ASOS has updated its returns policy from 6 January 2026 to reduce unsustainable return volumes. The main change is simple: your return rate now affects whether returns stay free and whether a £3.95 deduction can apply.
If you’re placing an order anyway, it’s worth a quick look at ASOS discount codes on Groupon so the items you keep cost less.
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The quick summary of the new rules
- Return rate of 70% or lower: ASOS says you won’t be charged to send items back.
- Return rate over 70%: ASOS may apply a £3.95 deduction when you return items, but there’s added flexibility (see below).
- Extra flexibility for some high return-rate shoppers: if your historical returns exceed 70%, you can be exempt from the £3.95 deduction when you return less than £40 worth of items from an order.
- Extreme cases at 80%+ return rate: an additional £3.95 handling fee may be added (separate from delivery charges) and should be clearly shown at checkout.
- Status changes aren’t instant: ASOS applies a 30-day delay before any changes to your returns status.
What your ASOS return rate means
ASOS defines your return rate as the value of items you return compared with the total value of what you order.
Example: if you order £100 and return items worth £30, your return rate is 30%.
- ASOS looks at your shopping activity over the past 12 months.
- It updates your rate each time you place a new order.
- To make sure recent returns are included, ASOS says it waits 30 days before updating your returns status.
- If your return rate changes significantly, ASOS says they’ll let you know.
Why this matters: the policy is aimed more at shoppers who frequently place very large orders and return most items. The occasional return shouldn’t automatically push you into the “high return rate” group.
How to avoid the £3.95 return fee
To keep things fee-free, the goal is to stay at a 70% return rate or lower over time. If you’re already over 70%, the new policy is designed to give you more control and fewer surprises.
Use this simple decision table
| Your return rate |
What ASOS says can happen |
How to stay safer |
| 70% or lower |
You won’t be charged to send items back. |
Keep doing what you’re doing. Avoid “order 10, keep 1” habits. |
| Over 70% |
A £3.95 deduction may apply. Some shoppers may be exempt when returning under £40 worth of items from an order. |
Place smaller, more confident orders and use the app tool to track your rate. |
| 80% or higher in extreme cases |
An additional £3.95 handling fee may be added and should be shown at checkout. |
Try to avoid mega-hauls. Stick to brands, fits, and sizing you already know. |
Practical ways to lower your return rate without sacrificing choice
- Swap “multiple sizes” for measurements: measure a jacket or jeans you already own and compare.
- Read reviews for sizing clues: especially notes like “size down” or “tight in the shoulders”.
- Check fabric content: stretch fabrics are more forgiving, rigid denim is not.
- Trial new brands in small batches: one or two items first, not a full wardrobe refresh.
How to check your return rate in the ASOS app
If you want a quick “am I close to the line?” check before your next order, ASOS shows your return percentage in the app.
Find your return percentage in a few taps
- Open the ASOS app.
- Tap Profile.
- Select My Account.
- Tap My Orders to see your return percentage.
Quick note: ASOS says this percentage is based on your last 12 months of shopping and refreshes as you place new orders. Your returns status can take up to 30 days to update so recent returns are included.
How long you have to return ASOS orders
ASOS returns are covered by a 28-day returns policy, so you generally have a little breathing room to try things on properly and decide what’s staying.
The easiest ways to return with InPost and Royal Mail
ASOS lists multiple return routes that are free on qualifying orders. Most options are designed to be quick and printer-free, using a QR code.
Pick the return method that fits your schedule
| Return option |
Why people like it |
What ASOS says to expect |
| InPost lockers and shops |
13,000+ locations, no label required, locker returns can be done in seconds and some are 24/7. |
Create a QR code and follow the instructions. Returns processed in ~10 days. |
| Royal Mail via Post Office or Collect+ |
18,500+ locations, no printer required, many locations open 7 days a week. |
Create a QR code. Returns processed in ~10 days. |
| Royal Mail Parcel Collect |
Collection from home Monday to Saturday, book up to 5 days ahead, optional safe place. |
The post person brings the label. Collection ETA at booking. Returns processed in ~10 days. |
| Isle of Man Post |
Uses a Royal Mail QR code flow. |
Create a QR code. Returns processed in ~10 days. |
| Guernsey Post (Guernsey only) |
Uses a Royal Mail QR code flow. |
Create a QR code. Returns processed in ~10 days. |
| Jersey Post (Jersey only) |
Uses a Royal Mail QR code flow. |
Create a QR code. Returns processed in ~10 days. |
Want a lower-return-rate life tip that actually works: build a “keeper basket”. If you’re confident about a few items, you’ll feel less tempted to treat the rest like a try-on gamble. And if you’re checking out anyway, these ASOS promo codes on Groupon can help your keepers come in cheaper.
What to do if you bought from an ASOS Brand Partner
ASOS notes that items bought directly from ASOS Brand Partners shouldn’t be returned to ASOS, as it can delay your refund.
- No printer needed in many cases. Use the returns label that came with your items.
- Drop it at your local drop-off point.
- Allow up to approximately 10 days for your refund to be processed.
- Items can’t be returned to the brand’s store (if they have one).
FAQs
How long do I have to return ASOS items
ASOS states a 28-day returns policy.
What is a return rate and why does ASOS care
Your return rate is the value of items you return compared with what you spend overall. ASOS uses it to identify unusually high return behaviour and apply return charges in some cases.
When does the £3.95 return deduction apply
ASOS says a £3.95 deduction can apply for customers with a high return rate. ASOS also notes that some shoppers whose historical returns exceed 70% may be exempt from paying the £3.95 deduction if they return less than £40 worth of items from an order.
Can ASOS add an extra handling fee
In “extreme cases”, ASOS says an additional £3.95 handling fee may be added for shoppers with an 80% or higher return rate. It should be clearly indicated at checkout.
How long do returns take to process
ASOS return options listed (including InPost and Royal Mail routes) note that returns are processed in approximately 10 days.
How do I check my return rate
ASOS has added a feature in the latest version of the ASOS app where you can view your personal return rate, calculated from your last 12 months of activity.
Make returns easier and keep fees out of your checkout
If you do three things, you’ll usually stay out of trouble: track your return rate in the app, avoid huge hauls, and pick return methods that are quick enough that you actually send items back on time.
And if your goal is spending less on the things that survive the try-on, browse ASOS discount codes on Groupon and see what applies to your basket.
