American Eagle Return Policy - Exchange, Refund & Store Credit Info

When you are buying apparel, it is likely that comfort also comes with easy returns. The American Eagle return policy is designed to instill confidence in the customer making a purchase, whether in-store or online. American Eagle is a customer-friendly store and provides a great balance of refunds, exchanges, and store credits. The specifics of the policy, however, depend on where you purchase. This guide explains everything you need to consider regarding the American Eagle return policy including time frames, methods of refunds, exceptions, and tips for our all-important peace of mind.

The 100% Happiness Promise in the U.S. and Canada

In the United States and Canada, American Eagle provides what it calls the 100% Happiness Promise. This very generous program allows customers to return the item within a set timeframe.

Refunds: Customers can return their product or return and exchange their product within 30 days of purchase and receive a full refund back to their original payment.
Store Credit: More than 30 days, still return the product for store credit and exchange within 60 days of the original purchase date.
Online Purchases: The shoppers who purchase a product online are given an additional 7 days for returns, which gives them 37 days if they want a refund or 67 days for store credit.

All returns must be in new condition and unworn, unwashed, and with the tag still attached. Swimsuits and underwear must have protective liners on them still. All items labeled Final Sale cannot be returned or exchanged.

How In-Store Returns Work

The easiest way to utilize the American Eagle return policy is to shop at any U.S. or Canadian American Eagle, Aerie or Offline store. Customers can return purchases made either online or inside the store to a physical location.

When making a return inside the store, customers have the option to receive:

A refund back to their original payment method (confirmed proof of purchase).
An exchange for another item of equal or lesser value.
Store credit on a return card if they want to shop later.

This is likely the fastest process for a customer’s return because the refunds and exchanges are done immediately.

Online Returns and Mail-Back Process

The American Eagle return policy also allows shoppers to mail back their returns, and allows them to start an online return request. Customers can print a prepaid return label from the American Eagle (Aerie) website after logging into their account.

Shipping Fee: Typically, a flat return shipping fee will be deducted from the refund, except for loyalty program members and cardholders who may qualify for free returns.
Refund Timing: Refunds usually take 5 to 7 business days to reach your bank account once the return package is received.
Store Credit option: Instead of waiting for the refund to process, loyalty members can opt for the instant e-gift card credit as soon as the return is initiated.

These options prove to be useful for customers who have a hard time getting to a store.

Instant Credit Program

American Eagle has launched a new option embedded within certain customer accounts called Instant Credit. This option is only available to loyalty members who meet the eligibility criteria.

When starting an online return processing, you may receive an e-gift card with the value of the returned items immediately.
You are able to use the credit to shop immediately, and may be able to do so before even mailing the return.
The returned item must be shipped back within 14 days. If it doesn’t arrive in 14 days, the value of the e-gift card may be charged back to your account.

This process adds convenience for customers while also ensuring that customers can replace items quickly without having to wait for normal return processing.

International Return Policy Differences

Although the American Eagle return policy is very accommodating to customers in the U.S. & Canada, international customers are usually subject to more strict time frames.

United Arab Emirates and Middle East: Customers have 14 days to return items. Items must still be in their original packaging, unused, and not contain a purchase invoice. There are also restrictions on the return of certain items, such as underwear, lingerie, accessories, or any custom-made products.
India: American Eagle stores under a franchise partner typically allow 15 days for returns or exchanges; items must still be unused and in original condition.
Other Countries: Depending on the local laws and franchise agreement, returns typically range from 7 days to 30 days.

Always confirm the local store policy before making purchases outside of the U.S. & Canada.

Proof of Purchase and Receipts

American Eagle requires proof of purchase before you can process your returns smoothly:

Original store receipt.
Online order confirmation email.
An invoice, or digital proof from your account order history.

If you do not have proof of purchase, American Eagle may still allow you to return the item at the current selling price for store credit rather than a refund of your original purchase price. Because of this policy, American Eagle is more flexible about returns than others with more strict policies.

Non-Returnable Items

There are exclusions to the returns policy of American Eagle. Key exclusions are below:

Final Sale: Items that are final sale will be marked when purchased and cannot be exchanged or refunded.
Gift cards: Gift cards are final sale immediately once purchased.
Intimate apparel: Underwear, swimwear, and lingerie are non-refundable unless the tags and hygiene liner are intact.
Damaged or used products: We will not accept worn, washed or altered goods.

Customers should assess all items before removing tags or wearing items to maintain eligibility.

What is the time frame for refunds on returned items?

For returns within the store- Refunds are normally executed at the point of return, but your bank may take 2-5 days to reflect that amount in your bank account.
For mail-in returns- refunds will be initiated after American Eagle receives your package. Refunds generally reflect in consumer’s bank account within 5-7 business days from the refund initiation.
International returns- these transactions can take longer, depending on how your local financial institution processes the transaction and can take as long as 14 business days.

Store credits or exchanges are typically processed on the same day you initiated the return.

Tips for Hassle-Free Returns

Follow the recommendations below to maximize the American Eagle return policy.

Keep your receipts and confirmation emails until you are positive you are going to keep the purchase.
Wait to remove tags until you have tried the product and confirmed the fit.
Leave hygiene liners on for swimwear or underwear, just in case you will need to return them.
Whenever possible, make your return in-store to avoid shipping delays.
If you are shopping internationally, be awarethat the timeline is shorter since you only have 30 days to return an item.
If the option is available, plan to use their Instant Credit method to expedite exchanges.
Lastly, if you are unable to find exclusions, like gift cards or final sale, then do not buy.

Summary of Key Points

U.S. and Canada: 30 days for refunds, 60 days for store credits, plus an additional 7 days for online orders.
Returnable in the store: The fastest return method that provides refunds, exchanges, and merchandise credits.
Returnable online: All returns processed online are done via mail, which incurs a small fee unless you are covered by a loyalty program.
Instant Credit: If you are a loyalty program member, you can use your e-gift card credit immediately while shopping.
International returns: Usually 14-15 days, and do not include intimate items.
Lastly, returns that will not be accepted: Final sale merchandise, gift cards, and worn merchandise cannot be returned.

Conclusion

American Eagle Return Policy combines the brand’s ethos of customer satisfaction with its 100% Happiness Promise. With timelines extending in most cases in North America, flexible refunds, store credit and exchange options, as well as features like Instant Credit, shopping is worry-free. International policies may be shorter and stricter, but American Eagle still provides a fair process that adheres to decided regional guidelines. Through learning about timelines, exclusions, and best practices, one can enjoy shopping while at the same time knowing there is a safety net if things don’t work out.

American Eagle Return Policy – Exchange, Refund & Store Credit Info