What is Amex return protection?
Amex return protection* is a benefit included with many American Express business or travel cards. This purchase protection offers reimbursement for eligible purchases made with certain Amex cards. If you try to return an item to a store within 90 days of purchase and the retailer will no longer take the item back, Amex will refund you the cost of the purchase.
This coverage is beneficial because some retailers have short return policies of either 30 or 60 days, meaning you may be unable to return an item you no longer want. Thanks to your Amex card, you can feel more confident when shopping, knowing you have some added protection.
Limitations
There are limitations in place for this kind of purchase protection. If your card includes American Express return protection, Amex will refund up to $300 per item, including shipping and handling charges. With this benefit, you can claim up to a maximum of $1,000 in refunds per calendar year. The date is based on the date of purchase, not the year you filed the claim. You must have used an eligible Amex card to purchase the item.
If the retailer has a return policy that is greater than or equal to the terms of Amex return protection and it provides coverage for your claims, you won't be eligible for a refund from American Express. Additionally, if you do file an American Express return protection claim request, any product rebates, discounts, or money received from the lowest price comparison programs will be deducted from the item's original cost.
Exclusions
Unfortunately, Amex return protection coverage won't cover every purchase you make. You must have purchased the items within the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands. Items must also be in working order and the original purchase condition, meaning the item can't be visibly used or defective.
Here is a list of items excluded from American Express return protection coverage:
- Animals
- Living plants
- One-of-a-kind items (antiques, furs, etc.)
- Limited edition items
- Going-out-of-business sale items
- Consumable or perishable items (food, perfume, light bulbs, etc.)
- Jewelry (including watches)
- Services and additional costs (warranties, installation costs, etc.)
- Rare and precious coins
- Purchased used and altered items (purchases from secondhand stores etc.)
- Custom-built items
- Compact discs, digital video discs, videotapes, etc.
- Computer software
- Firmware (console games, etc.)
- Maps
- Books, magazines, or periodicals of any kind
- Healthcare items
- Medical equipment
- Personal hygiene items
- Formal wear
- Tickets of any kind
- Motorized vehicles and motorized vehicle parts
- Land, buildings, and fixtures
- Firearms
- Ammunition
- Negotiable instruments (stamps, travelers' checks, etc.)
- Cash and its equivalent (gift cards, gift certificates, etc.)
- Items permanently affixed to a home, office, or vehicle (garage door openers, car alarms, etc.)
- Seasonal items
If you're unsure if a particular item will be covered by your card's American Express return protection, it's best to contact Amex customer service by calling 1-800-228-6855. A representative can verify the details of your coverage and answer any questions you have.
Amex cards that offer return protection
The good news is many Amex cards include American Express return protection.
The following American Express cards offer this protection. Terms apply for all cards listed below: