16 Details in T.J. Maxx’s Return Policy That Even Experienced Shoppers Overlook

T.J. Maxx is known for offering stylish clothing and accessories at major discounts, so savvy shoppers can save on everyday essentials and some not-so-essentials.

While it’s easy to nab a bargain at T.J. Maxx, it’s much harder to return one. The store’s official return policy is straightforward and a bit rigid in print, but in reality, it's often dependent on the whims of local store employees.

Here are 16 things to know about making returns online or in-store at T.J. Maxx.

You have 30 days to return your in-store purchase. With a receipt, you’ll get a full refund.

T.J. Maxx's return policy states: "Merchandise that is used, worn or in unsellable condition will not be accepted for refund, merchandise credit or exchange.'

While some items may be final sale, most sale purchases are returnable. Ask the cashier at the checkout if you’re not sure.

T.J. Maxx will give you 40 days to return online purchases, but the countdown begins as soon as you click “buy.” Orders can be returned at a T.J. Maxx store or by mail. For either method, you need your packing slip as this doubles as your receipt.

PayPal makes it easy to buy online, but you can’t get a full refund if you use PayPal for T.J. Maxx purchases. 

The retailer issues a merchandise credit for in-store returns, and for mail returns, you’ll get a ‌merchandise credit minus $11.99 for shipping and handling.

T.J. Maxx doesn’t limit how much you can spend, but it does set limits on returns. Items worth $1,000+ cannot be returned in stores. For some merchandise, the ceiling is even lower.

• Handbags $500+ cannot be returned in-store.
• Footwear $500+ cannot be returned in-store.
• Special-occasion gowns, at any price, cannot be returned in-store.

• Luggage sets are not eligible for in store return.

Per T.J. Maxx's return policy, “Beauty items opened or tampered with cannot be returned.” 

If the product isn’t your color, you’re stuck. With splurge-worthy prices, this may not be a deal-breaker, though.

Merchandise purchased in a store cannot be returned online. The retailer states this is meant to curb fraudulent return activity.

If you do need to make a return, hopefully, you live close to a store.

Unless you live in a state that mandates refunds for gift cards under a certain dollar amount, gift cards are forever. T.J. Maxx gift cards are ineligible for returns.

T.J. Maxx will not permit exchanges for online orders. Presumably, this is for returns falling outside of the 40-day online return window. The retailer states such exchanges are not allowed “due to our ever-changing inventory.”

Items purchased at T.J. Maxx can only be returned to a T.J. Maxx, store or website. Returns to Marshalls, Home Goods, Sierra, and other sister stores are not permitted.

According to employees on Reddit, some stores will make an exception. Some employees are unaware of the corporate inter-store return ban, while others complain that the policy is inconsistent and unevenly enforced.

Ultimately, the final word may rest with ‌ local stores. A T.J. Maxx manager may be sympathetic to a customer who lives 50 miles from the nearest Marshalls.

But be nice. Always ask, never assume. A store could be in a district or region with stricter enforcement rules, leaving that manager’s hands truly tied.

Large or bulky goods may be more expensive to return, as they often incur additional shipping fees. These shipping and handling costs are non-refundable.

If you make a cash purchase at T.J. Maxx and then have a change of heart or realize rent is due tomorrow, you’ll have to wait 10 days to get your money back.

Many customers assume swimsuits and lingerie can’t be returned, so they don’t even try. However, if all the tags are attached and the merchandise is unworn, you can return these items.

T.J. Maxx includes a return label with every online order. However, there's an $11.99 shipping and handling fee (deducted from your refund) for making a mail return. 

If you received a defective product, the fee is waived. But otherwise, there’s no getting around it — unless you bring your return to a physical store location.

Not all stores stock “The Runway,” a line of specialty apparel and accessories featured at more exclusive T.J. Maxx locations. You can only return Runway purchases at locations that carry the collection.

And the goods may not be worth the fuss. Runway items are supposed to be ultra-upscale, but many store employees say they’re quite lackluster.

As one former corporate employee states, “The company has grown so big there isn’t enough overstocked genuine product,” so they partner with designer brands to produce goods exclusively for T.J. Maxx stores with price tags that “show” a discount.

If you’re a deals maven, T.J. Maxx deserves a spot on your top 10 list. But it’s better to shop in-store than online so you can avoid wasting money on any return fees if something doesn’t quite work out.

Also, some products — like Runway items and bulky, oversized goods — may be more hassle than they’re worth.