Return policy comparison · 2026
Christianbook.com vs Magazines.com
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Christianbook.com) and July 24, 2026 (Magazines.com)
Christianbook.com
C+
2.2 / 5.0 · Fair
Winner
Magazines.com
A+
5.0 / 5.0 · Exceptional
The verdict
Magazines.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against Christianbook.com's C+ (2.2/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Christianbook.comMagazines.com
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
| Christianbook.com | Magazines.com | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 60 days (new, unopened, sellable condition) | ✓ Unlimited (unmailed issues only) |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | 20% or more depending on condition of non-compliant returns | ✓ None |
| Return shipping | Customer pays return shipping; merchandise cost only is reimbursed, not original shipping | N/A - digital/subscription refund, no physical item is shipped back |
| Holiday extension | VBS (Vacation Bible School) products may be returned after VBS ends, up to September 30 of the current year | None published |
| Non-returnable | Personalized items (unless defective), opened DVDs/CDs/software/media (replacement only) | Issues that have already been mailed to you are not refundable - the guarantee only covers issues not yet sent |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
Christianbook.com tip
Opened media (DVDs, CDs, software) can only be exchanged for a replacement of the same item, not refunded, so check media packaging before opening if you might not keep it.
Magazines.com tip
The refund only covers issues that haven't shipped yet, so if you cancel a year-long subscription three months in, you get a prorated refund for the remaining unmailed issues, not the full amount you originally paid.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Christianbook.com or Magazines.com?
Magazines.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against Christianbook.com's C+ (2.2/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Christianbook.com's return window?
Christianbook.com's return window is 60 days (new, unopened, sellable condition).
What is Magazines.com's return window?
Magazines.com's return window is Unlimited (unmailed issues only).
Does Christianbook.com or Magazines.com offer free returns?
Christianbook.com: No - fee deducted. Magazines.com: Yes.