Return policy comparison · 2026
Away vs Checks In The Mail
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
Away
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
Checks In The Mail
C-
1.5 / 5.0 · Below Average
The verdict
Away has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Checks In The Mail's C- (1.5/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 100-day window (above average) versus window not published.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
AwayChecks In The Mail
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Away | Checks In The Mail | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 100 days (unused, original packaging) | 0 days (personalized checks are non-returnable; replacement only for company errors) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No |
| Restocking fee | — | — |
| Return shipping | Free (prepaid label via self-service portal, US/Canada/UK) | — |
| Holiday extension | — | — |
| Non-returnable | Personalized/monogrammed products including luggage tags, gift cards, corporate gift purchases, final sale items | Personalized/custom-printed checks and check accessories once produced |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
Away tip
The 100-day trial expects you to test the product at home before traveling, but items must still be 'unused' to qualify - actually taking a suitcase on a trip can be treated as use and jeopardize the return.
Checks In The Mail tip
This is a print-on-demand personalized product, so there is no standard return/refund path - if checks arrive wrong, your only recourse is to contact customer service and request a free replacement for their error, not a refund; you also have just a 15-minute window after ordering to call and cancel or change the order before it enters production.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Away or Checks In The Mail?
Away has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Checks In The Mail's C- (1.5/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 100-day window (above average) versus window not published.
What is Away's return window?
Away's return window is 100 days (unused, original packaging).
What is Checks In The Mail's return window?
Checks In The Mail's return window is 0 days (personalized checks are non-returnable; replacement only for company errors).
Does Away or Checks In The Mail offer free returns?
Away: Yes. Checks In The Mail: No.