UsersRatedReturning items without a receipt is one of the most common shopping frustrations. The good news: many stores have systems to look up purchases electronically, and some don't require receipts at all. Here's your complete guide.
✓Easy No-Receipt Returns
These stores make it painless — lookup by card, membership, or just bring the item
REI
EasyREI Co-op members don't need a receipt — all purchases are tied to the membership. Non-members need a receipt or proof of purchase.
Full policy →BJ's Wholesale Club
EasyBJ's members can have purchases looked up via their membership. No receipt needed.
Full policy →Zara
EasyNo receipt needed for in-store returns — just present items with Zara QR code or receipt. For drop-off returns, initiate via Zara account or "Manage Your Order" link in confirmation email.
Full policy →Micro Center
EasyNo receipt needed with a Micro Center Insider Account — purchases are tracked.
Full policy →Nordstrom
EasyNordstrom can look up purchases. Without proof, they evaluate returns on a case-by-case basis.
Full policy →Sam's Club
EasySam's Club members never need a receipt — all purchases are linked to the membership account and can be looked up at any time.
Full policy →Trader Joe's
EasyNo receipt needed — Trader Joe's accepts returns for virtually any reason, even without a receipt, even for opened or partially consumed items. Just bring it back to the store.
Full policy →~Store Credit Without Receipt
These stores accept no-receipt returns but give store credit instead of a refund
IKEA
Store CreditReturns without receipt are often refunded as IKEA store credit at the current selling price.
Full policy →Lowe's
Store CreditStore credit with valid photo ID. Purchases may be looked up via Lowe's Advantage Card or phone number.
Full policy →Dick's Sporting Goods
Store CreditDick's can look up purchases by credit card or ScoreCard Rewards account. Without any proof: store credit at the lowest recent selling price.
Full policy →Target
Store CreditTarget can look up purchases via credit card, Target Circle, or phone number. Without any proof, store credit via merchandise return card.
Full policy →Office Depot
Store CreditWithout a receipt: Return Card issued at the lowest retail price during the preceding 90 days, with valid ID. Technology products cannot be returned without a receipt.
Full policy →AutoZone
Store CreditAutoZone can look up purchases by phone number or AutoZone Rewards account. Without any proof: store credit only.
Full policy →Menards
Store CreditWithout a receipt: Merchandise Credit Check only, issued at the current selling price. Valid ID required.
Full policy →Bath & Body Works
Store CreditBath & Body Works accepts returns without a receipt — you get merchandise exchange or store credit. No-receipt returns are limited to $250 per 90-day period.
Full policy →PetSmart
Store CreditPurchases can be looked up using PetSmart Treats loyalty account or credit card. Without any proof, store credit may be issued.
Full policy →JCPenney
Store CreditWithout a receipt + valid ID: merchandise return voucher at the lowest selling price within the last 45 days.
Full policy →Gap
Store CreditGap can look up purchases via credit card or Gap account. Without any proof, store credit may be offered.
Full policy →Old Navy
Store CreditOld Navy can look up purchases via credit card or Old Navy account. Store employees can often find orders — bring a valid ID.
Full policy →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return something without a receipt?
Many stores accept returns without a receipt, though you'll typically get store credit instead of a refund to your original payment method. Stores like Costco, Target, and Walmart can look up purchases using your membership card, credit card, or ID.
What stores accept returns without a receipt?
Costco, Trader Joe's, Nordstrom, REI, Target (with ID), Walmart (with ID), Sam's Club, and Kohl's all accept returns without a receipt in various forms. Some offer full refunds, others give store credit.
Do I need an ID to return without a receipt?
Most stores that accept receipt-less returns will ask for a government-issued ID. This is tracked to prevent return fraud. Stores like Walmart and Target have return limits per ID.
How many returns can I make without a receipt?
Most stores limit no-receipt returns. Walmart and Target track returns by ID and may deny excessive no-receipt returns. Typically 3-5 returns per year without receipt is safe.
Tips for Returning Without a Receipt
- 1. Check your email. Most stores email receipts. Search for the store name in your inbox.
- 2. Check your credit card statement. Many stores can look up transactions by card number.
- 3. Use loyalty accounts. Target Circle, Walmart+, and membership clubs track all purchases.
- 4. Bring a valid ID. Required for most no-receipt returns. They scan it to prevent fraud.
- 5. Accept store credit. Without a receipt, most stores default to store credit at the current selling price.
- 6. Be polite and patient. Managers often have discretion. Being nice goes a long way.