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A Complete Guide to American Express Return Protection

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Natasha Etzel
Author: Natasha Etzel
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Natasha has been a freelance writer since 2015. She specializes in credit card and credit card rewards content. When not busy writing, she's either dreaming up her next credit card rewards redemption or traveling the globe. Her goal is to encourage more people to experience the world around them while making smart financial choices.

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American Express cards are typically considered premium cards. They include many valuable benefits, including rewards programs like American Express Membership Rewards points. If you're an American Express cardholder or plan to apply for a card, you'll be happy to know that many Amex cards include American Express return protection. This benefit can give you greater confidence when shopping. Keep reading to understand what's included with Amex return protection and find out which Amex cards have this coverage.

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:

Choosing a credit card

Don't you wish you could take a peek inside a credit card expert's wallet sometimes? Just to see the cards they carry? Well, you can't look in anybody's wallet, but you can check out our experts' favorite credit cards. Get started here:

Best American Express cards

How to file a return protection claim

If you have a premium Amex card with this benefit, filing an Amex return protection claim is easy. You'll need to first check with the retailer to verify that they won't accept a return. If the store doesn't take the item back, you must contact Amex within 90 days of the purchase date to notify a customer service representative of your request. You can make an official request by calling 1-800-228-6855.

After making the initial call, you'll need to provide American Express with the following within 30 days of your call date:

  • A copy of the original store receipt
  • A copy of the American Express record of charge
  • Any other items deemed reasonable to process your request

Once your American Express return protection request is reviewed and proven eligible, you may need to send the item to Amex within 30 days for further evaluation. Keep a record of your shipping in case Amex doesn't receive your item. If you're asked to mail the item, American Express will reimburse you for the shipping costs.

Once you make a claim, you can verify the status of your claim by logging into your Amex account.

If you're looking for one of the best cards, American Express has many options. And if you're not yet an Amex cardholder with American Express return protection included in the card benefits, it may be time to apply for a new card.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024.

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending 		$200 cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 2% cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

FAQs

  • This protection works in the form of reimbursement. Amex will offer reimbursement if a cardholder can't return an eligible item to the store within 90 days of the original purchase date. The reimbursement covers the total purchase price up to $300, and the benefit allows for a maximum of $1,000 in returns per year.

  • No. Currently, select American Express cards include return protection. Visit the American Express website to see which cards offer return protection.

  • Submitting a return protection claim is easy to do. First, a cardholder must contact Amex at 1-800-228-6855 within 90 days of their purchase date. Then, the cardmember will need to provide American Express with further information related to their claim -- this may include an original store receipt and the card statement with the charge. The cardmember may also be asked to mail the item to American Express.