Jos. A. Bank Return Policy: Hassle-Free & Easy Guide

The Jos. A. Bank Return Policy is more complex than most people realize.

Whether you get a full refund or just store credit depends on three things: your receipt, whether the item was altered, and how long ago you bought it. Get those details wrong and you could walk away with store credit instead of your money back.

Our research found that the standard return window is 90 days from purchase. There’s a second 180 day window that only offers store credit. That’s the key distinction most shoppers miss.

Let’s walk through exactly what you need to know.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Most people assume returning a suit is straightforward. You bring it back. They hand you your money.

Done. But Jos. A.

Bank operates differently than a department store. Their policy has multiple branches based on how you bought the item, what you did to it, and when you decided it wasn’t working.

Here’s what’s at stake. A standard return with a receipt gets you a full refund to your original payment method. Miss the 90 day mark and you’re stuck with store credit.

Alter the suit and you might not be able to return it at all. Buy a clearance item and you’re probably out of luck entirely.

The official return policy on josbank.com spells all this out. But it’s easy to misinterpret. Our research dug into the fine print, the common exceptions, and the real world outcomes so you don’t have to guess.

The biggest mistake people make is assuming all returns are treated equally. They’re not. The difference between a full refund and a store credit that expires often comes down to one simple detail: whether you kept the receipt.

Quick Answer

Jos. A. Bank offers a 90 day return window for full refunds.

After 90 days, you get store credit for up to 180 days. Unaltered items with tags can be returned. Final sale items cannot be returned.

Altered items may be refused. Online purchases can be returned in store for free. Mail returns cost $7.95.

The Big Decision Tree: Where Do You Stand?

This is the most important section of the entire guide. Your return experience depends entirely on your specific situation. We’ve broken it down into six common scenarios.

Find yours and follow the branch.

If You Have the Receipt

This is the best case scenario. You have the original receipt, either paper or email confirmation. Here’s what happens.

Within 90 days of purchase. You get a full refund to your original payment method. Credit card refunds typically take 5 to 10 business days to appear. PayPal refunds are usually faster, around 3 to 5 business days.

Between 90 and 180 days. You receive store credit only. The store credit is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. You cannot get a cash refund or credit card refund after the 90 day window.

After 180 days. You’re outside the policy entirely. Jos. A.

Bank may still accept the return at the store manager’s discretion. But it’s not guaranteed. Even if they accept it, you’ll likely receive store credit with a reduced value.

The receipt matters because it contains the purchase date, payment method, and item details. Without it, Jos. A.

Bank has to verify the purchase through their system. That can take longer and may not always work.

If You Have a Gift Receipt

Gift receipts are designed for this exact scenario. They don’t show the price. But they do include the purchase date and transaction information.

Within 90 days. You can exchange the item for something else of equal value. Or you can receive store credit. You cannot get cash back because the original buyer paid for it.

Between 90 and 180 days. Same as above, but store credit is the only option. No exchange. No cash.

After 180 days. The gift receipt is no longer valid. You’ll need to work with the original buyer to initiate a return. Or accept store credit at the manager’s discretion.

Gift receipts protect the recipient from knowing the price. But they also limit the recipient’s options if they want cash back.

If You Have No Receipt

This is where things get complicated. Without a receipt, Jos. A.

Bank has to look up the purchase in their system using your name, email, or phone number. If they can find it, the policy is the same as with a receipt. If they can’t find it, you’re in a different situation.

Store lookup successful. The purchase is verified. You follow the same rules as if you had the receipt. Within 90 days you get a full refund.

Past 90 days you get store credit.

Store lookup unsuccessful. You’re out of luck. Jos. A.

Bank may offer store credit at the lowest selling price for that item. This is at the manager’s discretion. The store credit will be for the minimum value, not what you paid.

Manager discretion. Some store managers are more lenient than others. If you’re polite and explain the situation, they may work with you. But don’t count on it.

The best advice here is simple. Always keep your receipt. If you lose it, check your email for the order confirmation.

Jos. A. Bank sends one for every online purchase.

If you bought in store, ask for a duplicate receipt at the time of purchase. They can email it to you.

If You’re Past the 90 Day Window

This is the most common scenario people get wrong. The 90 day window for full refunds feels generous. But it’s easy to forget.

Suits get hung in the closet. You forget about them. Suddenly it’s been four months.

Day 0 to 90. Full refund to original payment method. No questions asked.

Day 91 to 180. Store credit only. The store credit is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. You cannot get a cash refund or credit card refund.

Day 181 and beyond. You’re outside the policy. The store manager may accept the return. But it’s not guaranteed.

If they do, it’s store credit at the lowest selling price.

The store credit is the biggest gotcha here. It’s not cash. It’s not a refund to your card.

It’s a credit that you can only use at Jos. A. Bank.

And it expires after 180 days. If you don’t use it, you lose it entirely.

Our research found that many shoppers don’t realize the store credit has an expiration date. They assume it’s like a gift card that lasts forever. It’s not.

Mark the expiration date on your calendar. Set a reminder on your phone.

If the Item Was Altered

This is the trickiest part of the Jos. A. Bank Return Policy.

Altered items are treated differently than unaltered items. The rules depend on the type of alteration and the store.

Minor alterations. Hemming pants or shortening sleeves may be accepted at some stores within 30 days. Others do not accept them at all. It varies by location and manager.

The official policy is vague on this point.

Major alterations. Taking in the waist or adjusting the shoulders is typically non-returnable. Once you’ve altered the fit significantly, the item is considered custom. It cannot be resold.

Alterations done by Jos. A. Bank. If the store did the alterations, they may be more willing to accept the return.

They know the work was done correctly and can potentially resell the item.

Alterations done by a third party. If you had the alterations done elsewhere, the return is almost certainly refused. The store cannot verify the quality of the work.

Our advice is simple. Don’t alter a suit until you’re sure you want to keep it. Try it on at home.

Wear it around the house for an hour. Make sure the fit is right before you take it to a tailor. Once you cut the fabric, you’re committed.

If the Item Is Final Sale

Final sale items are exactly what they sound like. You can’t return them. This applies to most clearance items, promotional items, and certain seasonal merchandise.

Clearance items. Anything marked “clearance” or “final markdown” is non-returnable.

Promotional items. Items bought with a special promotion like “buy one get one free” may be final sale. Check the fine print.

Seasonal items. Holiday specific merchandise like Christmas ties or Valentine’s Day accessories is usually final sale.

Socks and underwear. For hygiene reasons, these are non-returnable.

Gift cards. Gift cards cannot be returned for cash. They’re valid for one year from the date of purchase.

If you’re buying a final sale item, be absolutely sure you want it. Check the size carefully. Read the fabric care instructions.

Make sure the color is what you expect. Once you buy it, it’s yours.

Step by Step: How to Actually Start Your Return

Now that you know which branch of the decision tree you’re on, let’s walk through the actual process. The steps differ depending on whether you bought online or in store, and where you want to do the return.

Returning Online Purchases In Store

This is the easiest option. Jos. A.

Bank allows you to return online purchases at any physical store location. You don’t need to print a label or pay for shipping.

1. Bring the item and the receipt. If you have the email confirmation, that works. If you don’t, the store can look up the order using your name and email.
2. Bring the original packaging. This isn’t always required, but it helps. The store can scan the barcode on the box to process the return faster.
3. Visit any Jos. A. Bank location. You don’t need to go to the store where you bought it. Any store in the country will work.
4. Tell the associate you want to return an online purchase. They’ll verify the item and process the refund.
5. Wait for the refund. The refund goes back to your original payment method. It typically takes 5 to 10 business days to appear.

The advantage of in store returns is speed. You walk out with the return processed. No waiting for the mail.

No worrying about lost packages. And it’s free.

Returning Online Purchases by Mail

If you can’t get to a store, you can return by mail. This is less convenient, but it works.

1. Log into your account on josbank.com. Go to the order history section.
2. Select the item you want to return. Click “Start Return” or “Print Return Label.”
3. Print the return label. You’ll get a prepaid shipping label. The cost is $7.95, which is deducted from your refund.
4. Pack the item securely. Use the original box if you have it. Include the packing slip or a note with your order number.
5. Drop off the package at UPS. The return label uses UPS. You can drop it at any UPS store, UPS drop box, or UPS pickup location.
6. Keep the tracking number. Write it down or take a photo. You’ll need it to track the return.
7. Wait for the refund. Once the package is received at the warehouse, it takes 3 to 5 business days to process. The refund then takes another 5 to 10 business days to appear on your card.

The $7.95 fee is the main downside of mail returns. It’s deducted from your refund, so you don’t pay it upfront. But it means you’re getting back less than you paid.

If you’re returning a $100 shirt, you’ll get $92.05 back.

Returning In Store Purchases at a Different Location

This is simpler than you might think. Jos. A.

Bank has a nationwide return policy. You can return an item bought at any store to any other store. You don’t need to go back to the original location.

The process is the same as returning an online purchase in store. Bring the item and the receipt. Visit any Jos.

A. Bank location. Tell the associate you want to return an in store purchase.

They’ll process the refund to your original payment method.

The only complication is if you paid with cash. If you paid cash and don’t have the receipt, the store may issue store credit instead of cash. But if you have the receipt, you’ll get cash back.

What Happens After You Return (Refund Timelines, Store Credit Rules, and Gotchas)

The return process doesn’t end when you hand over the item. There’s a whole chain of events that happens after. Understanding this timeline helps you avoid frustration.

Refund Timelines

Here’s what you can expect for each payment method.

The processing time starts when the return is received or processed. For in store returns, the clock starts immediately. For mail returns, the clock starts when the warehouse receives and scans the package.

Store Credit Rules

Store credit is not the same as a gift card. Here are the key differences.

Store credit expires in 180 days. Gift cards are valid for one year. Store credit has a shorter shelf life.

Store credit is non-transferable. It’s tied to the person who returned the item. You can’t give it to someone else.

Store credit has no cash value. You can’t exchange it for cash, even if you’re under the 90 day window. Once you accept store credit, you’re committed to spending it at Jos. A.

Bank.

Store credit can be used online or in store. You can use it on josbank.com or at any physical location.

The $7.95 Gotcha

We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating. If you return an online purchase by mail, Jos. A.

Bank deducts $7.95 from your refund for the return shipping label. This is non-negotiable. It’s listed in the policy.

The workaround is simple. Return in store instead. In store returns are free.

You don’t pay anything. And you don’t have to wait for the mail.

The Lowest Selling Price Trap

If you return an item without a receipt and the store can’t find the purchase in their system, you may receive store credit at the “lowest selling price.” This is a big deal.

The lowest selling price is the cheapest price the item was ever sold at. If you bought a shirt for $80 during a sale, but the item was once on clearance for $40, you’ll get store credit for $40. That’s half of what you paid.

This is why keeping the receipt is so important. It protects you from the lowest selling price trap.

The 180 Day Clock on Store Credit

Store credit expires 180 days from the date it’s issued. Mark the date on your calendar. Set a reminder on your phone.

If you don’t use the credit within 180 days, it’s gone.

This is different from gift cards, which typically have a longer expiration period. Store credit is treated like a promotional credit, not a gift card. It has a shorter shelf life.

What If You’re Outside the Policy Entirely?

If you’re past 180 days, or if you’ve altered the item, or if you’ve lost the receipt and the store can’t find the purchase, you’re outside the policy. At this point, it’s up to the store manager.

Some managers are generous. They may offer store credit even if you’re outside the policy. Others are strict.

They’ll stick to the policy and refuse the return.

Our advice: be polite. Explain the situation. Ask if there’s anything they can do.

A little kindness goes a long way. But don’t be surprised if they say no. The policy is clear, and they’re not required to bend the rules.

The Most Common Mistakes People Make (And How to Avoid Them)

After digging through hundreds of customer experiences, we found the same mistakes popping up again and again. These are the ones that cost people real money.

Mistake #1: Throwing away the receipt immediately

This is the biggest one. People buy a suit, hang it in the closet, and toss the receipt. Two months later, the fit isn’t right.

Without the receipt, you’re at the mercy of the store lookup system. If it fails, you get store credit at the lowest selling price. Keep the receipt pinned to the garment bag.

Take a photo of it on your phone. Email yourself a copy. Do something to preserve it.

Mistake #2: Altering before you’re sure

We touched on this earlier, but it deserves its own spotlight. A suit that fits perfectly in the store might feel different after an hour at home. The shoulders might pinch.

The waist might gap. The sleeves might ride up when you reach forward. But if you’ve already had it hemmed and taken in, you’re stuck.

Jos. A. Bank can’t resell an altered suit.

Once you cut the fabric, the return window effectively closes.

Try the suit on at home immediately. Wear it for an hour. Sit down in it.

Reach for things. Walk around. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t alter it.

Return it first.

Mistake #3: Assuming the 90 day window starts when you receive the item

This is a subtle but painful trap. For online purchases, the 90 day window starts on the purchase date, not the delivery date. If you buy a suit on January 1st, it ships on January 2nd, and arrives on January 5th, your clock started on January 1st.

If you wait until April 1st to decide, you’re past 90 days. The same applies to in store purchases. The window starts on the date on the receipt.

Mistake #4: Mailing back a return without tracking

People ship the item back using their own shipping method without tracking. The package gets lost. Jos.

A. Bank never receives it. The customer doesn’t get a refund.

And because they don’t have tracking, they can’t prove the item was shipped. Always use the prepaid return label from Jos. A.

Bank. It includes tracking.

Mistake #5: Not checking the final sale status before buying

Clearance items and promotional items are often final sale. People see a great price and buy without reading the fine print. When the item doesn’t fit, they discover it can’t be returned.

The $40 shirt they bought is now a $40 lesson. Before you buy, check the product page for “final sale.” If you’re shopping in store, ask the associate.

Mistake #6: Waiting too long to use store credit

Store credit expires in 180 days. People set the credit aside and forget about it. Six months later, they try to use it and find it’s gone.

Set a calendar reminder for 150 days from the date the credit was issued. That gives you a 30 day buffer to use it before it expires.

Mistake #7: Assuming all stores have the same policy

While Jos. A. Bank’s official policy is company wide, individual store managers have discretion.

One store might accept an altered item within 30 days. Another store might refuse it entirely. One manager might offer store credit for a past 180 day return.

Another might stick to the letter of the policy. If you’re dealing with an edge case, call ahead. Ask to speak with the manager.

Explain your situation. If one store says no, try another location.

What About Gift Cards?

Gift cards are a completely different animal from store credit. They have their own rules and protections.

Can you return a gift card for cash? No. Gift cards are non-returnable. Once you buy a Jos.

A. Bank gift card, you can’t exchange it for cash. This is standard practice across most retailers.

Can you use a gift card to return an item without a receipt? Technically, yes. If you have a gift card that was used to purchase an item, the store can look up the transaction. But the return will go back to the gift card, not to cash.

You’re essentially moving the value from one purchase to another.

How long are gift cards valid? Jos. A. Bank gift cards are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

After that, the card expires. Any remaining balance is forfeited. This is different from store credit, which expires in 180 days.

Gift cards have a longer shelf life, but they still have an expiration date.

Can you check a gift card balance online? Yes. You can check your Jos. A.

Bank gift card balance on their website. You’ll need the card number and PIN. The balance is also available by calling customer service.

Are there any fees on gift cards? No. Jos. A.

Bank does not charge activation fees, monthly maintenance fees, or dormancy fees on gift cards. The full value of the card is available for use until it expires.

What if you lose a gift card? This is a problem. Jos. A.

Bank treats gift cards like cash. If you lose the card, you lose the value. There’s no way to recover the balance without the card number and PIN.

Write down the gift card number and PIN when you buy it. Store them somewhere safe. If you receive a gift card, take a photo of the front and back.

When You Should Just Keep It (Honest Advice)

Not every item needs to be returned. Sometimes the hassle isn’t worth it. Here are the situations where keeping the item is the smarter move.

You’re past the 90 day window but within 180 days. If you’re getting store credit anyway, ask yourself: do I actually want to spend more money at Jos. A. Bank?

If the answer is no, the store credit is worthless to you. You’d be better off keeping the item and making it work. Consider getting the item altered by a third party tailor.

A $30 alteration might make the suit fit perfectly.

The item is final sale. You can’t return it. That’s the end of the discussion. Your options are to keep it, sell it on a secondary market like eBay or Poshmark, or donate it.

Selling it yourself might get you 50 to 70 percent of what you paid. That’s better than zero.

You bought the item on clearance and it mostly fits. If the item is 80 percent right and only needs minor adjustments, keep it. The money you’d spend on a return shipping label and the hassle of finding a replacement isn’t worth it. A tailor can fix most fit issues for less than $20.

You’ve already worn the item and removed the tags. Jos. A. Bank requires items to be unworn and in original condition with tags attached.

If you’ve removed the tags and worn the shirt, you’re past the point of return. Keep it and wear it again.

The return shipping cost eats up too much value. If you’re returning a $40 shirt by mail, the $7.95 return shipping fee is nearly 20 percent of the value. Plus you’re out the time and hassle. For low value items, keeping them is often the better call.

Our rule of thumb: if the item is worth less than $50 and it mostly works, don’t bother returning it.

You’re between sizes and not sure about the replacement. This is a common issue with suiting. You order a 42R and it’s slightly big. You think about returning it for a 40R.

But what if the 40R is too small? Now you’re in a loop of returns and exchanges. If you’re genuinely between sizes, take the item to a tailor first.

Get their opinion. A good tailor can tell you if the 42R can be taken in or if you truly need the 40R.

A Quick Comparison: How This Stacks Up Against Other Men’s Retailers

Context helps. Here’s how Jos. A.

Bank’s return policy compares to other men’s suiting and clothing retailers. This isn’t about ranking one as better. It’s about understanding the tradeoffs so you can make an informed decision.

Here’s what stands out from this comparison.

Men’s Wearhouse is the closest competitor. They offer the same 90 day window for full refunds. But they also accept altered items within 30 days.

That’s a significant advantage. If you’re unsure about alterations, Men’s Wearhouse is more forgiving.

Suitsupply has a much shorter window. 14 days for a full refund is tight. You need to make a decision quickly. But their return shipping is free.

Indochino is a different model entirely. They make suits to your measurements. Returns are for fit issues only, not for change of mind.

That makes sense given the customization.

Brooks Brothers is more generous across the board. 90 days for a full refund. Altered items accepted within 90 days. Free return shipping.

They’re the gold standard for return policies in men’s suiting.

Bonobos has a 60 day window. That’s less than Jos. A.

Bank’s 90 days. But their return shipping is free. And they don’t accept returns on altered items at all.

The takeaway: Jos. A. Bank sits in the middle of the pack.

They’re not the most generous, but they’re not the stingiest either. Their policy is competitive, especially with the in store return option. The one area where they fall behind is altered items.

Most competitors are more accommodating. If alterations are a concern for you, Brooks Brothers or Men’s Wearhouse might be better options.

Final Decision Guide: One Table to Rule Them All

You’ve made it through every branch of the tree. Now here’s the cheat sheet. This single table covers every common scenario.

Find your situation and follow the action.

How to use this table. Find the row that matches your situation. Look at the “Can You Return It?” column. If it says yes, look at “What You Get” and “Time Limit.” Then follow the action in the last column.

A few quick rules of thumb. If you have a receipt and it’s under 90 days, you’re in the best position. If you’re past 90 days, accept store credit and use it fast. If you altered the item, expect a fight.

If it’s final sale, don’t even try.

The one thing to remember above all else. The receipt is your golden ticket. Keep it. Lose it and you lose options.

Store it in your email, take a photo, pin it to the garment bag. Do whatever it takes to hold onto that piece of paper or digital confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return an online purchase to any Jos. A. Bank store?

Yes. You can return any online purchase to any physical Jos. A.

Bank location nationwide. Bring the item and the receipt or order confirmation. The store will process the return and issue the refund to your original payment method or store credit depending on timing.

What happens if I lost my receipt and the store can’t find my purchase?

This is the worst case scenario. Without a receipt and without a record in the system, you’re at the store manager’s discretion. Some managers will offer store credit at the lowest selling price.

Others will refuse the return entirely. Your best bet is to be polite and explain the situation.

How long does it take to get a refund after returning by mail?

The refund process has two stages. First, the warehouse needs to receive and process the return. This takes 3 to 5 business days.

Second, the refund needs to post to your payment method. Credit cards take 5 to 10 business days. Debit cards and PayPal are faster at 3 to 5 business days.

Total time is typically 8 to 15 business days.

Can I return a suit that I had altered at Jos. A. Bank?

It depends on the store and the type of alteration. Minor alterations like hemming pants or shortening sleeves may be accepted within 30 days at some locations. Major alterations like taking in the waist or adjusting the shoulders are almost never accepted.

Ask your specific store’s manager before you bring it back.

Are there any items that Jos. A. Bank will not accept for return?

Yes. Several categories are non-returnable. Clearance and final sale items cannot be returned.

Socks and underwear are non-returnable for hygiene reasons. Gift cards cannot be returned for cash. Altered items are typically non-returnable after 30 days.

Items without tags or showing signs of wear will also be refused.

Is there a restocking fee for returns?

No. Jos. A.

Bank does not charge a restocking fee for any returns. The only fee you might encounter is the $7.95 return shipping label for online mail-in returns. In store returns are completely free.

What is the difference between store credit and a gift card?

Store credit expires in 180 days from the date of issuance. It is non-transferable and has no cash value. Gift cards are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

They can be given as gifts and are transferable. Both can be used online or in store.

Can I return a gift I received without the original receipt?

Yes, if you have a gift receipt. The gift receipt contains the transaction information without showing the price. If you don’t have a gift receipt, the store can try to look up the purchase using the buyer’s name and email.

If that fails, you may receive store credit at the manager’s discretion.