Best Buy is one of the most loved consumer electronics retailers in the country with a huge selection of products including a great array of computer parts on sale.
They stock pretty much everything you could ever need to build your next PC and the full range of graphics cards (GPUs) from AMD and Nvidia.
If you’ve purchased a GPU from Best Buy or are thinking of doing so but want to make a return; perhaps if the performance is below par, your unit is defective or you’ve simply changed your mind, you’ll need to get up to speed with their returns policy.
To help you there, we’ve had a close look at what their returns policy is, how to make a return, when to expect a refund, and much more.
We’ve even done a competitor comparison to see how their policy holds up among the competition.
Let’s dive in…
What is Best Buy’s GPU Returns Policy? The Short Answer
In short, you can return a GPU to Best Buy for a full refund or exchange provided you return it within 15 days or 60 days if you’re a Total Tech member.
You can return it for pretty much any reason. Here are some examples:
- If it’s defective or faulty
- If you’ve changed your mind
- If it’s an unwanted gift
- You’re underwhelmed with the performance
- You ordered by mistake
- Duplicate order
Can You Return Opened and Used GPUs to Best Buy?
You can return a graphics card to Best Buy that’s been opened but they do require that it isn’t damaged, scratched, unsanitary, dented, or missing accessories.
If you are missing any of the accessories, we would recommend phoning Best Buy on 1-888-237-8289 and discussing the same.
If you’ve lost packaging, you’ll probably still be able to make a return but we’d suggest speaking to Best Buy on the above number before you initiate your return.
If you’ve lost key accessories like cables, screws, or software then Best Buy may refuse your return or deduct part of your refund to cover the cost of this.
How to Return Your GPU to Best Buy
You have two options when it comes to returning your GPU.
You can either do it in-store or using the online returns process:
In-Store
You can return a GPU to any of Best Buy’s branches even if you ordered your GPU online.
Take along the GPU with your receipt or invoice/order number and they’ll refund or exchange it for you.
This is the fastest way to get your money back as they will process your return there and then.
Online
You can also return your GPU by following the online returns process which you can initiate by logging in to your account or making the return as a guest (i.e if you ordered as a guest). You will need your order number, last name, and phone number for the latter.
Once you have initiated your return, you will be provided with UPS returns label to attach to your graphics card when making the return.
You can then drop the GPU at a UPS drop-off point.
Will it Cost to Return a GPU to Best Buy?
The returns label provided by Best Buy is a prepaid one from UPS so there is no return delivery fee like some companies charge.
There is also no restocking fee to pay like with some companies so overall your return should be free and cost you nothing.
What About if I Don’t Have a Receipt?
If you ordered online, whether as an account holder or guest, you will have been emailed an invoice upon purchase. Proof of purchase will also be in the orders section on your account.
If you purchased your GPU in-store but don’t have a receipt then we’d suggest taking a long a credit or debit card statement showing the transaction, together with the card you used to purchase the GPU on.
Best Buy should then be able to trace the sale.
If you have no proof whatsoever then Best Buy does reserve the right to refuse your return or to limit the same.
Best Buy Beyond 15 Days Returns Policy for GPUs
We’d first recommend checking your emails and documentation to make sure you’ve not signed up for premium membership as this extends the returns window up to 60 days.
If your GPU has developed a fault outside the 15-day returns window then remember that most, if not all, GPUs come with at least a 12-month guarantee.
Here is a breakdown of the main brands’ warranties:
| Brand | Warranty Length |
| Asus | 36 months |
| Gigabyte | 36 months |
| Nvidia (founders ed cards) | 36 months |
| MSI | 36 months |
| XFX | 24-36 months |
So on that basis, for most cards, you’ll have around 3 years to return them for a replacement or refund if they develop a fault.
The other option is to speak to Best Buy at 1-888-237-8289 and see if they have any wiggle room when it comes to extending the window. You may have some luck if the returns window has only just expired.
For cards that you can’t return under the warranty and are well beyond the 15 days, you could always just sell. GPUs still have awesome resale value and you can get almost full price for second-hand units on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
A final option is to make a claim on your home insurance policy if it provides refund protection, accidental damage, or fault coverage. Check with your provider to see if you have any coverage that applies to your circumstances.
How Does Best Buy’s Return Policy Compare to the Competition?
We’ve done a competitor comparison to see how other stores’ returns policies hold up when it comes to GPUs.
This might be helpful if you’ve not yet ordered or you’re thinking of purchasing a replacement card somewhere else other than Best Buy:
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, Best Buy’s returns policy for GPUs is pretty underwhelming and beaten by all of its rivals.
You only really get a decent returns window (60 days rather than 15) if you pay for premium membership and that costs $200 per year, which is not really worth it in our view.
However, Best Buy does offer free returns and has a great selection of GPUs at reasonable prices so it’s not all bad.
