GameStop vs Best Buy Return Policy

GameStop

• Items must be returned with all applicable components and original packaging.
• New, non-defective electronics must be in their original unopened packaging.
• Apparel must be clean and unworn with tags attached.
• Products must be in a clean and resalable condition equivalent to the original condition at the time of sale.
• Returns may require a valid Government ID, except where prohibited by law.

Best Buy

• Standard members: most products can be returned within 15 days of receipt
• My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members: 60-day return window on most products
• Activatable devices (cell phones, cellular tablets, mobile hotspots, cellular wearables): 14 days for ALL membership tiers
• Verizon activatable devices: 30-day return window for all customers
• Major appliances: 15 days from delivery for all membership tiers
• Items must be in like-new condition with all original packaging, manuals, cables, and accessories included
• Apparel must be unworn, unwashed, with tags attached
• Missing packaging or components may reduce refund amount or result in denial
• Serial numbers must match invoices
• Health items that contact bodily fluids cannot be returned once opened

GameStop

• Digital content, Gift Cards, Point of Sale Activation (POSA), Trading Cards, Graded PSA Card products, and bundles containing digital products are not eligible for return (final sale).
• Opened new hardware, new software, new accessories, collectibles, and PCs are not eligible for return unless defective.
• Non-defective PCs and their components, laptops, and monitors, if defective, require customers to contact the manufacturer directly for refund/exchange.
• Orders shipped from GameStop.com over $500.00 cannot be returned in-store.
• GameStop reserves the right to limit or decline returns or exchanges regardless of whether a customer has a receipt.
• Refunds issued for lost items are subject to recharge if GameStop can verify delivery or frequent abuse.
• Products or services purchased while on sale or through special promotions may be subject to additional restrictions.
• Orders shipped to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or Alaska are eligible for in-store return only.

Best Buy

• Restocking fee — $45: activatable devices (cell phones, cellular tablets, mobile hotspots, cellular wearables), excluding prepaid phones
• Restocking fee — 15%: drones, digital cameras, camera lenses, camcorders (including action cameras), electric bikes, electric mopeds, premium scooters, super scooters, mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, leg and body recovery systems, projectors, premium cold tubs, saunas, special-order items
• Restocking fee waived: if item is unopened, or if purchased and returned in AL, CO, HI, IA, MS, OH, OK, SC (and where otherwise prohibited by law)
• Non-returnable (final sale): custom/personalized products, non-subscription digital content, prepaid cards and third-party gift cards, vehicle key fobs, memberships and completed services, trading cards, items with 300+ watt-hour capacity, golf carts, UTVs, plumbing items, opened health-related products, opened SIM kits, LEGO products, consumables (ink, fuel, filters, batteries, supplements), delivered standby generators
• AppleCare+ plans: can be cancelled within 30 days for a full refund minus any service already provided; after 30 days, prorated refund based on unexpired coverage minus service value; AppleCare+ is excluded from holiday return extensions
• Holiday decorations (artificial trees, lights, etc.): must be returned within 15 days of purchase, not eligible for holiday extension
• Items with missing or altered serial numbers: not returnable

GameStop

• Refunds issued to the original form of payment.
• Replacement provided for exchanges.
• GameStop gift card or an even exchange for returns with a gift receipt.
• Refunds of payments made in connection with Xbox All Access are provided via check from Citizens One Financing.
• For 'buy now pay later' offerings (e.g., PayPal, Klarna), customers are entitled to a product refund but remain obligated to the payment plan.

Best Buy

• Original payment method (standard for all returns)
• Credit card refunds: 7-10 business days
• Debit card refunds: up to 10 business days (bank-dependent)
• PayPal refunds: 3-5 business days
• Gift card balance refunds: 2-3 hours to 1 business day
• Store credit/check: same day to 2 business days
• Cash refunds over $800: issued by check
• Check payment refunds over $250: issued by check
• Debit cards without major network logos: refund issued by check
• Gift card purchases: refund credited back to gift card
• Shipping fees only refunded if Best Buy made an error or the product was defective upon arrival

GameStop

• Most items can be returned online.
• Online orders may be returned in-store without a fee.
• Shipped returns will incur an $8.99 fee (excludes video game consoles).
• All video game console shipped returns are subject to a $14.99 return shipping fee.
• Items purchased online that exceed $500.00 cannot be returned in-store.
• Refurbished Tech (phones and other smart devices) are returnable only via calling customer service.

Best Buy

• Online purchases can be returned in-store with packing slip or order confirmation email plus photo ID
• Mail-in returns: log into Best Buy account, select item to return, print prepaid UPS label, pack securely with all original contents and packing slip
• Drop off at any UPS location with the prepaid label
• Tracking provided via email for mail-in returns
• Return shipping is free via the prepaid label for standard returns

GameStop

• Most items can be returned in-store.
• In-store returns for online orders are free.
• Items purchased in-store must be returned in-store.
• Bring item along with in-store receipt or GameStop.com order number.

Best Buy

• Bring item with all accessories, manuals, and original packaging to the customer service desk
• Provide receipt, order confirmation, or other proof of purchase
• Present valid photo ID (Best Buy tracks returns and may deny excessive returns)
• Purchases can be found using My Best Buy account, the credit card used, or photo ID

GameStop

• Returns with a gift receipt will be offered a GameStop gift card or an even exchange.

Best Buy

• With a gift receipt: Best Buy issues store credit for the item's purchase price
• Without proof of purchase: returns may be declined
• Store credit issued at lowest 30-day sale price if purchase cannot be verified

GameStop

• Pro Members get an extended return period for unopened new software and hardware (30 days).
• Pro Members get an increased exchange window for defective pre-owned products (30 days, excludes Pre-Owned PCs and Tech).
• Pro Membership cancellation: full refund within 2 days if no benefits have been used.

Best Buy

• My Best Buy (free tier): 15-day return window on most items
• My Best Buy Plus ($49.99/year): 60-day return window on most items; extended 60-day price match window
• My Best Buy Total ($179.99/year): 60-day return window on most items; free return shipping on mail-in returns; extended 60-day price match window; Geek Squad protection included
• All tiers: activatable devices are limited to 14 days (no extension for paid members)
• All tiers: major appliances are limited to 15 days from delivery
• All tiers: Verizon devices get 30 days

GameStop

• Defective merchandise (other than PCs) can be returned or exchanged for an identical replacement within their applicable return period.
• Used defective items can be exchanged within 30 days.
• Defective pre-owned products are exchangeable within 15 days (30 days for Pro Members, excludes Pre-Owned PCs and Tech).
• For defective PCs, PC components, laptops, TVs, and monitors, contact the manufacturer directly.
• If an identical replacement is unavailable, store credit may be offered.

Best Buy

• Contact Best Buy immediately if items arrive damaged
• For major appliances: inspect during delivery and note any damage before signing
• Defective final-sale items may qualify for repair, replacement, or other support through manufacturer warranty
• Defective items within the return window receive standard return processing (no restocking fee)
• Geek Squad protection (for Total members) covers accidental damage beyond the return window

GameStop

Not available

Best Buy

• Best Buy will match a lower price found at Best Buy (in-store, online, or app) during the return and exchange period upon request
• Standard members: 15-day price match window
• My Best Buy Plus and Total members: 60-day price match window
• Best Buy also matches prices from qualified competitors at the time of purchase (Amazon, Apple.com, Walmart, and others)
• Price match items must be new, identical (brand, model number, color), and immediately available
• Excluded from price matching: open-box items, clearance items, refurbished products, Marketplace products, deal-of-the-day or limited-quantity offers
• Updated effective January 16, 2026

GameStop

• New items can be exchanged within 15 days.
• Used items can be exchanged within 7 days.
• Defective merchandise (other than PCs) can be exchanged for an identical replacement within the return window.
• Defective pre-owned products are exchangeable within 15 days (30 days for Pro Members, excludes Pre-Owned PCs and Tech).
• If an identical replacement is unavailable, store credit may be offered.

Best Buy

• Exchanges follow the same timeframes and conditions as returns
• Same-item defective exchanges are fastest when done in-store with available stock
• Upgrades to higher-priced models require paying the price difference
• Activatable device exchanges still subject to 14-day window and potential $45 restocking fee

GameStop

• GameStop retains final authority to accept or decline any item that is eligible for return.
• Non-defective PCs and their components, laptops, and monitors are subject to a 5% restocking fee.
• Shipped returns (excluding video game consoles) incur an $8.99 fee.
• All video game console shipped returns are subject to a $14.99 return shipping fee.
• Returns where a Pro Membership Reward, Coupon or Discount was redeemed may result in an adjusted refund amount.

Best Buy

• Best Buy tracks return behavior and may deny returns for suspected abuse or excessive return patterns
• Returns without receipt may be denied or limited; taxes and fees may not be fully refunded
• Open-box, clearance, refurbished, and pre-owned items are generally returnable within standard timeframes if complete and in original condition
• Open-box items are excluded from price match policy
• Factory-reset and account removal required before returning activatable devices
• Verizon activatable devices have a unique 30-day window regardless of membership tier