Five Below Return Policy for Online and Store Orders
Whether you bought the wrong charger, picked up an impulse buy you no longer need, or received a gift that isn't quite your style, navigating a store’s return process doesn't have to be stressful. Shoppers love Five Below for its affordable treasures, but they also love the incredibly generous Five Below return policy.
While the store offers a virtually "unlimited" return timeframe for unopened items, there are still strict rules you need to know about missing receipts, open packages, and online shipping fees. Returning an item in-store is a breeze, but mailing back an online order can easily cost you more in postage than the item is actually worth!
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we will break down everything you need to know to get a fast refund or exchange. From understanding the core eligibility rules and navigating no-receipt returns, to learning how to avoid paying shipping fees on online orders, this guide covers it all.
Keep reading to discover how to maximize your refund and skip the customer service headaches.
Overview of the Five Below Return Policy
At its core, Five Below has one of the most flexible return rules in retail. If your item is brand-new and you have your original receipt, you can return it at almost any time.
Here is a quick-reference summary matrix so you can find an instant answer to your return scenario:
| Return Scenario | Time Window | Receipt Required? | Refund Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unopened & Brand New | Unlimited | Yes | Original Payment Method |
| Unopened & Brand New | Unlimited | No | Merchandise Store Credit |
| Opened & Defective | Unlimited | Yes / No | Exchange or Store Credit |
| Opened (Change of Mind) | N/A (Manager Discretion) | Yes / No | Exchange Only |
| Prepaid/Gift Cards | Final Sale | N/A | Non-Refundable |
Return Window & Eligibility Requirements
When returning an item, the condition of the product and how long you've had it will determine if your return is accepted.
Standard return window
Unlike most competitors that enforce a strict 30, 60, or 90-day cutoff, Five Below offers a virtually unlimited return window. There is no official time limit. You can return or exchange eligible items at any time, as long as they meet the required condition guidelines.
Online vs in-store return windows
The time limits are identical for both shopping channels: virtually infinite. Whether you bought your item at the local mall or ordered a bulk shipment online, you are not racing against a ticking clock. However, the processing methods and shipping rules differ greatly depending on where you bought it.
What items qualify for returns
For a guaranteed, hassle-free return, your items must be in sellable condition. This means the product is in new, unused condition, fully sealed in its original packaging, and has all original tags attached.
Conditions for accepted returns
The biggest debate for shoppers is usually the "unopened vs. opened" rule.
- Unopened: These are 100% eligible for cash or original card refunds, provided you have your proof of purchase.
- Opened: Opened or used items are generally only accepted if the item is verified as defective or damaged out of the box. Be warned that "change of mind" returns on opened items are highly subject to store manager discretion and are rarely approved for a cash refund.
Five Below Return Policy Without Receipt
Losing your receipt is common, and Five Below has a process in place to help. Use the decision tree below to see what happens if you try to return an item without proof of purchase:
┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ Do you have your receipt? │
└──────────────┬────────────────┘
│ NO
▼
┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ Is the item unopened? │
└──────────────┬────────────────┘
│ YES
▼
┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ Store Credit / Exchange Only │
│ (Lowest Promo Sale Price) │
└───────────────────────────────┘
What ID is Required for Receiptless Returns?
If you are making a return without a receipt, cashiers are required to ask for a valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport). This allows the store to track receiptless returns in their system and prevent retail fraud or abuse.
How Lowest Promotional Price Calculations Work
When you don't have a receipt, the store cannot prove how much you actually paid for the item. Therefore, you will not receive a cash refund. Instead, you will be issued a merchandise credit (store gift card) valued at the item's lowest promotional sale price within the Five Below inventory system. If the item went on clearance after you bought it, you will only receive the clearance price.
How to Return Items to Five Below
Depending on how you purchased your item, there are a few different ways to process your return.
In-store return process
Returning items directly to a physical store is the fastest, free method for both in-store and online purchases.
Steps for an in-store return:
- Gather your unopened item, original packaging, and receipt. (If you ordered online, your printed order confirmation email acts as your receipt).
- Bring the physical debit or credit card you used for the original purchase.
- Bring the items to the register at any Five Below location.
- The cashier will inspect the item and process an instant refund or exchange.
Online return process
Five Below uses a hybrid model for online orders. We highly recommend doing an online return at your local physical store. By bringing your online order to a local retail store, you completely bypass all return shipping and handling fees, keeping more money in your pocket.
Mail-in return process
If you do not live near a store, you can mail back items purchased at fivebelow.com. Note that in-store purchases cannot be mailed in.
Steps for returning by mail:
- Email customer.relations@fivebelow.com with your order number to obtain official return authorization.
- Securely package your unopened items in a sturdy box.
- Select a shipping carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS) and purchase a return shipping label.
- Attach the label, ship the package, and wait for warehouse processing.
Return label instructions
It is important to note that Five Below does not offer free pre-paid return labels for standard buyer's remorse returns. The customer is fully responsible for paying the postage to send the item back.
Refunds & Processing Time
Understanding how and when you will get your money back can save you a lot of anxiety.
Refund Methods
Your refund method will always match your original form of payment if you have a receipt. If you paid with cash, you get cash back. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the funds go back to that specific card. If you paid with a gift card, you will be issued a new store merchandise credit.
Refund Timeline
The processing time depends heavily on how you return the item:
- In-Store Returns: The refund is initiated immediately at the register. However, depending on your bank, it may take 3 to 10 business days for the funds to actually clear and appear in your checking account.
- Mail-In Returns: Once your mailed package is received at the distribution warehouse, it takes 7 to 10 business days to inspect the item and issue the refund.
Note: Refunds may be denied if you try to return opened cosmetics, if the item is missing its original tags, or if you refuse to present an ID during a receiptless return.
Exchange Policy
Sometimes you don't want your money back; you just want a product that works.
The Five Below exchange policy is very straightforward. There is no strict deadline for making an exchange. You can swap unopened items easily. If you have an opened item that is demonstrably defective-like a Bluetooth speaker that won't charge or a broken toy-you can exchange it for the exact same item.
To request a direct exchange, simply walk into any physical store, locate the replacement product on the sales floor, and bring both the broken item and the new item to the cashier for a swap.
Items That Cannot Be Returned
While the policy is generous, there are a few hard limits on what the store will take back.
⚠️ IMPORTANT EXCLUSIONS: The following non-returnable items are strictly final sale under the 2026 policy and cannot be returned, refunded, or exchanged:
- Gift Cards: Both physical Five Below cards and third-party brands.
- Prepaid Gaming & Financial Cards: PlayStation, Xbox, Roblox, Visa, and Mastercard prepaid gift cards are final sale.
- Perishable Items: Opened food, candy, and snacks cannot be returned due to health and food safety regulations.
- Opened Makeup/Cosmetics: Unsealed beauty and personal care products cannot be returned due to hygiene policies.
Fees, Deductions & Exceptions
Nobody likes hidden fees when trying to get their money back.
Fortunately, Five Below never charges a restocking fee, whether you return an item in-store or online. You will get the full purchase price of the item back.
However, return shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer. Furthermore, any original shipping and handling charges you paid to have the online order delivered to your house are non-refundable.
The Defective Exception: If your return is due to a direct error by Five Below (for example, they mailed you the wrong item, or the item arrived completely broken), do not pay for your own shipping label. Contact support immediately, and they will cover the return shipping costs by sending you a pre-paid label.
Holiday or Extended Return Policies
During the winter months, many retailers introduce extended return windows to accommodate early Christmas shopping.
Because Five Below already has an unlimited return window for unopened items, they do not need to publish a separate holiday return policy. Gifts purchased months in advance in October or November can still be easily returned or exchanged well after the holidays, provided they remain unopened, have tags attached, and you provide a gift receipt.
Customer Support Information
If you run into issues with a damaged online order or need clarity on a specific product, reaching out to the support team is your best bet.
Here is how you can contact Five Below customer support:
- Phone Number: 1-844-452-3569 (1-844-4-5BELOW)
- Email Contact: customer.relations@fivebelow.com
- Live Chat & Support Portal: help.fivebelow.com
- Operational Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time (EST).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Five Below return policy window in 2026?
There is no strict return window. Five Below permits returns and exchanges at any time, provided the items are unopened, unused, and in sellable condition.
Can you return items to Five Below without a receipt?
Yes. If you return an item without a receipt, you will receive a store merchandise credit or an exchange valued at the item's lowest promotional sale price.
Can I return opened makeup or cosmetics to Five Below?
No. For hygiene and safety reasons, opened or unsealed cosmetics, makeup, and personal care products are non-returnable.
How long do online order refunds take to process?
In-store online returns are refunded immediately. Mail-in returns take 7 to 10 business days to process once received at the warehouse. Card providers may take an additional 3 to 10 days to post the funds to your account.
Can I return an item bought online to a physical Five Below store?
Yes. This is highly recommended because returning an online order to a physical store is completely free and avoids any self-paid return shipping fees.
What should I do if my Five Below order arrives broken or defective?
Contact customer support at customer.relations@fivebelow.com immediately. They will arrange a replacement or issue a refund, and will cover the return shipping costs if a return is required.
Does Five Below charge a fee for mail-in returns?
Five Below does not charge a restocking fee, but you must pay for your own return shipping label if returning an item by mail due to buyer's remorse.
Can I return a gift card I purchased at Five Below?
No. All gift cards, gaming cards, and prepaid credit cards are final sale and non-refundable unless required by specific state laws.
Can I get a cash refund if I return a gift to Five Below?
No. Gift returns without the original receipt will be issued as store credit on a merchandise card or processed as an even product exchange.
Does Five Below offer price adjustments?
No. Five Below does not offer retroactive price adjustments or price matching if an item goes on sale after your purchase.
Conclusion
The ultimate takeaway regarding the Five Below refund policy is that it is incredibly shopper-friendly. Thanks to its unlimited timeline, you never have to rush back to the store. However, keeping your receipt and leaving the original packaging sealed is absolutely critical if you want your original cash or credit back.
Found this helpful? Bookmark this page for the latest return policy updates. If you are doing more shopping this season, make sure to read our related guides-like our Target return policy, the Walmart return policy, and the IKEA return policy-to easily compare store rules before you buy!
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary slightly by location. Always confirm details on the official Five Below website or with your local store manager. Information verified April 2026.
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the Five Below return policy window in 2026?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Five Below has an unlimited return policy window. You can return or exchange eligible, unopened items at any time, provided they are in brand-new and sellable condition."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can you return items to Five Below without a receipt?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes, you can return items to Five Below without a receipt. However, you will receive store merchandise credit or an exchange rather than a cash refund, valued at the item's lowest promotional price."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I return opened makeup or cosmetics to Five Below?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "No. For hygiene and safety reasons, opened or unsealed cosmetics, makeup, and personal care products are non-returnable."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "How long do online order refunds take to process?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "In-store online returns are refunded immediately. Mail-in returns take 7 to 10 business days to process once received at the warehouse. Card providers may take an additional 3 to 10 days to post the funds."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I return an item bought online to a physical Five Below store?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes. This is highly recommended because it is completely free and avoids any self-paid return shipping fees."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What should I do if my Five Below order arrives broken or defective?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Contact customer support at customer.relations@fivebelow.com immediately. They will arrange a replacement or issue a refund, and will cover return shipping costs if a return is required."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Does Five Below charge a fee for mail-in returns?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Five Below does not charge a restocking fee, but you must pay for your own return shipping label if returning an item by mail due to buyer's remorse."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I return a gift card I purchased at Five Below?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "No. All gift cards, gaming cards, and prepaid cards are final sale and non-refundable unless required by specific state laws."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I get a cash refund if I return a gift to Five Below?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "No. Gift returns without the original receipt will be issued as store credit on a merchandise card or processed as an even product exchange."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Does Five Below offer price adjustments?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "No. Five Below does not offer retroactive price adjustments or price matching if an item goes on sale after your purchase."
}
}
]
}
</script>
