Credit cards with return protection

Quick insights

• Return protection may allow you to get a refund for an item even after the retailer’s return window has passed.
• Some credit cards offer return protection as a benefit to cardmembers.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^® Return Protection reimburses up to $500 of the purchase price for eligible items up to a maximum annual benefit amount of $1,000 per account.

Have you ever tried to return an item only to find out you missed the return window? It’s frustrating, but there is some good news to report. When you purchase an item with a credit card that offers a return protection benefit, you could potentially extend the window for getting a refund. For example, when a retailer won’t accept a return, Chase Sapphire Reserve^® cardmembers may get reimbursed up to $500 for an eligible item up to 90 days from the date of purchase through the card’s Return Protection benefit.

This article explains what to know about credit cards with return protection.

What is return protection?

Return protection may help you get reimbursed for a purchase even if the retailer doesn’t accept returns or their timeframe for returns has passed. To be eligible, you’ll usually need to demonstrate that the retailer will not allow you to return the purchase for a refund, exchange or credit.  

A return protection benefit typically has limitations. For example, the maximum refund per item could be limited to $300 with additional limits on how much you can be refunded in a calendar year.

Some credit cards come with return protection, which is generally offered as a cardmember benefit.

How return protection with a credit card works

If you have a credit card with return protection, you’ll need to use the card to pay for the full purchase amount of the item. This is the typical approach for most credit card purchase protection benefits.

Note that not all credit cards come with purchase protections, so you may wish to verify if you have return protection in your card’s guide to benefits where all the terms and conditions will be spelled out in greater detail. You’ll usually find any benefit limitations listed there, too.

When you decide to return an item, the first step is typically to check with the retailer and see if they will accept a return. Documenting this process may make it easier to file your return protection claim.

Credit card return protection is usually offered by an independent provider unaffiliated with the credit card issuer. If the retailer refuses to accept the item, then you may contact the Benefit Administrator to get started with your claim, but the process can vary depending on the credit card issuer. You may be asked to submit:

• File a claim
• Copy of the sales receipt for the item you attempted to return
• Credit card statement showing the charge for the eligible item
• Evidence that you attempted and were refused a refund by the retailer

If the Benefit Administrator verifies that the item is eligible, you may be asked to return the item in the original purchase condition. Once the item’s condition has been assessed by the insurer, then the claim is usually processed, and if approved, a refund is issued.

Return protection coverage and limitations

Generally, a return protection benefit has limitations on the maximum amount you can get reimbursed per item and may also limit the total refund amount per cardmember in a 12-month period. You may also find that only purchases made within the U.S. are eligible.

Here are just a few of the items that could be excluded from return protection:

• Live animals and plants
• Perishables
• Medical equipment
• Motorized vehicles and their motors, equipment or accessories
• Jewelry, art objects and collectible items
• Seasonal items
• Formal attire
• Computer software
• Items purchased for resale or professional/commercial use

Eligible items likely need to be returned to the Benefit Administrator in like-new condition before reimbursement will be considered.

Chase credit cards with Return Protection

Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with Return Protection. This complimentary benefit offers cardmembers reimbursement for a purchase price of up to $500 on eligible items and an annual maximum amount of $1,000 per account. Keep in mind that the Sapphire Reserve card has an annual fee.

Sapphire Reserve cardmembers get a suite of complimentary benefits, including purchase protections like Extended Warranty Protection and Purchase Protection. These benefits may offer peace of mind when making purchases with a Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Full coverage details are listed in the Chase Sapphire Reserve Guide to Benefits.

This travel rewards credit card also features a range of travel benefits. Chase Sapphire travel insurance may allow you to get reimbursed when you utilize the complimentary benefits provided, such as Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement and Baggage Delay Insurance.

In summary

Return protection may offer you some financial protection when a store refuses to issue you a refund for an item you regret buying. Some credit cards, including Chase Sapphire Reserve, come with a purchase protection benefit. This benefit may provide additional flexibility and make you feel more confident when making purchases with this card.