Does a store have to give me a refund?

No federal law requires stores to accept returns. But if a product is defective, you have rights under the implied warranty of merchantability and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act if you received a written warranty.

What's the difference between a full and limited warranty?

Under federal law, a 'full warranty' means the company must fix or replace the product for free within a reasonable time, and if they can't, you can choose a refund. A 'limited warranty' can have more restrictions.

How to get a refund or warranty repair (US)

Q: Can I do a chargeback if the company won't refund me?

Yes. If you paid by credit card, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer under the Fair Credit Billing Act. You typically have 60 days from the statement date and must have tried to resolve it with the merchant first.

Plain-language guide · reviewed for general accuracy · United States

You bought something that broke, never worked, or wasn't what you expected — and the seller won't help. In the US, your rights come from a mix of federal law, state law, and the specific warranty that came with the product. Here's how it all fits together and what you can do.

1. No automatic right to a refund for buyer's remorse

No federal law requires stores to give you a refund just because you changed your mind. Many retailers offer return policies as a courtesy, but they get to set the rules: return windows, restocking fees, what needs to be unopened. If the product isn't defective, your refund rights come from the store's own policy, not from the law.

2. When the product is defective: implied and written warranties

If a product doesn't work or breaks quickly, you're in stronger territory. Under the Uniform Commercial Code — adopted in every state — most consumer goods come with an implied warranty of merchantability: the product should do what it's supposed to do. If you received a written warranty, the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs it. A "full" warranty means the company must fix or replace it for free within a reasonable time; if they can't, you can choose a refund. A "limited" warranty can have more restrictions, so read the fine print.

Tip: keep the receipt, warranty card, and any emails with customer service. Screenshots of online chat conversations can be especially helpful later.

3. The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule

If you bought something at home, at a pop-up event, or somewhere that isn't the seller's permanent place of business, the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel for a full refund — for sales of $25 or more. The seller must tell you about this right and give you a cancellation form. This does not apply to regular in-store purchases or online orders.

4. Chargebacks: your card company can help

If you paid by credit card and the merchant won't refund you for a defective product or a billing error, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer under the Fair Credit Billing Act. You typically have 60 days from the statement date to file a dispute in writing. You must have tried to resolve it with the merchant first. A chargeback isn't guaranteed, but it's a powerful tool and often gets the merchant's attention.

5. State consumer protection and small claims court

Most states have consumer protection laws that prohibit deceptive or unfair business practices, often enforced by the state attorney general. You can file a complaint with your state AG's office or your local consumer protection agency. If the amount is modest, small claims court is also an option — no lawyer needed, low filing fees, and designed for exactly this kind of dispute.

Common questions

Does a store have to give me a refund?: Not for change-of-mind returns. But if the product is defective, you have warranty rights.
What's a full vs. limited warranty?: A full warranty guarantees free repair or replacement; a limited warranty may have exclusions or fees.
Can I do a chargeback?: Yes, if you paid by credit card. Dispute it with your issuer within 60 days of the statement, after trying to resolve with the merchant.

Every product and situation is different. Tell the assistant what you bought and what went wrong for a plain-language starting point.

This guide is general information about US consumer law and is not legal advice. Warranty and consumer protection laws vary by state. For your specific situation, consult your state attorney general's office or a licensed lawyer.