Guides › Faulty Goods and Refunds › Tesco Refunds and Returns
Tesco Refunds and Returns
Tesco says you can return a product within 30 days of purchase with proof of purchase if you change your mind, though some products have different limits. For faulty items, it offers a repair, replacement or full refund within 30 days, and a repair (or a refund if that fails) from 30 days to 12 months. This is in addition to your legal rights.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Tesco’s Policy
Changed Your Mind
Tesco says you can return a product within 30 days of purchase with your proof of purchase, and it will offer a replacement or refund. It says some products have different return limits and exceptions. source
Faulty Items
Tesco says that within 30 days of receipt you can choose a repair, replacement or full refund. After 30 days but within 12 months, it will arrange a repair or, if that fails, a refund. After 12 months, contact Tesco. It says this applies in addition to your legal rights. source
Where to Return It
Tesco says to return a faulty product to any Tesco Extra or Tesco Superstore, preferably the one you bought it from. Tesco Express stores cannot accept returns for faulty products. source
Your Legal Rights
Reject Within 30 Days
Within 30 days of delivery you can usually reject faulty goods and get a refund. You will normally need to show the fault. source
The First 6 Months
If a fault shows up within six months of delivery, it is presumed to have been there at delivery unless the trader proves otherwise. After six months, you have to show it. source
Repair or Replacement
After 30 days you can ask for a repair or replacement at no cost to you. The trader must do it within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience. source
Refund Deadline
Refunds must be paid without undue delay, and within 14 days of the trader agreeing you are entitled to one. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 30 daysTesco: change of mind returnWith proof of purchase, per Tesco’s policy
- 30 daysReject a faulty item for a full refund30 days from delivery, or from when any installation is finished
- 6 monthsFault presumed to have been there from the startFaults that appear within 6 months of delivery
- 6 yearsTime limit for a court claim6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; 5 years in Scotland
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Find your receipt or bank statement as proof of purchase.
Step 2 of 5
For a faulty item, take it to a Tesco Extra or Superstore (not Express), preferably the one you bought it from.
Step 3 of 5
Say which remedy you want: within 30 days you can ask for a full refund.
Step 4 of 5
If Tesco refuses, put your complaint in writing. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 5 of 5
If it is still not sorted, ask your card provider for help or get free advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Tesco Returns and Refunds Help
Start here, or at a Tesco Extra or Superstore.
Your Card or Credit Provider
If you paid by credit card or regulated buy now pay later and the shop will not put it right.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice, and help deciding whether to start a small claim, once the seller has not put it right.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Tesco’s change of mind policy is extra. Your legal rights for faulty goods apply whatever its policy says.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.

Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- tesco.com/help/pages/return-and-refund-faqs/what-to-know-if-you-change-your-mind-about-a-purchase/getting-a-refund-if-you-ve-changed-your-mind Checked 12 October 2026
- tesco.com/help/pages/return-and-refund-faqs/how-to-return-faulty-products/if-your-item-is-faulty Checked 12 October 2026
- nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/what-do-if-problems-arise-supplied-goods Checked 12 October 2026
- businesscompanion.info/node/623/printable/print Checked 12 October 2026
- tesco.com/help/pages/return-and-refund-faqs Checked 8 October 2026
- fca.org.uk/consumers/buy-now-pay-later Checked 8 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/small-claims/deciding-whether-to-make-a-small-claim Checked 8 October 2026