Carter's Return Policy gives you a full 90 days to return most items. That's generous compared to the 30-day standard in retail. The catch is that the refund method and amount depend entirely on whether you still have the receipt, where you bought the item, and whether the tags are still attached.
That 90-day window applies to purchases made online and in-store, as of 2026. But if you don't have a receipt, you won't get cash back. You'll receive store credit at the item's lowest selling price from the past 90 days.
Let's walk through exactly how to get the best outcome for your situation.
Quick Answer
Carter's accepts returns within 90 days of purchase. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have all tags attached. Refunds go back to your original payment method if you have a receipt.
Without a receipt, you get store credit at the lowest selling price from the past 90 days. Free return shipping is included for online orders. Exchanges are only available in-store.
What You Need for a Smooth Return
Before you package anything, check that you have these three things ready.
The item itself. It must be unworn and unwashed. Carter's inspects returns for signs of use. If the tags are missing or the garment has been worn, they can reject the return and send it back to you.
The tags. All original hang tags and care labels must still be attached. That includes the plastic fastener. If you snipped it off to try a onesie on, you've broken the rule.
Customer reports indicate this is the single most common reason returns get denied.
Proof of purchase. This could be:
- The original printed receipt
- An order confirmation email (printed or on your phone)
- The packing slip that came with your online order
- A credit card or bank statement showing the transaction
If you have none of those, you can still return the item. But you'll receive store credit at the lowest selling price, not a full refund.
One more thing: You don't need the original box or poly bag. A regular shipping envelope or box works fine. Just make sure the item is protected during transit.
Your First Decision Branch: Do You Have a Receipt?
This single factor determines how you get your money back. Let's work through the two main paths.
Path A: You Have the Receipt or Order Confirmation
You're in the strongest position. Here's what you get:
- In-store return: Full refund to your original payment method. Cash or credit within minutes.
- Mail return: Full refund to your original payment method within 7, 10 business days after the item is received.
No deductions. No waiting for store credit. The original shipping fee is not refunded, but you don't pay for the return label.
Path B: You Don't Have a Receipt
This is where the decision tree gets tricky. Without proof of purchase, Carter's still accepts the return within 90 days, but the refund is different.
- In-store: You'll receive store credit for the item's lowest selling price in the past 90 days. That means if the onesie you paid $14 for went on sale for $8 three weeks ago, you get $8 in store credit.
- Mail: You can still mail it back, but you'll need to include a note with your name, address, and phone number. Customer service will issue store credit via email after inspection.
One exception: If you used a credit card and can pull up the statement showing the purchase, the store can sometimes look up the transaction and treat it like a receipt return. It's worth asking at the register before accepting store credit.
Your Second Decision Branch: In-Store vs. Mail Return
Once you know you can return the item, you need to pick the return method. The choice affects speed, convenience, and whether you can swap sizes on the spot.
| Factor | In-Store Return | Mail Return |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Immediate refund or store credit | 7–10 business days |
| Exchange option | Yes — swap sizes or colors at register | No — must return and reorder |
| Shipping cost | None | Free prepaid label provided |
| Documentation needed | Receipt or email confirmation | Print return label from account |
| Best for | Fast refunds and size swaps | Online shoppers far from a store |
In-store is almost always better if you live near a Carter's or OshKosh B'gosh location. You walk out with either your money back or a new item that fits. No package.
No wait. No tracking number to worry about.
Mail return makes sense if the nearest store is more than 20 minutes away or if you're returning multiple items and want to do it from home. Just remember that you cannot exchange sizes via mail. You must return the item and place a new order.
How Returns Work for Online Orders
If you ordered from Carter's website or the OshKosh B'gosh site, follow these steps exactly. The process is slightly different from in-store returns.
Step 1: Log into your account. Go to the Carter's website and sign in. Navigate to "My Orders" and find the order you want to return.
Step 2: Select the items. Check the box next to each item you're returning. You can return multiple items from one order in a single package.
Step 3: Choose a reason. The system asks why you're returning the item. Select the most accurate reason. It doesn't affect your refund, but it helps Carter's track quality issues.
Step 4: Print the label. The system generates a prepaid UPS return label. Print it out. If you don't have a printer, you can request a QR code.
Show it at a UPS drop-off and they'll print the label for you.
Step 5: Pack the items. Place the items in a box or poly bag. Include the packing slip if you have it, but it's not required as long as the return label is on the outside. Seal the package securely.
Step 6: Drop off at UPS. Take the package to any UPS location. You'll get a receipt with a tracking number. Keep that tracking number until the refund shows up.
Step 7: Wait for the refund. Carter's processes returns within 7, 10 business days after the package arrives at their warehouse. You'll receive an email confirmation when the refund is issued. The money goes back to your original payment method.
Heads up: If you're returning a gift purchased with your account, the refund goes to the gift buyer's account, not to you. If you were the gift recipient, contact customer service to arrange store credit.
This mail-return workflow works the same for OshKosh B'gosh orders. The two brands share the same return center and the same 90-day policy.
How Returns Work for In-Store Purchases
Returning an item you bought in a Carter's or OshKosh store is even simpler.
Bring the item and your receipt to any Carter's or OshKosh B'gosh location. Hand them to the associate at the register. They'll process the return on the spot.
If you have the receipt, you get a refund back to your original payment method. Cash purchases are refunded in cash. Credit card purchases go back to the card.
If you don't have the receipt, the associate can look up the purchase using your credit card or phone number if you used the Carter's Rewards program. If they can't find it, you'll get store credit at the lowest selling price.
The whole process takes about five minutes. No shipping. No packaging.
No waiting.
Exchanges: What You Can and Can't Do
Exchanges at Carter's are simple, but only one way works.
In-store exchanges are allowed. Bring the item and receipt to any Carter's or OshKosh location. Tell the associate you want to exchange for a different size or color. They'll process it as a return and ring up the new item.
If the new item costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, they refund the difference.
Mail exchanges are not available. You cannot swap sizes by mail. If you ordered the wrong size online, you must return the item and place a new order. There is no way around this.
What you can exchange: Same item, different size or color. Same item, different pattern. No swapping a onesie for a pair of shoes.
What you cannot exchange: Final sale items, underwear, swimwear, or damaged items (those go through the defective process instead).
When You Can't Return: Final Sale and Excluded Items
Not everything at Carter's can go back. Here are the categories that are final sale:
- Clearance items marked as final sale. Look for the "final sale" tag at checkout or on the receipt.
- Underwear and swimwear. These are not returnable for hygiene reasons.
- Gift cards. You can use them, but you cannot return them for cash.
- Items without tags. If the hang tags are gone, Carter's can refuse the return.
- Items past 90 days. There are no exceptions. After the 90-day window closes, the item is yours to keep.
What about washed items? If you washed a garment and then realized it doesn't fit, Carter's can refuse the return. The policy requires items to be unwashed. Some stores may still accept it as a courtesy, but don't count on it.
Handling Defective or Damaged Items
If an item arrives torn, stained, or otherwise damaged, Carter's covers the full cost. You don't pay for return shipping, and you get refunded for the original shipping as well.
Here's what to do:
- Take clear photos of the damage. Show the defect, the tag, and the overall item.
- Contact Carter's customer service at 1-888-782-9548 or through the live chat on their website.
- Explain the issue and provide the photos if requested.
- They will issue a prepaid return label and arrange a replacement or full refund.
The replacement ships free of charge. The refund includes the original shipping cost. This is the only scenario where original shipping is refundable.
What about items damaged in-store? If you notice a defect after bringing an item home from the store, return it with the receipt. The store will exchange it or refund you on the spot.
Gift Cards and Order Cancellations
Gift cards at Carter's never expire. You can use them online or in any Carter's or OshKosh store. You cannot return a gift card for cash.
To check your balance, visit the Carter's website or call customer service.
Order cancellations are possible, but the window is narrow. Carter's processes orders quickly. If you want to cancel, call or start a live chat as soon as you place the order.
If the order has already shipped, you cannot cancel. You'll need to return it normally once it arrives.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Time or Money
These are the most common errors people make with Carter's returns. Avoid them and you'll save yourself a trip back to the store.
Removing tags before trying on. This is the number one reason returns get rejected. Try the item on with the tags still attached. If it doesn't fit, you can return it easily.
Washing before deciding. Once you wash a garment, the return option is gone. Even if you didn't wear it, washing removes the "unwashed" condition.
Waiting past 90 days. Set a reminder for day 85. After day 90, no returns are accepted.
Thinking you can exchange by mail. You can't. If you need a different size, return the item and reorder. Don't wait for an exchange label that won't come.
Assuming store credit equals cash. Store credit from a no-receipt return can only be used at Carter's or OshKosh. It cannot be converted to cash.
Not checking final sale status. Clearance items are sometimes final sale. Check your receipt or the product page before buying.
Decision Flowchart: Quick Guide
Here's a text version of the decision tree. Start at the top and follow the path that matches your situation.
- Do you have a receipt?
, Yes → Refund to original payment. Choose in-store for speed or mail for convenience.
, No → Store credit at lowest selling price. Accept it or try to look up the purchase with a credit card statement.
- Do you have the original tags?
, Yes → Proceed with return.
, No → Return likely denied. You can try in-store, but expect rejection.
- Is the item within 90 days?
, Yes → Proceed.
, No → Return is not possible.
- Is the item defective?
, Yes → Contact customer service for a full refund including shipping.
, No → Use the standard return process.
- Do you want an exchange?
, Yes → Go to a store. Mail exchanges are not available.
, No → Mail or in-store return both work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a Carter's item after 90 days?
No. Carter's does not accept returns past the 90-day window. There are no exceptions.
The return date is calculated from the purchase date, not the delivery date.
What if I lost the gift receipt?
Without a receipt, you'll receive store credit at the item's lowest selling price from the past 90 days. If the gift giver can provide the order number, you can get a full refund to their payment method instead.
Do I need the original box for a Carter's return?
No. You can use any sturdy box or poly bag. Just make sure the item is protected and the return label is on the outside.
The tags must still be attached.
Can I return Carter's items bought at Target?
No. Items purchased from Target must be returned to Target under their return policy. Carter's will not accept them.
The same applies to Amazon purchases.
How long does a Carter's mail return take?
Processing takes 7, 10 business days after the package arrives at the warehouse. Then it takes another 2, 5 business days for the refund to show up on your card. Total time is usually 10, 14 business days.
Can I return a Carter's gift card for cash?
No. Gift cards are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash. They never expire, so you can use them at any time at Carter's or OshKosh stores or online.
Final Recommendations
The smartest approach to Carter's returns is simple. Keep the tags on until you're sure. Save your receipt or order confirmation.
Try to return in-store if you're close to one. And set a calendar reminder for 85 days after purchase.
If you follow those four rules, you'll never lose money on a Carter's return. The 90-day window gives you plenty of time. Just don't wash anything before you decide it fits.