American Eagle return policy
American Eagle gives a full refund within 30 days of purchase, or merchandise credit within 60 days, with an extra 7 days for online purchases.
Verified from official page · Last verified 2026-10-19
American Eagle refunds within 30 days of purchase (37 days for online orders) and gives merchandise credit up to 60 days, for unworn items with tags.
- Standard return window
- Full refund within 30 days of purchase; merchandise credit within 60 days (online purchases get an extra 7 days)
- Receipt / no-receipt
- Refund to original payment needs proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, order history page or order email). Without proof of purchase you can exchange for a different size. Return in-store purchases in store only; online purchases can go back to any AE, Aerie, Offline or AE Factory store.
- Opened / used items
- Items must be unworn, unwashed, undamaged, with all labels and tags attached; swimsuit and underwear hygienic liners in place.
- Exceptions
- Final Sale items cannot be returned or exchanged
- Online orders aren’t eligible for return until the full order has shipped
- Mail returns: $5, free for Real Rewards Level 3 members and cardmembers, and for Aerie bras, bralettes, swimsuits and third-party footwear
- AE may refuse returns where there appears to be fraud or abuse
- Refund method
- Original form of payment with proof of purchase, an exchange, or an AEO Merchandise return card. Mail returns: refund 5–7 business days after it’s issued (allow 2–4 weeks for receipt); Real Rewards members can choose instant e-gift card credit.
- Holiday extensions
- The page we loaded (Oct 19, 2026) still shows last season’s extended holiday dates (through Feb. 1, 2026), so 2026 holiday dates were not posted yet.
Official policy: https://www.ae.com/us/en/content/help/return-policy
American Eagle return FAQs
How long do I have to return to American Eagle?
30 days from purchase for a full refund, or 60 days for merchandise credit. Online purchases get an extra 7 days.
Can I return to American Eagle without a receipt?
You can exchange for a different size without proof of purchase. A refund to your original payment needs proof such as a receipt, invoice, order history page or order email.
Can I return Aerie items to American Eagle?
Yes. AE says you can return or exchange online or store purchases at any AE, Aerie, Offline or AE Factory store. In-store purchases can’t be returned online.
Does American Eagle have a 2026 holiday return policy?
Not yet posted when we checked on Oct 19, 2026. The policy page still showed last season’s extended holiday dates (returns through Feb. 1, 2026).
Similar stores: Clothing & shoes
- Adidas return policy — 30 days of receipt (online)
- Banana Republic return policy — 30 days
- Foot Locker return policy — 45 days from shipment (online, mail)
- Gap return policy — 30 days
- H&M return policy — 30 days
- J.Crew return policy — 30 days
- Lululemon return policy — 30 days
- Nike return policy — 60 days
- Old Navy return policy — 30 days
- SKIMS return policy — 30 days from order
- Uniqlo return policy — 30 days
- Victoria's Secret return policy — 30 days
- Zappos return policy — 60 days
- Zara return policy — 30 days
Guides and comparisons
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday return deadlines 2026
- Holiday return deadlines 2026
- How to return a gift without a receipt
- Which stores accept returns without a receipt
- Stores with the longest return windows
- Strictest return policies & final sale items
- Which stores take opened electronics
- Black Friday price adjustments
- Situational return FAQs
- All 75 store return policies