American Express Return Protection Guide: (Exclusions, Claims) [2021]

Offers contained within this article maybe expired.

One of the great perks about using a credit card to make a purchase is that you’ll usually receive built-in protections for that purchase. This is especially the case with Amex cards which offer great return protection.

In this article, I’ll explain what Amex return protection is and how it works. I’ll also show you how to file a claim if you need to and talk about some of the limitations and excluded items, some of which you might not have expected to be excluded.

What is American Express return protection?

Return protection is a special perk that allows you to receive a refund from American Express when the store you made the purchase from has refused to allow you to return the product.

If you try to return an eligible item within 90 days from the date of purchase and the merchant won’t take it back, American Express may refund the full purchase price, up to $300 per item (excluding shipping and handling charges).

Amex will reimburse you up to a maximum of $1,000 per card member account per calendar year based on the date of purchase. So the key limitations are that the return attempt must be made within 90 days of purchase and that you can reimbursed up to a maximum of $300.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

What Amex cards offer return protection?

Not every every Amex card will offer return protection. Here are some of the different Amex cards that you might look to for this coverage:

• Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card
• Amex Gold Card (Senior Version)
• Business Gold Rewards Card
• Business Platinum Card
• Blue Cash Preferred from American Express
• Delta Reserve Credit Card
• Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Platinum Card from American Express (different versions)
• Plum Card
• Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
• Amazon Business American Express Card
• Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
• Centurion Card from American Express
• Business Centurion Card from American Express

You do not have to enroll your Amex card into any special kind of program as the protection is built in to your card’s benefits.

You can search for the terms for your specific card here. 

Amex return protection limitations

As you would expect with a benefit like this, there are going to be quite a few restrictions on the benefit.

Location

The first restriction is related to the location of the purchase. The terms and conditions state that the purchases must be made in:

• 50 United States of America,
• District of Columbia,
• Puerto Rico,
• U.S. Virgin Islands,
• American Samoa,
• Federated States of Micronesia,
• Marshall Islands,
• Palau,
• Guam and
• Northern Mariana Islands

Must use your card

You must also charge the full amount on your eligible Amex card to get a full refund.

Refund limits

As stated, refunds are limited to $300 per eligible item, and $1,000 per Card Member account per calendar year based on the date of purchase, not during the year the claim was filed.

Condition of the product

The item that you purchased must be in the original purchase condition (not visibly used, defective, or damaged in any way) and must be in working order.

Denied attempt for the return

To get coverage, the merchant from which the item was originally purchased must also have denied an attempted return of the item.

Any item purchased from a merchant that has an established return/satisfaction guarantee program which is greater than or equal to the terms of Return Protection, and provides coverage for your claim, will not be eligible for a refund.

Product rebates, discounts or money received from lowest price comparison programs will be deducted from the original cost of the item. The maximum you will be compensated will not exceed the amount charged to the eligible Card Account.

Amex return protection exclusions

There are quite a few items that are excluded from the Amex return protection program. Some of these items are items that you would expect to be excluded like living animals. However, there are a number of items that you might think would otherwise be returnable.

I’ve bolded some of the items that I didn’t expect to be excluded by this program and/or items that you should be aware of.

• Animals and living plants
• One-of-a-kind items (including, but not limited to, antiques, artwork, and furs)
• Limited edition items
• Going-out-of-business sale items
• Consumable or perishable items with limited life spans (including, but not limited to, food, perfume, light bulbs, and batteries)
• Jewelry (including, but not limited to, loose gems, precious stones, metals, and pearls)
• Watches
• Services and additional costs (including, but not limited to, installation charges, warranties, shipping, handling or memberships)
• Rare and precious coins
• Purchased used and/or altered items (including, but not limited to, purchases at auction sites and second- hand stores)
• Custom-built items
• Compact discs, digital video discs, mini discs, audiotapes, videotapes
• Computer software
• Firmware (including, but not limited to, console games, etc.)
• Maps
• Books, magazines or periodicals of any kind
• Health care items and /or medical equipment (including, but not limited to, blood pressure machines and diabetes equipment, items or supplies used for maternity care)
• Personal hygiene items (including, but not limited to, all electrical or non-electrical toothbrushes, razors, or any devices (medical or non-medical) that have been personally used and could be considered a health risk to others);
• Formal wear (including, but not limited to, bridal wear, gowns, prom dresses, and tuxedos)
• Tickets of any kind (including, but not limited to, transportation passes or tickets and event tickets)
• Motorized vehicles (including, but not limited to, cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and airplanes), their parts and accessories (e.g. car battery) as well as those parts and accessories intended for use with the motorized vehicles (e.g. a trailer or audio or visual components)
• Land, buildings and fixtures (including but not limited to, central air conditioner, built-in kitchen appliance and water heater)
• Firearms
• Ammunition
• Negotiable instruments (including, but not limited to, promissory notes, stamps, and travelers checks)
• Cash and its equivalent (including, but not limited to, gift cards and gift certificates)
• Items permanently affixed to home, office, vehicles, etc. (including, but not limited to, garage door openers and car alarms)
• Seasonal items (including but not limited to holiday decorations and costumes)

“Final sale”

It’s pretty common to purchase items that are “final sale” meaning that the merchant won’t allow you to return these items. When this happens, you should still be covered Amex return protection.

How to file a return protection claim

Once you have verified that the merchant will not accept the eligible item, you can file your claim over the phone.

To file a claim, call 1-800-228-6855 within 90 days of the purchase date to notify Amex of your request.

Within 30 days of that phone call, Amex will need you to send in the following:

• A copy of the original store receipt
• A copy of the American Express Card record of charge
• Any other items deemed reasonable by us to process your request

Be sure to keep the item in an easily retrievable place because once your request has been reviewed and deemed eligible, you may be asked to send the item to Amex within 30 days for further evaluation.

You will also need to keep a record of your shipping receipt, as you will need to provide proof of shipping in the event that your eligible item is not received. Amex will reimburse you for all shipping costs.

In reality, you’re not always asked to send in your receipts or even the item you couldn’t return. This is true for cheaper items but if you’re dealing with more expensive items (i.e., those close to $300), Amex might require you to send them in.

If you don’t have to send any additional items to Amex, you might get reimbursed for your item very quickly — sometimes within just a couple of days.

Return protection phone number

If you have any questions you can call the return protection phone number at 1-800-228-6855.

Final word

American Express return protection is a solid benefit that you should definitely consider taking advantage of. The key with perks like this is to act promptly and to keep track of your documentation.