Old Navy refund timing depends on your payment method and whether you return in-store or by mail
Old Navy processes most refunds within 5 to 7 business days after they receive your return. If you returned items in a store, that clock starts when the cashier processes the return. If you mailed items back, it starts when Old Navy's warehouse receives and scans your package — not when you drop it off at the post office. The money then takes an additional 1 to 5 business days to appear in your account, depending on your bank.
The total time from return to money in hand is usually 7 to 14 business days, though it can stretch to 21 days if your bank is slow or if Old Navy's warehouse is backed up. Credit card refunds and debit card refunds follow the same timeline. Store credit appears instantly at the register if you return in-store, or within 24 hours if you return by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Old Navy processes refunds 5 to 7 business days after receiving your return, then your bank takes 1 to 5 additional days to post the money.
- In-store returns are fastest because Old Navy processes them immediately, though the money still needs 1 to 5 days to reach your account.
- Mail-in returns start their timer when Old Navy's warehouse scans your package, not when you mail it, so track your shipment to know when processing begins.
- Store credit refunds appear instantly in-store or within 24 hours for mail returns, making them the fastest option if you shop at Old Navy again.
- Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a return processed on Friday will not show in your account until the following Tuesday at earliest.
In-store returns process faster than mail-in returns
When you return items at an Old Navy store, the refund is initiated immediately. The cashier scans your receipt or looks up your transaction, processes the return, and the system records it that same day. Your money does not appear in your account instantly, though — your bank still needs 1 to 5 business days to post the refund after Old Navy sends it.
This is the fastest path because there is no shipping delay. You walk out knowing the return is done. If you paid with a debit card, some banks post refunds within 24 hours; others take the full 5 days. Credit card refunds typically appear within 3 to 5 business days. If you chose store credit instead of a refund, it shows up on your receipt immediately and you can use it right away.
Mail-in returns have a longer timeline because of shipping and warehouse processing
When you mail items back to Old Navy, the processing clock does not start when you drop the package at the post office. It starts when Old Navy's warehouse receives your package and scans it into their system. Depending on shipping speed and how far you are from their warehouse, this can take 3 to 10 business days. You can track your package through the carrier to see when it arrives, but Old Navy's system may take another 1 to 2 days after delivery to actually scan and log it.
Once Old Navy scans your return, they have 5 to 7 business days to process the refund and send it to your bank. Your bank then takes 1 to 5 additional days to post it. In total, mail-in returns usually take 10 to 21 business days from the day you mail the package. If your return includes multiple items or if the warehouse is processing a high volume of returns, it can take closer to 21 days.
Different payment methods affect how fast the money reaches your account
Credit card refunds typically post within 3 to 5 business days after Old Navy sends them. The credit card company receives the refund and applies it to your account, and you see it reflected in your available credit. Debit card refunds can be faster — some banks post them within 24 hours — but others take the full 5 business days. The variation depends on your specific bank's processing speed, not Old Navy's.
If you paid with a gift card or store credit, the refund appears instantly at the register for in-store returns. For mail returns, store credit posts within 24 hours and you can use it online or in-store immediately. PayPal refunds follow the same timeline as credit cards, usually 3 to 5 business days. If you used a third-party payment service like Affirm or Klarna, contact that service directly — Old Navy sends the refund to them, and they handle posting it to your account.
Track your mail-in return to know when processing begins
Old Navy includes a prepaid shipping label with mail-in returns. Use the tracking number on that label to monitor your package's progress. Once it shows as delivered at Old Navy's warehouse, you know the processing clock has started. You can then expect the refund to be processed within 5 to 7 business days after that delivery date.
If your tracking shows the package was delivered but you do not see a refund after 10 business days, contact Old Navy customer service with your tracking number and order number. They can look up whether the warehouse actually scanned your return into the system. Sometimes packages sit in a facility for a day or two before being logged, which can delay the start of processing.
What to do if your refund does not arrive on time
If 21 business days have passed since you returned items in-store, or since your mail-in package was delivered, contact Old Navy customer service. Have your order number, return confirmation number (if you have one), and payment method ready. For mail returns, also have your tracking number. Old Navy can check whether your return was actually processed or if it is still in the queue.
If Old Navy confirms the refund was sent but your bank has not posted it after 5 additional business days, contact your bank's customer service. Provide them with the date Old Navy sent the refund and ask them to trace it. Banks can usually locate a refund that is in transit. If the refund was sent more than 10 business days ago and your bank cannot find it, Old Navy may need to issue a replacement refund or process a chargeback on your behalf.
Store credit refunds are the fastest option if you plan to shop again
If you do not mind using the money at Old Navy, choosing store credit instead of a cash refund cuts your wait time dramatically. In-store, it is instant — the credit appears on your receipt and you can use it immediately. For mail returns, store credit posts within 24 hours and works online or in any Old Navy store. You do not have to wait for your bank to process anything.
Store credit also eliminates the risk of a refund getting lost in transit or delayed by your bank. The tradeoff is that you can only spend it at Old Navy, not anywhere else. If you have items you have been wanting to buy or need to replace what you returned, store credit is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do weekends and holidays count toward the 5 to 7 business days?
No. Old Navy counts only business days — Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. A return processed on Friday will not be counted as day one until the following Monday. This is why a return initiated on a Thursday might not show in your account until the following Wednesday or Thursday.
Why does my bank say it received a refund but I do not see the money?
Your bank may have received the refund but not yet posted it to your available balance. Debit card refunds sometimes appear as "pending" for 24 to 48 hours before becoming available. Check your account activity or pending transactions — the refund may be there but not yet cleared. If it has been pending for more than 2 business days, contact your bank.
Can I speed up a mail-in return by paying for faster shipping?
Old Navy provides a prepaid label, so you cannot choose a different shipping speed. Using your own faster shipping method does not help because Old Navy's processing timeline starts when they scan your package, not when it is shipped. The fastest option is always an in-store return.
What if Old Navy says they never received my mail-in return?
If your tracking shows delivered but Old Navy has no record, ask for a supervisor. Provide your tracking number and ask them to check with the warehouse. If the package is truly lost, Old Navy should either locate it or issue a replacement refund. Keep your tracking information until the refund appears in your account.
Do Old Navy online returns take longer than in-store returns?
Yes. Online returns are processed as mail-in returns, so they follow the 10 to 21 business day timeline. In-store returns are processed immediately. If you ordered online but can return to a physical store, doing so will get your refund faster.