Ross refunds typically take 5 to 7 business days to reach your account after the store processes your return

The timeline depends on how you paid. If you used a debit card or credit card, the refund goes back to that card and usually shows up within 5 to 7 business days. If you paid with cash, the store gives you cash back when ready at the register — no waiting. If you used a gift card, the refund goes back onto that same gift card right away.

The clock starts when the store completes the return, not when you leave the register. Most returns process the same day, but if you return something after the store closes or on a weekend, processing begins the next business day. Once the store sends the refund to your bank or card company, you have no control over how fast it appears — that depends on your financial institution.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash refunds happen at the register when ready; card refunds take 5 to 7 business days to show in your account.
  • The refund timeline starts when Ross processes your return, which usually happens the same day you return the item.
  • Weekends and holidays can delay when the store begins processing, pushing your timeline back by a day or two.
  • Your bank or card company controls the final step, so some accounts may show the refund slightly faster or slower than others.

Why card refunds take longer than cash

When you return something bought with a card, the store doesn't send money directly to you — it sends a refund request to your card company. Your card company then has to verify the request, confirm it matches a transaction in your account, and move the money back. This chain of communication takes time, usually 3 to 5 business days after Ross sends the request.

Cash refunds skip this step entirely. The cashier counts out your money and hands it to you. There's no middleman, no verification process, no waiting for another company to process the transaction. That's why you walk out with cash when ready but have to wait for a card refund to appear.

What counts as a business day

Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you return something on a Friday afternoon, the store may not process it until Monday. If Monday is a holiday, processing doesn't start until Tuesday. This can stretch your timeline from 5 to 7 business days into 7 to 10 calendar days.

Weekends don't count toward the timeline, but they do affect when processing starts. A return made on Saturday or Sunday won't be processed until Monday. If you're watching your account and it's been 7 calendar days but only 5 business days have passed, that's normal — the refund is still on track.

How to check if your refund is on the way

Log into your bank or card company's app or website and look at your recent transactions. You should see the original purchase listed. A few days later, you'll see a separate entry for the refund — it may show as "Ross Stores Refund" or similar language. The refund appears as a pending transaction first, then moves to posted once your bank fully processes it.

If you don't see anything after 7 business days, contact your bank first, not Ross. Your bank can tell you whether the refund arrived on their end and got held up, or whether it never came through. If your bank confirms they never received it, then call or visit the Ross store where you made the return and ask them to check the status of your refund.

Returns made near the end of the month or before holidays

Refunds processed right before a weekend or holiday can take longer to show up because your bank may have reduced staffing or slower processing during those periods. A return processed on Thursday before a long weekend might not appear in your account until the following Wednesday or Thursday, even though the store sent it on time.

This is outside Ross's control — it's a limitation of how banks operate. If you're returning something and need the money quickly, try to do it early in the week rather than late Friday. That gives your bank the most business days to process the refund before the weekend.

What to do if your refund doesn't show up

Wait until 7 business days have passed since the return was processed. Count only weekdays, and don't count federal holidays. Once you've confirmed it's been 7 business days, check your bank account one more time — sometimes refunds appear overnight without warning.

If it's still missing, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card. Tell them the date of the return and ask them to search for an incoming refund from Ross Stores. They can see transactions your bank received that haven't posted yet, or they can confirm that nothing arrived. If your bank says they never got the refund, ask for the store location and return date, then contact that Ross store and ask them to reissue the refund or investigate what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to wait 5 to 7 days if I return something the same day I bought it?

Yes, if you paid with a card. The timeline is the same whether you return something an hour after purchase or a week later. Cash refunds still happen when ready. The 5 to 7 days is how long your card company needs to process the refund, not how long the store needs to approve the return.

Will my refund show up faster if I use a debit card instead of a credit card?

Not necessarily. Both debit and credit cards go through the same refund process with your bank, so the timeline is usually the same — 5 to 7 business days. Some banks process debit refunds slightly faster, but this varies by institution.

What if the store says they can't process my return?

If Ross won't accept the return, you won't get a refund at all. Make sure you have your receipt, the item is in resalable condition, and you're within the return window. If the store refuses a return you believe is valid, ask to speak with a manager or contact Ross customer service.

Can I get my refund as a gift card instead of back to my card?

Some stores allow this, but it's not may provide. Ask the cashier when you make the return. If they can do it, a gift card refund is usually when ready — you get the card right away instead of waiting 5 to 7 days.