A Complete Guide to American Express Return Protection

American Express cards are typically considered premium cards. They include many valuable benefits, including rewards programs like American Express Membership Rewards points. If you're an American Express cardholder or plan to apply for a card, you'll be happy to know that many Amex cards include American Express return protection. This benefit can give you greater confidence when shopping. Keep reading to understand what's included with Amex return protection and find out which Amex cards have this coverage.

What is Amex return protection?

Amex return protection* is a benefit included with many American Express business or travel cards. This purchase protection offers reimbursement for eligible purchases made with certain Amex cards. If you try to return an item to a store within 90 days of purchase and the retailer will no longer take the item back, Amex will refund you the cost of the purchase.

This coverage is beneficial because some retailers have short return policies of either 30 or 60 days, meaning you may be unable to return an item you no longer want. Thanks to your Amex card, you can feel more confident when shopping, knowing you have some added protection.

Limitations

There are limitations in place for this kind of purchase protection. If your card includes American Express return protection, Amex will refund up to $300 per item, including shipping and handling charges. With this benefit, you can claim up to a maximum of $1,000 in refunds per calendar year. The date is based on the date of purchase, not the year you filed the claim. You must have used an eligible Amex card to purchase the item.

If the retailer has a return policy that is greater than or equal to the terms of Amex return protection and it provides coverage for your claims, you won't be eligible for a refund from American Express. Additionally, if you do file an American Express return protection claim request, any product rebates, discounts, or money received from the lowest price comparison programs will be deducted from the item's original cost.

Exclusions

Unfortunately, Amex return protection coverage won't cover every purchase you make. You must have purchased the items within the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands. Items must also be in working order and the original purchase condition, meaning the item can't be visibly used or defective.

Here is a list of items excluded from American Express return protection coverage:

• Animals
• Living plants
• One-of-a-kind items (antiques, furs, etc.)
• Limited edition items
• Going-out-of-business sale items
• Consumable or perishable items (food, perfume, light bulbs, etc.)
• Jewelry (including watches)
• Services and additional costs (warranties, installation costs, etc.)
• Rare and precious coins
• Purchased used and altered items (purchases from secondhand stores etc.)
• Custom-built items
• Compact discs, digital video discs, videotapes, etc.
• Computer software
• Firmware (console games, etc.)
• Maps
• Books, magazines, or periodicals of any kind
• Healthcare items
• Medical equipment
• Personal hygiene items
• Formal wear
• Tickets of any kind
• Motorized vehicles and motorized vehicle parts
• Land, buildings, and fixtures
• Firearms
• Ammunition
• Negotiable instruments (stamps, travelers' checks, etc.)
• Cash and its equivalent (gift cards, gift certificates, etc.)
• Items permanently affixed to a home, office, or vehicle (garage door openers, car alarms, etc.)
• Seasonal items

If you're unsure if a particular item will be covered by your card's American Express return protection, it's best to contact Amex customer service by calling 1-800-228-6855. A representative can verify the details of your coverage and answer any questions you have.

Amex cards that offer return protection

The good news is many Amex cards include American Express return protection.

The following American Express cards offer this protection. Terms apply for all cards listed below:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Amex Platinum Card for Morgan Stanley
• The Platinum Card® from American Express for Ameriprise Financial
• American Express Platinum Card® for Schwab
• The Platinum Card® from American Express for Goldman Sachs
• American Express Senior Gold Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• The Plum Card® from American Express
• Amazon Business American Express Card
• Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• Centurion® Card from American Express
• American Express Business Centurion Card
• Zync from American Express

How to file a return protection claim

If you have a premium Amex card with this benefit, filing an Amex return protection claim is easy. You'll need to first check with the retailer to verify that they won't accept a return. If the store doesn't take the item back, you must contact Amex within 90 days of the purchase date to notify a customer service representative of your request. You can make an official request by calling 1-800-228-6855.

After making the initial call, you'll need to provide American Express with the following within 30 days of your call date:

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

Once your American Express return protection request is reviewed and proven eligible, you may need to send the item to Amex within 30 days for further evaluation. Keep a record of your shipping in case Amex doesn't receive your item. If you're asked to mail the item, American Express will reimburse you for the shipping costs.

Once you make a claim, you can verify the status of your claim by logging into your Amex account.

If you're looking for one of the best cards, American Express has many options. And if you're not yet an Amex cardholder with American Express return protection included in the card benefits, it may be time to apply for a new card.

Still have questions?

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