Burlington refunds typically take 5 to 7 business days after you return items in-store, or 7 to 10 business days if you mail the return
The timeline depends on how you return your items and which payment method you used. In-store returns are faster because Burlington processes them immediately at the register. If you mailed your return, the clock starts when Burlington's warehouse receives and scans your package, not when you drop it off at the post office or shipping location.
Refunds to original payment methods—debit cards, credit cards, or PayPal—post to your account within the timeframe above. Refunds to a Burlington gift card appear instantly at the register if you return in-store. If you used a check or money order, Burlington will mail you a check, which adds another 5 to 7 business days for postal delivery.
Key Takeaways
- In-store returns process within 5 to 7 business days; mailed returns take 7 to 10 business days from the date the warehouse receives your package.
- The return window is 45 days from purchase for most items, 30 days for clearance merchandise, and some items cannot be returned at all.
- Refunds to debit or credit cards post to your bank or card issuer, which may take an additional 1 to 3 business days to show in your account.
- If you do not see your refund after 10 business days for in-store returns or 14 business days for mailed returns, contact Burlington customer service with your receipt or order number.
- Gift card refunds appear instantly at the register; check or money order refunds are mailed and take an additional 5 to 7 business days to arrive.
In-store returns and how they process
When you return items at a Burlington store, the cashier processes the refund at the register. The transaction is recorded in Burlington's system immediately. If you paid with a debit card or credit card, the refund is sent to your card issuer within 5 to 7 business days. Your bank or card company then posts it to your account, which can take an additional 1 to 3 business days depending on your financial institution.
If you return items without a receipt, Burlington can still process the return if you have your ID and the item has a security tag or barcode. The refund amount is based on the current selling price, not what you paid. This may result in a lower refund than you expected if the item has been marked down since your purchase.
Gift card refunds are the fastest option for in-store returns. If you paid with a Burlington gift card, the balance is restored to that card immediately at the register. You can use it right away or save it for a future purchase.
Mailed returns and when the clock starts
If you mail your return, the processing timeline begins when Burlington's warehouse receives and scans your package, not when you ship it. This is an important distinction. If your package takes 5 days to arrive at the warehouse, those 5 days do not count toward the 7 to 10 business day refund window. Once the warehouse scans your return, Burlington has 7 to 10 business days to process it and send the refund to your payment method.
Use a trackable shipping method so you can confirm delivery to Burlington's warehouse. The return address is printed on your return label or packing slip. Keep your tracking number until the refund appears in your account. If your package shows delivered but you do not see a refund after 10 business days, use the tracking number when you contact Burlington customer service.
Burlington does not refund original shipping costs unless the return is due to a defect or Burlington's error. Return shipping is your responsibility unless the item arrived damaged or was the wrong size due to a warehouse mistake.
Why your refund might take longer than expected
Several situations can delay a refund beyond the standard timeline. If you returned items after the 45-day window (or 30 days for clearance items), Burlington will not process the return. Items with missing tags, signs of wear, or stains may be refused or held for inspection, which adds time. Some items—like intimates, swimwear, and final-sale merchandise—cannot be returned at all.
If you paid with a debit card, your bank may take longer to post the refund than a credit card issuer would. Some banks hold refunds for 3 to 5 business days as a fraud prevention measure. Contact your bank if a refund shows as pending but does not post within the expected timeframe.
Mailed returns can be delayed if your package is lost in transit or if the return address on your label is incorrect. Always use the prepaid return label provided by Burlington. If you use your own shipping label or address, your return may not be tracked properly and could be lost.
How to track your mailed return
When you initiate a return online or at a store, Burlington provides a return label with a tracking number. This number is your proof that you sent the return. Enter it into the carrier's website (USPS, UPS, or FedEx, depending on the label) to see the current status and expected delivery date to Burlington's warehouse.
Once the warehouse receives your package, they scan it into their system. Some customers receive an email confirmation when their return is received, but this is not may provide. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 2 to 3 business days of the tracking status showing delivery, you can contact Burlington with your tracking number and order number to confirm receipt.
Keep your tracking number, receipt, and order number until the refund posts to your account. If there is a dispute, these documents are your proof that you returned the items.
What to do if your refund does not arrive on time
If 10 business days have passed since your in-store return and you do not see the refund, or if 14 business days have passed since your mailed return was received at the warehouse, contact Burlington customer service. Have your receipt or order number ready. If you made a mailed return, also have your tracking number.
Burlington's customer service team can check the status of your return in their system and confirm whether the refund was processed. If the refund was sent to your card issuer, they can provide the date it was submitted. Your bank or card company can then tell you why it has not posted yet.
If Burlington confirms the refund was sent but your bank has not received it after 3 to 5 additional business days, contact your bank's fraud department. Occasionally, refunds are flagged as suspicious activity and held. Your bank can release it once you confirm the transaction is legitimate.
Refunds to different payment methods
| Payment Method | Refund Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | 5–7 business days to card issuer; 1–3 additional days to post | Fastest option for most customers. Card issuer controls posting time. |
| Debit Card | 5–7 business days to bank; 3–5 additional days to post | Banks often hold refunds longer than credit card issuers. Check with your bank if delayed. |
| PayPal | 5–7 business days to PayPal account | Refund appears in your PayPal balance; transfer to bank takes additional 1–3 days. |
| Burlington Gift Card | Instant (in-store); 7–10 business days (mailed return) | In-store returns restore balance immediately. Mailed returns credited after warehouse processes return. |
| Check or Money Order | 5–7 business days to mail; 5–7 additional days for delivery | Slowest option. Burlington mails a check to your address on file. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 45-day return window include weekends and holidays?
The 45-day window is counted in calendar days, so weekends and holidays are included. If you purchased an item on January 1 and it is now February 15, you are past the 45-day window even if some of those days were holidays. Count back 45 days from today to find your purchase date cutoff.
Can I return an online order to a Burlington store?
Yes. Online orders can be returned at any Burlington store location. Bring the item in its original condition with tags attached, and bring your order confirmation email or receipt. The refund processes the same way as an in-store purchase return—5 to 7 business days to your original payment method.
What if my refund shows as pending on my credit card but never posts?
Pending refunds usually post within 3 to 5 business days. If it remains pending longer, contact your credit card issuer. They can tell you whether the refund is still in process or if there is a problem. Burlington can confirm on their end that the refund was sent; your card company controls when it actually posts to your account.
Do I get refunded for return shipping if I use my own label?
No. Burlington only refunds return shipping if they provide the prepaid label or if the return is due to a defect or Burlington's error. If you choose to use your own shipping method, you pay for it. Always use the return label Burlington provides to ensure your return is tracked and counted toward your refund timeline.
Can I exchange an item instead of getting a refund?
Yes. Exchanges are processed the same way as returns. If the new item is the same price, no refund is issued. If the new item costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, the difference is refunded using the same timeline as a regular return—5 to 7 business days for in-store exchanges, 7 to 10 business days for mailed exchanges.