Express Return Policy: Simplified

Express is a popular American fashion retailer known for offering trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. With stores across the U.S. and a busy online shop, the brand makes fashion accessible to everyone. In this guide, I’ve broken down the Express Return Policy into simple words so you can understand it quickly and avoid surprises.

Express Return Policy Overview Table

Here’s a quick table with what you need to know at a glance:

Who Can Return and What’s Needed

To return anything, shoppers need to show proof of purchase: a receipt, invoice, or order confirmation. Returns or exchanges are not possible without this proof.

Express won’t give any refund, credit, or even a courtesy exchange if the purchase can’t be verified.

Returned items must be in their original state:

• Be in their original condition: unwashed and unworn – unless the product is defective. Defective merchandise can be returned even if it has been worn or used.
• Certain items, such as fragrance or swimwear, may only be returned if they are still in their original packaging and have not been opened or used

Shipping and handling fees are not refundable.

Items Not Eligible for Return

There are few important exceptions:

• Clearance items (marked “Clearance” or with a price ending in .97): not returnable
• Face coverings: not returnable
• Opened/used fragrance or swimwear: not returnable unless still in original condition

Always check the tag and receipt before starting a return to make sure the item doesn’t fall under these exclusions.

Where and How to Make a Return

Online Purchases (Shipped to USA)

US shoppers who order from Express.com can:

• Return by mail (send it back via UPS or another service)
• Return to any Express retail store in the USA (not Factory Outlets)

Returns are NOT accepted at Express Factory Outlet stores for regular Express.com orders.

In-Store Purchases

Items bought at an Express or Express Men retail store must be returned to those store types in the US only.

• Returns aren’t allowed by mail or to Factory Outlet stores
• Bring the receipt and the original item to the store

Factory Outlet Purchases

If you bought from an Express Factory Outlet, return it only to a US Express Factory Outlet store. Regular Express stores or mail returns will not be accepted.

Marketplace Purchases

Marketplace and in-store purchases are never accepted via mail – even for online purchase addresses given for regular returns.

Step By Step: Starting an Online Return

Here’s how to send something back through the online returns portal:

1. Go to the Return Portal on Express returns website.
2. Enter the order number and billing ZIP code. The screenshot of the returns portal is shared below

3. Select which item(s) you want to return and state the reason.
4. Review your return request and submit.

After you finish online, you get three return options:

Option 1: Ship by UPS Mail

• Select “Ship Via UPS” online.
• Print the shipping label (take your email to a UPS store if you can’t print).
• Pack items securely, cross out old addresses, and attach the new label.
• Drop off your package at any UPS location.

Fee: $6.99 is deducted from your refund if you use the Express prepaid UPS label (some exceptions may apply).

Once Express receives the return, they process your refund to the original payment method. This can take up to 10 business days to show up on your account.

If you Paid with a gift card – Expect an electronic gift card emailed to you within 48 hours after your return is processed.

Option 2: UPS Access Point Drop-Off

• Start your return as above, then choose “Easy Drop-Off Near Me.”
• Use the label (again, print or take your email to a UPS Store).
• Drop off at the chosen UPS Access Point or UPS Store.

Fee: $6.99 deducted from your refund for prepaid label use (exceptions possible).

Option 3: Use Your Own Shipping Carrier

You can use your own shipping method if you don’t want Express’ prepaid label. You must pay for and arrange shipping yourself.

Ship returns to:
Express – Returns
30 Transport Drive
Walton, KY 41094

Remember: Express isn’t responsible for packages lost or delayed by your shipping carrier.

Return in Person to a Store (Online Orders)

If Prefer a fast, free refund:

After starting your return online, select “Visit a Store.” Bring your items in (no need for a box). A sales associate will help you with the process.

Note: Online returns aren’t accepted at Factory Outlet stores use, regular Express stores only.

Return Processing and Refunds

• Refunds go back to the original form of payment.
• Refunds can take up to 10 business days after Express receives your returned package.
• Express gift card purchases will be refunded via email, usually within 48 hours.
• Your bank may take longer to show the refund; check with them if it doesn’t appear right away.

International Returns

Bought online from outside the US? Here are the main points:

• Returns are accepted within 60 days of purchase.
• International orders CANNOT be returned in stores – mail only.
• Start by calling Express for instructions: 1-888-EXP-1980.
• Refunds are issued back to the original form of payment.
• Shoppers must prepay postage; costs aren’t covered by Express.Express-Return-Policy-1.pdf

Exchanges

Express does not offer online exchanges right now. To swap for a different size or item:

• Return what doesn’t work using the returns process.
• Place a brand-new order for the new item.

Addresses for Returns

• US Online Purchases:
  EXPRESS – Returns, 30 Transport Drive, Walton, KY 41094
• Canada Online Purchases:
  EXPRESS – Canada Returns, 30 Transport Drive, Walton, KY 41094
• International Online Purchases:
  EXPRESS – International Returns, 30 Transport Drive, Walton, KY 41094

Marketplace and in-store purchases not accepted at these addresses.

How to Contact Express for Help

If any questions or issues come up during your return, Express provides a few customer service options.

• Phone:
  Call 1-888-397-1980 (available 9am–11pm EST, 7 days a week)
• Mail:
  Express Customer Service, 1 Express Drive, Columbus, OH 43230

For international returns, call 1-888-EXP-1980 for step-by-step instructions before mailing anything back.

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Returns

Learning from experience, here are some expert tricks to smooth the return process:

• Always keep your receipt: Express sticks to its “no receipt, no return” rule, so stash that proof of purchase somewhere safe until you’re sure you’ll keep what you bought.
• Check those price endings: If there’s a .97 at the end, it’s final sale – no returns or exchanges, no matter how politely you ask.
• Don’t rush prep: Before mailing anything back, remove or cover up old labels and double-check that you included everything needed for your return to be processed quickly.
• Expect that $6.99 deduction: Using Express’ UPS label? The fee comes right out of your refund – unless your item is specifically listed as exempt in the returns portal.
• Don’t mix up store types: Know whether you bought from a Factory Outlet versus a regular Express store. Outlets and regular stores keep their returns totally separate, even though the brand name is the same.

Common Questions

Summary

Understanding the Express return policy can make shopping much easier. Whether you’re returning an item because it doesn’t fit or because it’s not what you expected, knowing how to navigate the process helps ensure a smooth experience.

Always keep your receipts safe and follow the steps outlined in this guide for hassle-free returns!

Please Note: Return policies can change over time. While this article aims to provide accurate information based on the policy at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check the return policy on official Express website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting Express Customer Service directly is the best resource.