American Eagle Outfitters

Last verified: August 17, 2026

Return policy at a glance

United States
Return window
30 days
Free return shipping
Conditional
Receipt required
Conditional
In store return for online orders
Yes
Refund processing time
5-7 business days after receipt processing (2-4 weeks to receive items)
Restocking fee
Not specified

American Eagle Outfitters allows returns within 30 days of purchase, or exchanges within 60 days. You can return items in store for free or by mail, though mail returns carry a $5 fee unless you qualify for free return shipping.

How returns work

You may return items in store at any American Eagle, Aerie, Offline, or AE Factory location at no cost. For mail returns, use the online portal to print a shipping label or receive a digital label to scan at USPS. In-store returns are faster and free, while mail returns incur a $5 fee unless you are eligible for free return shipping on your item category or membership status.

Exclusions and restrictions

American Eagle does not accept returns on worn, washed, or damaged items; items without tags or labels; swimsuits and underwear without intact hygienic liners; Final Sale items; or incomplete online orders. Aerie bras, bralettes, swimsuits, and third-party footwear qualify for free return shipping when ordered online, which reduces or eliminates the standard $5 mail return fee.

Refunds

Refunds are issued to your original payment method. Processing takes 5 to 7 business days after the store receives and processes your return, though you should allow 2 to 4 weeks to receive your refund.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to return items to American Eagle?

You have 30 days from purchase to return items. Exchanges are allowed within 60 days. Gift returns may qualify for an extended holiday return period if you provide a gift receipt as proof of purchase.

Can I return online orders in a store?

Yes. You can return online purchases at any American Eagle, Aerie, Offline, or AE Factory store location. In-store returns are free and processed immediately.

How much does it cost to return by mail?

Mail returns normally cost $5. However, return shipping is free for Aerie bras, bralettes, and swimsuits ordered online, as well as third-party footwear ordered online. Certain members may also qualify for free return shipping.

Do I need a receipt to return items?

The retailer does not publish a complete receipt policy. However, a gift receipt is accepted as proof of purchase for returns with extended holiday eligibility.

What items cannot be returned?

Items must be unworn, unwashed, and undamaged with all tags and labels attached. Swimsuits and underwear must have hygienic liners in place. Final Sale items and incomplete online orders are not returnable.

When will I receive my refund?

After American Eagle receives and processes your return, refunds take 5 to 7 business days to post to your original payment method. Full processing from shipment to receipt of funds may take 2 to 4 weeks.

What if an item arrived damaged or incomplete?

Incomplete online orders are not eligible for return until the full order has shipped. The retailer does not publish a separate damaged goods policy beyond the standard return conditions, which require items to be undamaged.

How you can return an item

  • In store , Fast and free. Can return online or in-store purchases at any AE, Aerie, Offline, or AE Factory store.
  • By mail , Use online portal to print or get digital label. $5 fee or free for certain members and items.

Step by step

  1. For online orders, use the online portal to print a shipping label or get a digital label to scan at USPS.
  2. For in-store purchases or returns, visit any AE, Aerie, Offline, or AE Factory store.

Categories with their own return window

Category Window Note
Aerie bras, bralettes, and swimsuits Not specified Free return shipping for online orders
Third-party footwear Not specified Free return shipping for online orders

What you cannot return

  • Worn, washed, or damaged items , Must be unworn, unwashed, and undamaged
  • Items without tags or labels , All labels and tags must be attached
  • Swimsuits and underwear without hygienic liners , Hygienic liners must be in place
  • Final Sale items , Final Sale designation
  • Incomplete online orders , Full order must ship before returns eligible

How your refund comes back

You paid with Refund comes back as
Original payment method Full refund to original form of payment

Gift returns

Gift receipt accepted as proof of purchase for extended holiday returns.

What the policy actually says

Every figure above is taken word for word from the retailer page. Here are the exact lines.

Field Quoted from the retailer
Return window days it can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of the purchase date
Exchange window days or returned for merchandise credit within 60 days
Free return shipping 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.
Return shipping fee Online returns are $5
Receipt required Proof of purchase is required, such as a receipt, invoice, order history page, or order email.
Refund processing days please allow up to 2-4 weeks for us to receive your items and issue a refund. Your refund should be available in your account 5-7 business days after we issue it.
In store return for online 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.

Return policies for similar stores

Checked against the retailer's published policy. Last verified: August 17, 2026

Return policies change without notice. Confirm the current policy with the retailer before you buy.