The Guide to AmEx Return Protection

Return protection gives you 90 days to return an item so long as the merchant's return policy is less forgiving.

Ramsey Qubein
Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Forbes.com, CNBC.com, AFAR, Robb Report, Reader's Digest, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, Frommers.com, Fodors.com, Islands, Business Traveler, Fortune, Airways, Yahoo, Travel Age West, MSN.com, Bustle.com, AAA magazines

Ramsey is a freelance travel journalist covering business travel, loyalty programs and luxury travel. His work has appeared in Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Reader's Digest, AFAR, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, Frommers.com, Fodors.com, Business Traveler, Fortune, Airways, TravelAge West, MSN.com, Bustle.com and AAA magazines. As someone who flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has been to 173 countries, he is well-versed in the intricacies of credit cards and how to maximize the associated perks and services.

Meg Lee
Assigning Editor | Travel, SEO, Travel Loyalty Programs

Megan Lee is a former editor on the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She had more than 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Holding an American Express credit card can provide you with a variety of benefits depending on which one you choose. Whether you use The Platinum Card® from American Express to earn AmEx Membership Rewards , the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to rack up airline miles or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card to collect hotel points, they can all help you reduce the cost of your next trip.

There is one benefit, however, that you may not know as much about: AmEx return protection.

Let’s look at what AmEx return protection is, how you can benefit from it and when it applies.

What is AmEx return protection?

American Express return protection is an extended return policy covering eligible purchases. If the merchant can not issue you a refund, you can ask American Express to reimburse you for the total cost of the item. Amex will return the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account.

Many people use this benefit when retailer restrictions prevent them from otherwise getting their money back. For example, many stores will only accept a return within 30 or 60 days from the date of purchase. AmEx extends that window to 90 days, which can be especially helpful if you’re buying a gift for a future holiday or birthday and you aren’t sure if the recipient will like it.

Return protection differs from AmEx’s purchase protection , which covers you if a purchase is lost or stolen within 90 days. Terms apply.

Check out our nerdy picks for the best American Express credit cards and find the right card for you.

AmEx cards with return protection

Many American Express cards provide this consumer benefit, but not all do. These are some of the most popular AmEx credit cards that offer return protection:

You can find the entire list of AmEx cards that offer return protection here . Terms apply.

Return protection limitations

There are some limits to what American Express will reimburse. You’re eligible to receive up to $300 per eligible item and up to $1,000 total per calendar year, based on the date of purchase. Remember that if the merchant has a return policy that still accepts the item or is more generous than AmEx’s return protection, you must rely on the retailer’s policy.

To be eligible for a refund, you must have paid for the item in full with your AmEx card. In addition, purchases must have been made within the United States, U.S. territories or islands (including Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, among others). Items must also be in their original condition and not used, damaged or defective.

While that sounds easy enough, American Express does have a lengthy list of exclusions for this benefit. For example, some of the items you cannot return are:

The entire list of exclusions can be found here . Terms apply.

How to file an AmEx return protection claim

Before filing a claim with AmEx, first try to return the item to the merchant. If that's no longer an option, you can start the claim process by calling 800-228-6855 or filing a claim online . You must do this within 90 days of purchase.

You will also need:

These items must be submitted within 30 days of making a claim. AmEx may also request that you send the item to them. In that case, you will be reimbursed for shipping costs.

Once you have filed a claim, you can check its status on the claim website or by calling the same number listed above.

Final thoughts on using AmEx return protection

If you have exhausted your options when returning an eligible item to a merchant, American Express cardholders with return protection may still have an alternative.

Credit card benefits include more than just miles and points. They also can offer tangible and money-saving perks when you use the card to make a purchase — AmEx return protection is one perfect example.

All information about The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet.

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

Insurance Benefit: Return Protection

With Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won't take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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Ramsey is a freelance writer and editor who travels more than 450,000 miles a year. With 166 countries under his belt and counting, he has a wealth of knowledge about loyalty programs and credit card perks to help people travel more efficiently and in style without breaking the bank. See full bio.

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