Present returns on the cards

Nearly a third of UK adults have returned something they were given as a Christmas present, a Gocompare Money survey revealed.

It pays to know where you stand before trying to make a return.

Gocompare Money says retailers don’t have to accept items returned by someone other than the buyer – but as a gesture of goodwill, many stores operate a returns policy that allows unwanted items to be exchanged or refunded.

Retailers’ returns policies typically require items to be in unused, perfect condition.

Refunds for unwanted gifts bought using a credit or debit card will normally have to go back on the same card. So you may need to have an awkward conversation with the gift giver.