Getting a refund from Aaron's is not always straightforward. Many customers report confusion around lease-to-own agreements, early termination fees, and what actually qualifies for a refund. Aaron's operates primarily as a lease-to-own retailer, so traditional return windows do not always apply the same way. Payments made on a lease can sometimes be refunded if you return merchandise early, but conditions vary. The BBB shows over 1,400 complaints filed against Aaron's in the last three years, with refund denials and billing disputes among the top issues. Trustpilot reviews skew negative, with many users citing poor communication and slow resolution times. This guide breaks it all down so you can act with confidence.
What is the Aaron's Refund Policy?
Aaron's is a lease-to-own company, not a traditional retailer. That distinction matters a lot when it comes to refunds. You are not buying items outright in most cases. You are entering a lease agreement, which means refund eligibility is tied to your lease terms, not a standard return window.
That said, Aaron's does allow customers to return leased merchandise at any time. When you return an item early, your lease ends and future payments stop. However, payments already made are generally non-refundable unless there was a billing error or the item was defective on delivery.
| Situation | Refund Eligibility | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Early lease return (item in good condition) | Partial | Future payments cancelled, past payments kept |
| Defective item on delivery | Eligible | Replacement or full refund of payments made |
| Billing error or duplicate charge | Eligible | Full refund to original payment method |
| Item returned damaged by customer | Ineligible | No refund, possible damage fees |
| Lease buyout completed, then returned | Ineligible | No refund after ownership transfer |
If you were charged incorrectly or received a damaged product from the start, you have a much stronger case. Document everything before you call.
What Items Cannot Be Refunded by Aaron's?
Aaron's has specific situations where refunds simply will not happen. Knowing these upfront saves you a frustrating phone call.
- Payments already made on a valid, undisputed lease (returning the item stops future charges, but past payments stay with Aaron's)
- Items damaged by the customer after delivery
- Lease buyout purchases once ownership has transferred to you
- Delivery or setup fees in most cases, even if you return the item shortly after
- Late fees or reinstatement fees that were validly charged under your agreement
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, call your local Aaron's store directly. Policies can vary slightly by location, which is honestly one of the more annoying parts of dealing with them.
Ways to Return Your Aaron's Order
Aaron's handles returns differently than a typical retailer. Most returns happen through direct contact with your local store or customer support, not an online portal.
| Method | Best For | Speed of Refund |
|---|---|---|
| In-Store or Local Store Contact | Returning leased merchandise, resolving billing issues fast | 1–5 business days |
| Phone Support (1-800-950-7368) | Billing disputes, defective item claims, account questions | 5–10 business days |
| Written Request or Email | Formal disputes, escalations, documented complaints | 7–14 business days |
In-store or direct phone contact tends to move faster. The online account portal at aarons.com lets you manage your lease, but for actual refund disputes, a real conversation usually gets things moving. One user on Reddit noted that calling the store directly, rather than the national line, got their billing issue resolved in two days flat.
How to Return Your Aaron's Order: Step by Step
Starting the return or refund process with Aaron's is manageable if you go in prepared. Here is exactly what to do.
