Home Depot’s return policy states that you can return an item within 90 days of purchase if unsatisfied. You must carry the purchase receipt to get a refund when returning the item.
But what if you don’t have your purchase receipt? In this case, Home Depot gives you a store credit.
A Home Depot store credit is a card given by the retailer if you return an item without your purchase receipt. You may also get a Home Depot store credit if you return an item you bought using a gift card, after the expiry of the return period, or an item that does not qualify for a refund.
So, how does a Home Depot store credit work?
A Home Depot store credit allows you to use the money paid for a returned item to purchase something else. A store credit works like an exchange, where you get to pick an item of similar value as the one you returned.
When getting a Home Depot store credit, the store requires you to produce a valid ID to minimize fraud or chances of transferring the store credit to someone else. Your ID serves as proof that you are indeed the owner of the store credit when redeeming it.
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Where Can You Use Your Home Depot Store Credit?
You can only use a Home Depot store credit at a Home Depot brick-and-mortar store. Home Depot store credits are not eligible for use in online purchases.
Since the store credit is linked to your photo, you’ll need to show a valid photo ID at the Home Depot store.
Home Depot issues a store credit as repayment for a returned item that does not qualify for a refund in the original payment method. Therefore, you cannot convert a Home Depot store credit into cash.
You cannot use a Home Depot store credit to buy gift cards. This is because Home Depot gift cards are also available for purchase at other retailers, and therefore Home Depot cannot control their sale entirely. In addition, you cannot use your Home Depot store credit to pay for your credit card.
How to Check Store Credit Balance at Home Depot?
To check your Home Depot store credit balance, visit your nearest store. While there, go to a cashier and request them to check your balance. Remember to carry a government-issued photo ID, such as your driving license, to prove your identity.
Initially, you could check your store credit balance via a phone call. However, this service is no longer applicable to prevent fraud. You cannot check your store credit balance online too.
How to Use Home Depot Store Credit?
Your Home Depot store credit is only valid in-store. You can use the store credit to buy almost anything at Home Depot except gift cards. Some of the items that you can purchase using your Home Depot store credit include:
- Furniture
- Appliances (including refrigerators, microwaves, blenders, and dishwashers)
- Tools (including power tools and hand tools)
- Air conditioners
- Building materials (windows, doors, lumber)
- Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other outdoor power equipment
- Lighting fixtures
- Paints
- Gardening tools
Since your store credit is eligible to purchase almost any item at Home Depot stores, can you use it for online purchases?
Here’s what Home Depot says about that:
“To avoid potential fraud, theft and consumer confusion, beginning June 30, 2016, The Home Depot will no longer permit Store Credits to be redeemed online. This change may also protect customers from purchasing fraudulent store credits from third parties.”
Home Depot Return Policy Exceptions
According to Home Depot’s return policy, you can return most new and unopened items bought at Home Depot within 90 days for a full refund processed through the original form of payment.
If you purchase your items using a Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, a Home Depot Commercial Account, or a Home Depot Commercial Revolving Charge, you’ll receive your refund within 365 days from the date of purchase.
However, there are exceptions to Home Depot’s return policy. For example, some items have a 30-day return policy and include;
- Electronics (televisions & computers)
- Furniture
- Gas-powered equipment and tractors
- Area rugs
- Generators (other than whole house and stationary generators)
Home Depot also restricts the return of products that use flammable liquids and gases, such as leaf blowers and lawn mowers, through the mail. If you have bought such an item, Home Depot requires you to return it to your nearest store in person.
Another exception to Home Depot’s return policy is on major appliances. When you purchase an appliance at Home Depot, the store requires you to inspect the item thoroughly before accepting its delivery. If you note any defects or damages, decline the item’s delivery.
However, if you accept the delivery, you’ll only have 48 hours to report any defects or damages to the appliance. Once the time lapses, you cannot return the item to Home Depot.
Although you can return items to Home Depot within 90 days or 30 days, there are some non-returnable and non-refundable items. These include
- Gift cards and store credits
- Utility trailers
- Whole house and stationary generators
- Cut flowers and floral Arrangements
- Product samples such as paint, flooring, fabric, and wallpaper
- Custom products, such as blinds and products bought at Home Depot Design Center
If you plan to make your Home Depot returns in-store, take note of the following exceptions
- You will not get cash refunds for returns on items bought using a gift card or store credit. Home Depot will only issue a store credit for such returns
- You must return special order items to the store you bought them. Such items may also attract a 15% restocking fee
- Items without a receipt can only be refunded in the form of of a store credit at the lowest advertised price. Although Home Depot accepts returns made without a receipt, you can only make a maximum of three returns (without a receipt) within 90 days
- If you bought an item in cash for $1000 or more, you can only get a refund in the form of a check from Home Depot’s corporate office
FAQs
Can you use the store credit at any Home Depot store?
Yes. You can redeem your Home Depot store credit at any Home Depot store, provided you present the cashier with a valid photo ID as proof of identity.
Can you use Home Depot store credit without an ID?
No. You cannot use your store credit without an ID. Home Depot requires a valid ID to prevent fraud incidences.
Can you check your Home Depot store credit without going to the store?
No. You can only check the status of your Home Depot store credit in-store. Home Depot does not offer alternative means such as checking online or through a call.
Does Home Depot store credit expire?
No. Home Depot store credit does not expire. It gives you ample time to plan your purchases.
Conclusion
Home Depot offers a store credit for items returned without the purchase receipt. However, this practice presents a loophole that you can take advantage of. This way, you can purchase an item, use it for a short period, return it within 90 days, and get a store credit, which you can use on another purchase.
However, you can only return the item in-store with a valid photo ID. You can only check your store credit balance at a Home Depot store.
