Return policy comparison · 2026
CVS vs NuBest
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (CVS) and July 24, 2026 (NuBest)
Winner
CVS
B+
3.7 / 5.0 · Good
NuBest
C-
1.4 / 5.0 · Below Average
The verdict
CVS has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.7/5.0) against NuBest's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 4 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.
CVSNuBest
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
| CVS | NuBest | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 60 days (with receipt) | 30 days (from day after delivery) |
| Free returns | ✓ Mostly in-store | No - $3 fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | $3 flat handling fee on all returns |
| Return shipping | N/A (in-store returns) | A flat $3 handling fee plus original shipping costs are deducted from the refund. A prepaid label isn't provided automatically, but can be requested with its cost also deducted from the refund. |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Prescription meds, opened personal care, gift cards, tobacco, alcohol | Items discounted 30% or more (seasonal/promotional sales), opened, used, or damaged products, items missing original packaging, orders with incorrect addresses provided by the customer, optional SavedBy Order Protection add-on |
| Watch-out items | Opened beauty/personal care usually non-returnable | order cancellations are only accepted within 3 hours of payment; international damaged/incorrect/missing item claims must be reported within 7 days |
CVS tip
Keep receipts. Online CVS.com orders can be returned in-store for free.
NuBest tip
Changed your mind right after ordering? You've only got a 3-hour window to cancel before it locks in for processing - after that you're into the slower return process with the $3 handling fee attached.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, CVS or NuBest?
CVS has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.7/5.0) against NuBest's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is CVS's return window?
CVS's return window is 60 days (with receipt).
What is NuBest's return window?
NuBest's return window is 30 days (from day after delivery).
Does CVS or NuBest offer free returns?
CVS: Mostly in-store. NuBest: No - $3 fee deducted.