American Eagle Return, Refund, and Exchange Policy [2025]

Shopping at American Eagle is usually easy and fun. But sometimes things just don’t work out the way you hoped. Knowing their return rules can save you from headaches. This guide will show you clearly how returns, refunds, and exchanges work at American Eagle.

American Eagle Return Policy

American Eagle wants customers to be happy, so their return policy is pretty easygoing. Here’s what you should know:

• You have 30 days from buying to return most stuff and get your money back.
• If you miss that window, you still have 60 days to get store credit.
• Stuff bought online gets an extra 7 days to return.
• The items must look brand new, not worn or washed, with tags still on. Swimsuits and underwear need hygiene liners untouched.
• No returns on final sale stuff, custom products, or opened underwear.

American Eagle might refuse returns if they suspect scams or tricks, so always keep items in good shape.

How to Return Items to American Eagle

Doing a return is pretty easy, no matter how you bought your stuff. Here’s what you do:

In-Store Returns

You can return or exchange at any American Eagle, Aerie, Offline, or AE Factory store. Just bring something to prove you bought it, like a receipt or email confirmation. Here’s your choices:

• Exchange: Swap it for something else equal or lower priced.
• Refund: Get your cash back to the original payment if you have your receipt.
• Store Credit: No receipt means you’ll get credit for shopping at AE.

Online Returns

For returns through mail, just follow these steps:

1. Go to the American Eagle website and start a return online. They’ll give you a shipping label to print.
2. Put your stuff back in its original package if possible, and toss in your receipt or invoice.
3. Drop the box at a USPS location.

Mail returns cost you $5, unless you’re a Real Rewards Level 3 Member or have their Credit Card. Refunds usually take 5-7 days after AE gets your return.

Exceptions to the Return Policy

Some things have special rules or can’t be returned:

• Final Sale Items: No returns or exchanges at all.
• Customized Stuff: If you personalize it, no returns allowed.
• Bikinis and Swimwear: You must keep hygiene liners intact to return.
• Gift Cards: Once bought, you can’t get a refund.

If you damage something by mishandling, AE might take some money off your refund.

Refund Processing Time

The wait for your refund depends on how you return:

• In-Store Returns: You’ll get your money right away to the payment method you used.
• Mailed Returns: It could take up to two weeks once AE receives it. Your bank might need another 5-7 days to show the refund.

If you pick store credit instead of cash, AE sends you an e-gift card to your email once it’s done.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

Q1. Can I return an item without a receipt?

Yes, but AE will give you store credit at the current selling price. Having a receipt speeds things up and gets you your full refund.

Q2. Are online purchases refundable in-store?

Yep, you can bring your online stuff back to any store. But you won’t get shipping fees back. Make sure you have proof of purchase handy.

Q3. What happens if I remove tags or wash an item?

If you wash it, wear it, or pull tags off, you’re out of luck—no returns. Always double-check your item first.

Q4. How do I exchange an item?

You can swap items in-store for another size or style of equal or lower price. AE doesn’t let you do online exchanges—return it instead and then order the new thing separately.

Q5. Can I get free shipping on returns?

Usually no, there’s a $5 fee unless you’re Real Rewards Level 3 or have an AE Credit Card.

Wrapping Up

American Eagle makes returns and exchanges pretty simple and friendly. Follow their basic rules and always hold onto your receipts, and you’ll avoid most hassles when returning things.