When returning an item to Walmart, most customers want to know – how long does a Walmart refund take to process? The answer is that in most cases, Walmart refunds will be issued within 5-7 business days. However, the exact timeline can vary depending on the type of refund and method of payment.
Walmart has a 90 day return policy that allows customers to bring back most items with or without a receipt. Returns and exchanges can be initiated in-store or online through Walmart.com. Once a return is completed, the refund is processed back to the original form of payment.
Timing on Walmart Refunds
Walmart states that refunds typically take 5-7 business days to appear in customer accounts or on credit card statements after the return is completed in-store or received back at the distribution center. Here is an overview of timeframes:
- In-store returns – Refunds from returns made at Walmart locations are usually processed within 5 business days. The money should be back in your account within a week.
- Online returns – For items shipped back to Walmart’s return center, allow 7 business days after the package is received for the refund to be processed.
- Damaged/defective items – If an item arrived damaged or stops working shortly after purchase, Walmart will expedite the refund upon receipt of the returned product. Expect your money back within 2-3 business days.
- Store credit – Opting for a Walmart gift card or store credit refund will be processed right away when returning in-store.
- Check payments – Walmart says to allow 10 business days for a refund check to be mailed out after a return is completed.
- Prepaid debit/credit cards – Refunds to Walmart prepaid debit or credit cards may take up to 10 business days to process.
- Slow refunds – If your refund takes longer than expected, contact Walmart customer service for assistance. Slow refunds may indicate an issue.
Factors That Impact Walmart Refund Times
While Walmart refunds are generally issued within a week, there are circumstances that can lengthen or shorten the timeline. These factors include:
- Return method – In-store returns are fastest. Online returns depend on shipping.
- Original payment type – Refunds to debit cards and Walmart store credit are quick. Checks and prepaid cards are slower.
- Time of year – Holiday returns may take a bit longer to process due to high volume.
- Item condition – Damaged or defective item refunds are expedited. Regular returns take longer.
- Reason for return – Refunds due to Walmart error get priority handling.
- Customer account – Having an active Walmart.com account speeds up the process.
- Financial institution – Bank/credit union procedures impact when funds clear.
Receiving a Refund on a Debit Card Purchase
For Walmart purchases made with a debit card, refunds will be credited back to that same debit card account. Here is the standard process:
- Return the item to any Walmart store with your receipt.
- The store associate will process the return and notify you of the amount.
- The refund is transmitted back to your bank or credit union by Walmart.
- It takes 2-5 business days for the money to show in your checking account balance.
- Call your bank if the refund is not there within a week of the return.
Some banks and credit unions refund debit card purchases faster than others. Large national banks tend to take the full 5 business days, while local banks and CUs may credit the money back within 1-3 days. The refund should be available by the next statement close date at the latest.
Receiving a Refund on a Credit Card Purchase
For returns of items bought with a credit card, here is what to expect:
- Initiate the return at any Walmart store with your receipt.
- The amount will immediately be credited back to your credit card by Walmart.
- However, it takes banks 1-2 billing cycles to update statements.
- So allow at least 3 weeks for the refund to appear on your next credit card statement.
- Temporary credits from Walmart may show sooner.
- Call your card issuer if it has been over 30 days since the return.
Refunds on credit cards technically process right away but won’t reflect on your statement until your billing cycle closes. Issuers like Visa and Mastercard need time to communicate the returns with the bank. If it has been several weeks, you can call the number on the back of your card to confirm the refund was received from Walmart.
Returning an Online Order for Refund
For online purchase refunds, items must be mailed back to Walmart’s return center per their policy:
- Login to your Walmart.com account to start a return request. Print the label.
- Carefully repack the item with all included parts and accessories.
- Attach the provided return label and ship using your own box and postage.
- Walmart emails a confirmation when the return is received at the facility.
- Allow 7 business days from this confirmation for your online refund to process.
- Call customer service if it has been over 2 weeks since the item was delivered back.
Getting a Refund with No Receipt
If you need to return an item without a receipt to Walmart, here is how it works:
- Take the merchandise and ID to any Walmart store Customer Service.
- Explain that you lost the receipt but would like to make a return.
- Walmart will attempt to look up your purchase with your ID and payment info.
- If found, you will get the full refund in store credit with no receipt.
- If the purchase can’t be verified, you may get a smaller refund amount.
- Refunds with no receipt typically take the standard 5-7 days to process.
- Keep the gift card or confirmation number for your records.
Even without a receipt, Walmart will work to locate your purchase history and issue a refund in most cases. Returning with ID and original packaging helps associates verify the details.
What If Your Refund Never Arrives?
If it has been over 2 weeks since you returned an item to Walmart and your refund still has not come through, take the following steps:
- Call the customer service number to check on the status.
- Have your order info, receipt number, etc. handy to reference.
- Ask for an update on when to expect the funds.
- If there is no clear reason for the delay, request escalation.
- Follow up every few days until it is resolved.
- File a dispute with your bank if needed.
Delays getting money back from Walmart are uncommon but can happen. Keep pressing for answers from Walmart until you get your rightful refund. Let your bank know as well in case further action is required on disputed transactions.
The Bottom Line
In most situations, expect Walmart refunds within approximately 5-7 business days from the return date. But the timeline varies based on factors like how and where you made the return, original payment method, account institutions, and more. While delays over 2-3 weeks are rare, stay diligent tracking your refund and follow up if needed. This ensures you receive the money owed back into your account.
