Where Can You Buy Printer Ink? Stores, Online and Return Rules

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Quick answer: You can buy printer ink at office stores (Staples), electronics stores (Best Buy), big-box stores (Walmart, Target, Costco), many drugstores, the printer maker's own website, and online ink specialists like Castle Ink. Stores are fastest when you need ink today. Online is usually cheaper per cartridge. Before you open the box, check the return rules: Best Buy calls opened ink "nonreturnable once opened," and Staples won't refund opened ink.

Where you buy ink matters less than buying the right cartridge number and knowing what happens if it's wrong. If you don't know your number yet, look it up first on our find ink by printer page or with the PrinterIQ finder. This guide covers what each kind of store sells, how returns work for opened cartridges, and when it makes sense to order online instead.

Table comparing where to buy printer ink: Staples, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco and Castle Ink, with each store's return rules for ink and recycling options
Return rules for ink differ a lot by store. Each row comes from that store's own policy page; links are in the Sources list below.

Where can you buy printer ink near you?

Most office supply stores, electronics stores, big-box retailers and many drugstores sell ink. Selection varies by location, so search the store's website for your exact cartridge number before you drive over.

  • Office supply stores (Staples): usually the widest in-store selection. Staples also sells its own store-brand remanufactured cartridges alongside brand-name ink.
  • Electronics stores (Best Buy): brand-name ink for popular HP, Canon, Epson and Brother printers.
  • Big-box stores (Walmart, Target, Costco): brand-name cartridges in store. Walmart.com also lists third-party remanufactured ink from outside sellers.
  • Drugstores and grocery stores: handy in a pinch, but selection is smaller. Call ahead or check the store's site.
  • Printer makers' online stores: HP, Canon, Epson and Brother all sell their own original cartridges online.
  • Online ink specialists: sites like Castle Ink sell remanufactured ink and compatible toner, usually for much less than brand-name cartridges.

Can you buy printer ink at Walmart, Target, Costco or CVS?

Yes, all of them carry ink, but how much they stock depends on the store. Walmart and Target sell brand-name cartridges in store and online. Costco sells ink but no longer refills it: its in-store refill stations closed in February 2021, when Costco shut its photo centers.

Return windows at these stores are written for general merchandise, not ink specifically:

  • Walmart: 90 days for most items and 30 days for consumer electronics, with some items non-returnable. Walmart's returns page doesn't name ink, so check the item page.
  • Target: 90 days for most items, but electronics "have their own return policies" listed on the product page. Check there before you open the cartridge.
  • Costco and CVS: we couldn't verify an ink-specific policy, so ask at the register or check the receipt.

Looking for a refill instead of a new cartridge? We cover what's still available in where to get ink cartridges refilled.

Can you return opened printer ink?

Usually not for a refund. Best Buy says consumables, including ink, are "nonreturnable once opened." Staples accepts unopened, unexpired ink and toner back at any time, but won't refund opened or expired cartridges.

Store Unopened ink Opened ink Return window
Staples Returnable any time (if not expired) Not refundable Any time for unopened ink and toner
Best Buy Returnable "Nonreturnable once opened" 15 days (60 for My Best Buy Plus and Total members)
Walmart Check the item page Not specified for ink 90 days for most items; 30 for electronics
Target Check the product page Not specified for ink 90 days for most items; electronics have their own policy
Castle Ink Returnable within one year Covered if it doesn't perform: we replace it or refund 1-year 100% satisfaction guarantee

The practical takeaway: confirm the cartridge number before you tear the foil. Hold the new box next to the old cartridge and match the number exactly. XL and standard versions of the same number usually fit the same printer; a different number usually won't. Our standard vs XL guide explains the difference.

Is it cheaper to buy printer ink online or in a store?

Online is usually cheaper, especially for remanufactured or compatible cartridges, which stores carry less often. Stores win when you need ink the same day.

Brand-name ink is expensive by design. Consumer Reports quotes an analyst describing the printer business as a "razor-and-blade" model, in which printers are sold cheaply and ink carries the profit. CR's survey found that 37% of readers had tried third-party cartridges, and 63% of those said they worked as well as the brand-name version. CR's advice is to buy third-party ink from a seller with a money-back guarantee.

To see what your own printer costs per page, try our printer ink cost calculator or the printer ink price index. If you're timing a bigger purchase, our best time to buy ink guide covers sale seasons.

A few of our best-selling remanufactured ink packs. Each one is checked against the printer list on its product page.

What's the difference between brand-name, remanufactured and compatible ink?

Brand-name (OEM) cartridges are made by the printer maker. Remanufactured cartridges are original shells that have been cleaned, refilled and tested. Compatible cartridges, mostly toner, are newly built to fit the same printers.

Castle Ink's inkjet cartridges are remanufactured and our toner is compatible. Both are covered by a 1-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. For the longer explanation, read compatible vs remanufactured vs OEM ink and are compatible cartridges safe to use.

Where can you recycle empty ink cartridges?

Staples and Best Buy both take ink and toner cartridges for free. Staples accepts them "regardless of brand." Best Buy counts them toward its limit of 3 computing and office items per household per day.

For more drop-off and mail-back options, see where to recycle ink cartridges near you.

How do you make sure you buy the right ink?

Match the cartridge number, not just the printer brand. The number is printed on the old cartridge's label and listed in your printer's manual. On HP printers, it's also on a label inside the cartridge access door.

  1. Find the number on the old cartridge, inside the access door, or in the printer's ink or supplies menu.
  2. Look up your printer model on our find ink by printer page to see every cartridge that fits.
  3. Decide on XL. If the printer takes an XL version, it's usually the better buy per page.

Shopping by brand? Browse HP ink, Canon ink, Epson ink, Brother ink or toner cartridges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Walmart sell remanufactured ink?

Walmart.com lists remanufactured third-party cartridges from outside sellers alongside brand-name ink. In-store shelves mostly carry brand-name cartridges. Check the seller and its return terms before you order.

Can I get ink refilled at Costco?

No. Costco's in-store ink refill stations closed after February 14, 2021, along with its photo centers. Costco still sells ink cartridges.

Can I return printer ink if I bought the wrong one?

If the package is unopened, most stores will take it back within their return window. Opened ink is usually not refundable: Best Buy calls it nonreturnable once opened, and Staples won't refund opened cartridges.

Is store-brand ink as good as name-brand?

Results vary by seller. In a Consumer Reports survey, 63% of readers who had tried third-party cartridges said they were as good as brand-name. Buy from a seller with a money-back guarantee so a bad cartridge costs you nothing.

Where is the cheapest place to buy printer ink?

Usually online, from a seller of remanufactured or compatible cartridges. Compare the price per page, not just the price per cartridge, since XL cartridges often cost less per page.

Sources

Policies, steps and settings were checked on October 27, 2026 and can change. Confirm with the store or manufacturer before you rely on them.

Need replacement printer ink cartridges? Shop printer ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.

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Written and reviewed by — Castle Ink CEO since 2005; more than 20 years of experience in the printer supplies and e-commerce industry..

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