your shipped items.
Why do I need photo ID when returning an item at CVS?
CVS uses a third-party verification process to detect improper returns and prevent loss to the company. This process requires customers to verify their identity with a valid photo ID.
Additionally, a third-party process records your ID information in a secure database to verify future returns.
You may request a copy of the Return Activity Report by calling 1-855-837-3424.
Can I return my prescription to CVS?
Although all prescription drugs purchased from CVS.com are non-returnable, CVS may make an exception if you have received the wrong drug.
If this is the case, you should contact customer service immediately and explain the problem to them to get the correct medication.
On the other hand, prescription drugs purchased from CVS Pharmacy stores are not eligible for the standard return policy due to the wide variety of medical drugs each store distributes.
If you feel the need to return or exchange an item, you should discuss the return of your prescription with the in-store pharmacist.
Can I return opened cosmetics to CVS?
If you open or use a CVS beauty product and are not satisfied, you may return it to any CVS store within the 60-day return period.
This is in line with CVS’ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on all beauty products in all CVS stores and CVS.com.
To learn more, you can view our full CVS Cosmetics Return Policy here.
Can I return an opened CVS Pharmacy Brand product?
The 100% Satisfaction Guarantee also covers CVS Pharmacy Brand products, so you can return opened and unopened items in this category to any CVS store for a full refund.
To learn more about shopping at CVS, you can check out our other posts on whether CVS processes film, whether CVS accepts GoodRx, and whether CVS has copiers.
in conclusion
Most purchases at CVS can be returned or exchanged within 60 days with proper proof of purchase. Cosmetic and CVS Pharmacy brand products may be returned, opened or unopened, for a full refund.
However, CVS cannot refund prescription drugs from CVS.com, gift cards, prepaid cards, and calling cards. You can return items to your nearest CVS store or by mail.
