American Eagle's Return and Exchange Policy: Complete Guide for Hassle-Free Returns and Exchanges

What is American Eagle’s return policy?

Confused over how to start the return process for American Eagle?

For American Eagle, their official return policy states that:

Get what you want, and return what you don’t. If you're not completely happy with a purchase, it can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of the purchase date, or returned for merchandise credit within 60 days. Enjoy an extra 7 days to make your return for online purchases. Returned items must be unworn, unwashed, undamaged, with all labels and tags attached and hygienic liners in place for swimsuits and underwear. If there appears to be fraud or abuse, we may not accept your return.

Here is a summary table:

How do I start a return?

According to their most updated return policy, these are the steps to take to initiate a return with American Eagle.

In-Store Returns

• Whether you bought your items online or in any of our stores, you can return or exchange them at any AE, Aerie, Offline, or AE Factory store. It’s fast and free!

• Choose how to get your refund:

• Exchange your item(s) for any item(s) of equal or lesser value. If you don't have proof of purchase, you can exchange your item(s) for a different size.

• A full refund to the original form of payment used for the purchase. Proof of purchase is required, such as a receipt, invoice, order history page, or order email.

• Merchandise credit in the form of an AEO Merchandise return card.

Online Returns

• If you received items by mail, it's easy to send them back! Use our online portal to print a shipping label or get a digital label to scan at USPS. Online returns are $5, or free for Real Rewards Level 3 Members and Credit Cardmembers, as well as for Aerie bras, bralettes, swimsuits, and third-party footwear.

• In-store purchases cannot be returned online and must be returned in store.

• Choose how to get your refund:

• Instant Credit in the form of an AEO e-gift card emailed to you as soon as you initiate the return – available to all Real Rewards members.

• A full refund to the original form of payment used for the purchase, available 5-7 days after we receive your return, depending on your financial institution.

• Merchandise credit in the form of an AEO Merchandise return card

What is the American Eagle’s return time period?

American Eagle's return policy allows customers to return most items within 30 days of purchase, with some exceptions for specific categories. Be sure to confirm any exceptions before proceeding!

What can I not return at American Eagle?

Merchandise must be returned in the country where purchased, with your original proof of purchase. If you don't have proof of purchase, you can exchange your item(s) for a different size. Returned items must be unworn, unwashed, and undamaged, with all labels and tags attached and hygienic liners in place for swimsuits and underwear.

If there appears to be fraud or abuse, we may not accept your return.

What do I need to bring for a return?

To process a return, you will need proof of purchase, which can be a physical or digital receipt. Additionally, ensure the item is in good, unused, unwashed condition, preferably in its original packaging.

Who can I contact for help?

For further clarification, you can always reach out to American Eagle’s helpline:

You can contact American Eagle’s customer service through various options. For phone support in the U.S. and Canada, call 1-888-232-4535, available daily from 8 AM to 12 AM EST. Live chat assistance is also available on their official website during customer service hours

How do I do returns for American Eagle without a receipt?

If you don’t have a receipt, you may still be able to process a return using delivery and shipping confirmation emails, your American Eagle account information, or credit card statements. If you've lost a physical receipt, returning to the original store can increase your chances of a successful return. Here’s what to bring to assist in verifying your purchase:

• A valid ID (driver's license or state ID).
• Details about the product, including name, brand, and approximate purchase date.
• Refunds may be issued as store credit or at the current selling price.
• Remember to be patient and polite when interacting with American Eagle associates, as they work within company policies.

Having these items will significantly improve your chances of a successful return.

💡 Pro Tip: Always digitize your American Eagle receipts immediately after purchase using Receiptor AI's WhatsApp scanner for hassle-free returns later.

How can you make American Eagle’s return policy even easier and quicker?

Unlike physical receipts, digital data is easier to locate and organize in bulk. By digitizing your receipts using Receiptor AI, you will never lose a receipt again.

1. Easily track return periods

Simply go to Sources > Email Accounts.

Receiptor AI automatically extracts key information from digital receipts in your emails, store names, dates, and itemized lists – all without lifting a finger.

Beyond keeping your receipts so you don’t lose them, Receiptor also has bonus features:

• Sync with budgeting apps or expense trackers for comprehensive financial management.
• Receiptor AI can categorize your purchases, making it easier to track spending patterns.
• Set up alerts for important purchases that are approaching end-of-return periods.

2. Capture and store your receipts digitally whenever, wherever you are

Receiptor AI has a WhatsApp Scanner feature for paper receipts that automatically adds and processes your receipt images.

After a simple setup (Settings > Personal Information > Enter your Phone Number):

• Open WhatsApp, enter the Receiptor AI chat, tap the camera icon, and send a photo of your receipt.
• Your digitized receipt will be available in your documents in a few moments.
• Easily send receipt files to family members for shared purchases or to your accountant for tax purposes.
• Find any receipt quickly by searching by date or store name on your Receiptor AI documents page.

Note: Many retailers now offer the option to receive digital receipts via email. For an additional layer of security, always opt for this when available.

By digitizing your receipts, you're not just preparing for potential returns—you're streamlining your entire purchase history. Whether it's for warranty claims, expense reports, or simply keeping track of your spending, digital receipts are a game-changer in modern shopping.

FAQ Section

Beyond what we have covered, here are some common questions relating to processing returns at American Eagle.

What happens if I take the tags off or wash the item? Can I still return/exchange?

• Returned items must be unworn, unwashed, and undamaged, with all labels and tags attached and hygienic liners in place for swimsuits and underwear.

When will I receive my refund?

• If you’re shipping an online order back to us, please allow up to 2 weeks for us to receive your items and issue a refund. Your refund to your original payment method should be available in your account 5-7 business days after we issue it, depending on your financial institution. If you are receiving your refund in the form of a merchandise credit e-gift card, you will receive an email with that information once we receive the item(s).

Have any further questions? You can check out American Eagle’s FAQ page for other common enquiries at this link.

Found this article helpful?

Read on to find out more about Receiptor AI.

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• Receiptor AI: A Founder's Vision for Automated Bookkeeping