Cathy Desmet
Short Answer
Many Kroger stores allow customers 30 days to make a return; however, the official corporate policy has no set time limit, so the rules will vary by store. Individual stores also have the authority to set other rules, such as requiring a receipt. Some stores don’t require the receipt if the item costs less than $5.
Kroger Return Policy
The Kroger return policy lets you return any item for any reason at any time, a corporate customer service representative said. You will typically need to present the receipt, the item, and the item’s original packaging in order to get a full refund.
However, the policy can vary slightly by store. About half of the store associates we spoke with in the course of our research confirmed the return policy as outlined above; however, the other half told us that the return window is 30 days and a receipt is not required for items that cost less than $5.
Perishable, prepared, and packaged items can be returned — even if they are spoiled.
We contacted Kroger stores in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennesee to confirm this information.
Returns Without a Receipt
If your local store accepts returns without a receipt, your refund will be issued in the form of a Kroger gift card; returns with a receipt will be refunded to the original payment method.
If you no longer have your receipt but you are a Kroger Plus rewards cardholder, a store associate may be able to look up your transaction (as previously reported).
See our dedicated research for more on returning an item at Kroger without a receipt.
Store Brand Guarantee
Kroger specifically guarantees products from its own store brand. If you are not happy with the quality of the product or don’t like it in general, you can return or exchange it at any time.
If you don’t have the receipt, you may still be able to get a replacement item or be issued a refund in the form of a Kroger gift card.
Katie Spence
Loren Eaton
Caitlin Troutt
Lindsey Desmet
William Lipovsky