Academy Sports + Outdoors allows returns within 60 days of purchase. You can return items to any store or by mail, though certain categories like firearms, ammunition, and trading cards are final sales. Refunds go back to your original payment method or as merchandise credit.
How returns work
You can return items in store at any Academy location or by mail to the Returns Center in Katy, Texas. For in-store purchases or online orders, bring your merchandise in resalable condition with original packaging and tags attached. When mailing a return, include your online receipt in the box.
Exclusions and restrictions
Academy does not accept returns on firearms and ammunition (except Academy exclusives), bows, crossbows, knives, shooting accessories, gasoline and fuel-powered items, trading cards, and gift cards. Additionally, certain categories have packaging restrictions: baseball bats, golf clubs, racquets, and fishing rods must remain unopened; electronics, air beds, and massage guns must be unopened; hoverboards, e-bikes, and electronic scooters must have unbroken factory seals; bikes must be unused; and personal items like bathing suits and sunglasses must be unused with original packaging intact. Boats, canoes, kayaks, and trailers with a registered title are non-returnable.
Refunds
Refunds are issued to your original form of payment. Credit and debit cards receive credit to the card, PayPal accounts receive credit to the account, and cash or check payments receive cash refunds (with receipt required). If you paid with Apple Pay, Klarna, or Sezzle, the refund may be applied as a different payment method. Bread Pay refunds are applied to applicable loans for that order. Gift card or merchandise credit purchases receive merchandise credit instead.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to return an item?
You have 60 days from purchase to return most items. This window applies to the standard return policy as well as exchanges.
Can I return an online purchase in a store?
Yes. You can return online purchases to any Academy store. Bring your merchandise in resalable condition with original packaging and tags, and have your online receipt from your My Account page.
What if I don't have my receipt?
Without a receipt, you can receive merchandise credit at the lowest price the item sold for in the past 90 days. You will need to provide a valid government ID, and Academy will attempt to verify your purchase.
Will I get cash back or a merchandise credit?
Refunds are issued to your original payment method when possible. Credit card and debit card payments are credited to your card, and PayPal payments are credited to your account. Cash and check payments are refunded as cash if you have your receipt. Purchases made with gift cards or merchandise credit receive merchandise credit.
Are bats, golf clubs, and fishing rods returnable?
These items are returnable only if they have not been removed from original packaging. Once removed from packaging, they are covered by manufacturer warranty rather than Academy's return policy.
Can I return electronics if I opened them?
Electronics, air beds, and massage guns must be unopened to qualify for return. If opened with a defect, Academy will exchange the item for the same product only.
What happens if I buy a defective firearm or bow?
Firearms, ammunition (except Academy exclusives), bows, crossbows, knives, and shooting accessories are final sales. If defective, you must contact the manufacturer for warranty repair rather than return to Academy.