Return policy comparison · 2026
Ross vs TJ Maxx
Policy data verified May 26, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
Ross
B+
3.4 / 5.0 · Good
TJ Maxx
B-
2.7 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Ross has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against TJ Maxx's B- (2.7/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee unclear.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
RossTJ Maxx
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
| Ross | TJ Maxx | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days | 30 days (in-store); 40 days (online) |
| Free returns | Yes — in-store only | Yes — free in-store; $11.99 fee for mail returns |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | Not published |
| Return shipping | No return shipping; all returns must be made in-store | Free in-store; $11.99 flat fee by mail (deducted from refund) |
| Holiday extension | Yes — varies year to year; December purchases historically returnable through late January | Yes — in-store purchases Oct 5–Dec 24 returnable through Jan 25 |
| Holiday deadline | Jan 31 | Jan 25 |
| Non-returnable | Opened software, used/worn/altered items, final sale items, swimwear without hygienic liner, used undergarments, worn jewelry | Used/worn/unsellable items, gift cards, swimwear & intimates without attached tickets, final sale items |
| Watch-out items | After 30 days with receipt: exchange or store credit only (no cash refund); Software: no refund if opened; Jewelry: must be returned to a Ross location with a jewelry department | None documented; final sale items noted as non-returnable |
Ross tip
Without a receipt you only get store credit at current selling price — clearance markdowns mean you could get far less than you paid.
TJ Maxx tip
Return online orders in-store to skip the $11.99 mail fee — bring your shipping confirmation email and original plastic packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Ross or TJ Maxx?
Ross has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against TJ Maxx's B- (2.7/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee unclear.
What is Ross's return window?
Ross's return window is 30 days.
What is TJ Maxx's return window?
TJ Maxx's return window is 30 days (in-store); 40 days (online).
Does Ross or TJ Maxx offer free returns?
Ross: Yes — in-store only. TJ Maxx: Yes — free in-store; $11.99 fee for mail returns.