Academy Return Policy: Simplified

Academy Sports + Outdoors is a go-to store in the USA for sports gear, outdoor equipment, and more. If you ever need to return something, Academy return policy is designed to be clear, fair, and help keep prices low. Here’s everything you need to know, explained simply and in detail.

Academy Return Policy Overview Table

How the Academy Return Policy Works

How Long Do You Have?

• 60 days from the purchase date for both in-store and online orders.
• All refunds go back to the original form of payment.

Condition of Items

• Items must be resalable: no visible wear or usage, in original packaging, with all original paperwork, parts, and accessories.
• If the product is defective, damaged in transit, or has a valid performance issue, you can still return it.

Returning In-Store Purchases

Academy makes in-store returns straightforward, but there are important details depending on what you bring with you.

With a Purchase Receipt

• Bring your item and the original receipt to Academy store.
• Refund is given in the original form of payment, or you can do an even exchange.

With a Gift Receipt

• Bring the item and your gift receipt.
• You’ll get a merchandise credit (store credit) or an even exchange.

Without a Receipt

• Academy will try to verify your purchase using your credit or debit card info.
• If verified, you get a refund in the original form of payment or an even exchange.
• If not verified, you get a merchandise credit for the lowest price in the last 90 days or an even exchange.
• You must show a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc.).

Fraud Prevention

• Academy monitors returns for fraud and abuse.
• They can limit or refuse returns—even with a valid receipt or packing slip—to keep prices low for everyone.
• They may deactivate merchandise credits and gift cards if fraud is suspected.

Special Vendor or Government Rules

• Some brands, suppliers, or government rules may require different return policies.
• Ask a team member or Customer Care if you’re unsure.

Returning Online and Mobile App Purchases

Return to Store With a Packing Slip

• Your packing slip is your receipt for online orders.
• You can get a copy of your packing slip from your Academy.com account or the Academy app under Order Status.
• Enter the Order Number and Email as shown in the below screenshot.
• Bring your item and packing slip to any Academy store.
• You’ll get a refund of the purchase price (minus any non-refundable shipping or other charges, unless eligible for refund), in the original payment method, or an even exchange.

Return to Store Without a Packing Slip

• If you don’t have a packing slip, Academy will try to help you get a copy.
• If Academy can verify your purchase, you’ll get a refund (minus any non-refundable charges, unless eligible for refund) in the original payment method or an even exchange.
• If Academy cannot verify your purchase, you’ll get a merchandise credit for the item’s lowest price in the last 90 days or an even exchange.
• Valid government-issued photo ID is required for all returns without a packing slip.

Return by Mail (with packing slip)

1. Check for Your Packing Slip:
   Your packing slip is your receipt for online orders. If you don’t have it, you can create and print a new one from your Academy.com account or the Academy app under Order Status.
2. Prepare Your Return:
   • Fill in any requested information on the packing slip.
   • Place the packing slip inside the return box with the item you’re sending back.
3. Ship Your Return To:
   Academy Returns Center
1549 Primewest Parkway
Katy, TX 77449
4. Refund Details:
   • Academy will refund the purchase price (minus any non-refundable academy.com charges, unless you’re eligible for those charges to be refunded) to your original form of payment.
   • Refunds are processed only after Academy receives and inspects the returned merchandise.
5. Special Notes:
   • If you need to return an item that required special or bulk shipping, contact Academy Customer Care for help.
   • Important: Items purchased online and picked up in-store cannot be returned by mail. These must be returned in-store.

Important Exclusions and Special Items

Some items have special rules or can’t be returned:

How Academy Issues Refunds

• Cash/Check Purchases: Refund in cash (receipt required).
• Credit/Debit Card: Refund to the same card.
• Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.: Refund to the original account.
• Gift Card or No Receipt: Merchandise credit.
• Returns without receipt/packing slip: Merchandise credit for the lowest price in the last 90 days or an even exchange.

Price Matching and Adjustments

Did you know that Academy doesn’t just match competitor prices – they beat them! Here’s what you need to know:

• Academy guarantees the best price every day.
• If you find a lower price somewhere else, Academy will beat it by 5%.
• This means you’re always getting the best deal at Academy.

But what if you buy something and then the price goes down? Don’t worry! Academy has you covered:

• If the price of an item you bought goes down within 14 days of your purchase, Academy will adjust the price for you.
• You’ll need to bring your original receipt to get the price adjustment.

This policy shows that Academy really wants to make sure you’re getting the best deal, even after you’ve made your purchase.

What You Need for a Return Without a Receipt

• Valid government-issued photo ID is always required.
• Examples: U.S., Canada, or Mexico driver’s license; passport; U.S. military ID; state-issued ID card; U.S. permanent resident card; U.S. laser visa; Matricula Consular; Canadian province ID.
• Academy may review and keep your ID info and return history to prevent fraud.

How to Contact Academy for Help

1. Customer Care: Use phone or chat options on Academy’s website.
2. In-Store: Ask any Academy team member.
3. Special or Bulk Returns: Contact Customer Service for instructions.
4. Online Account: Log in to your Academy.com account to track orders, print packing slips, or start a return.

Common Questions

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Returns

• Save your receipt or packing slip: Take a picture or keep it in a safe place.
• Don’t open items unless you’re sure you’ll keep them: Especially for bats and software!
• Bring your ID for all returns without a receipt or packing slip.
• Return in-store for faster refunds.
• Start your return well before the 60-day window closes.
• For bulk or special shipping returns, always call Customer Care first.
• Check if your item is a special exclusion before you try to return it.

Summary

Returning something at Academy doesn’t have to be a headache. Just remember the 60-day window, keep your items in good shape, and bring your receipt or ID. If you ever get stuck, Academy’s team is there to help. Happy shopping—and easy returning!

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 Academy Sports + Outdoors website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting Academy Customer Service directly is the best resource.