A guide to credit card return protection
Quick insights
- Return protection may extend the period of time in which you can return an item for reimbursement.
- Some credit cards offer return protection as a complimentary cardmember benefit.
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card comes with Return Protection and other travel and purchase protections.
When you’re having second thoughts about a purchase and the store won’t take it back, you may still be able to get reimbursed. Credit card return protection may help you get refunded for a purchase when the retailer won’t allow a return.
Read on to uncover how return protection with a credit card may benefit you.
What is credit card return protection?
Some credit cards come with cardmember benefits, such as purchase and travel protections, which typically offer complimentary insurance coverage and other financial protections on certain purchases. Return protection is a type of purchase protection that may extend the window to return an item or receive a refund.
That means you may get additional time for returns beyond the retailer or manufacturer return policy and have financial protection when a store won’t accept returns. Some cardmembers may feel more confident when making large purchases or buying from retailers that don’t accept returns when they use credit cards that offer return protection.
How credit card return protection works
If your credit card offers return protection, you’re generally eligible as long as the account is open. Typically, you need to purchase the item in full with the eligible card for the benefit to apply.
If you want to return a purchase, the first step is to check with the retailer to verify if they will accept a return. You may be asked by your card issuer to show proof that you attempted and were denied a return to the seller, so you may wish to document this process.
Credit card return protection generally applies when the retailer refuses to give you a refund, exchange or credit for your purchase. When your purchase can’t be reimbursed through the retailer, the next step is to begin the process of initiating return protection through your card issuer.
Return protection often imposes claim limits. There may be a maximum benefit amount per purchase, as well as limitations on the annual amount you can receive. Some purchases like motorized vehicles and medical equipment may be excluded.
How to choose a credit card with return protection
If you’re looking for a credit card with return protection, you may want to verify that the card aligns with your needs and spending habits. You may find that most credit cards with return protection limit the maximum claim amount per purchase or per year on this benefit.
For example, a card may limit the claim amount to $500 per item, and it’s possible this amount may not be enough for some cardmembers who want protection on more costly purchases. The benefit usually excludes some purchases, so you may want to review the list of excluded items and make sure it works with your spending habits.
In addition to any purchase protections the card may have, you may consider the credit card’s rewards, perks, features and travel protections as you look for the right credit card for you.
Chase credit cards that come with return protection
The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card comes with Return Protection as part of a suite of complimentary travel and purchase protection benefits. The Return Protection policy reimburses Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers on the purchase price of an eligible item up to $500 and has an annual maximum benefit amount of $1,000 per twelve (12) month period per account.
Eligible items must be purchased with a Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card or rewards points for Return Protection to apply. Consult the Chase Sapphire Reserve Guide to Benefits for full coverage details.
The credit card also offers travel rewards and benefits, including travel insurance benefits.
In summary
Credit card return protection could potentially extend your window for getting reimbursed when you want to return a purchase. Typically, you need to attempt to return the item to the retailer first before you’re issued a refund through your credit card benefit. Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with complimentary Return Protection.
