Ace Hardware Review 2026: Pros, Cons and Verdict
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By Mohamed Zaki · Researched and updated October 28, 2026 · Coupons Scout may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
This Ace Hardware review is for homeowners and DIYers who want to know if Ace is a good place to buy tools, paint, grills and garden supplies. Ace Hardware is a retailer-owned cooperative of local stores, with an online shop that links to your nearby store. We researched Ace’s own pages in October 2026 to explain its rewards, pickup, delivery and return rules. For current offers, see our Ace Hardware coupon page.
Quick Verdict
Our score: 4.4/5 · A retailer-owned hardware chain with a free rewards program, store pickup and local delivery
Ace Hardware has been owned by its local store owners since a group of Chicago hardware dealers founded it in 1924. As of October 2026, Ace Rewards is free, gives $5 for every 2,500 points, and adds free next-day store delivery on in-stock online orders of $50 or more. Most items can be returned within 30 days with the receipt.
Best for: homeowners and DIYers who want brand-name tools, paint and grills from a nearby store, plus free rewards and pickup.
Consider an alternative if: you need nationwide uniform policies, since each local store can set its own return rules and delivery area.
Key Takeaways
- Ace Hardware was founded in 1924 by a small group of Chicago hardware store owners and is still owned by its local retail owners, according to its about page.
- As of October 2026, Ace Rewards is free to join, earns 10 points per $1 on qualifying purchases and turns every 2,500 points into a $5 reward.
- Ace Rewards members get free next-day delivery from a store on in-stock online orders of $50 or more, while participation and delivery areas vary by store.
- Ace Hardware lets shoppers buy online and use free store pickup for in-stock items, and ship-to-home costs are based on order weight.
- Most Ace Hardware items can be returned within 30 days of purchase with the original receipt if unused, but clearance items and gift cards are final sale.
- We rate Ace Hardware 4.4 out of 5 for its free rewards program, store pickup, local delivery and wide brand range.
Ace Hardware at a Glance
| Detail | Ace Hardware |
|---|---|
| What it is | Retailer-owned hardware cooperative with local stores and an online shop |
| Founded | 1924, by a small group of Chicago hardware store owners |
| Headquarters | Oak Brook, Illinois |
| What it sells | Tools, paint, grills, lawn and garden, outdoor power equipment and home supplies |
| Rewards | Ace Rewards: free; 10 points per $1; $5 reward per 2,500 points |
| Pickup and delivery | Free store pickup; free next-day store delivery for members on $50+ in-stock orders |
| Ship to home | Cost based on weight; standard ground, second-day and next-day options |
| Returns | Most items within 30 days with receipt; store policies can vary |
From search excerpts of Ace Hardware’s returns, rewards, delivery and about pages and from the Ace newsroom, October 28, 2026.
What Is Ace Hardware and Who Is It For?
Ace Hardware calls itself the largest retailer-owned hardware store on its about page. It was founded in 1924 by a small group of Chicago hardware store owners so that individual stores could buy merchandise in bulk and save money. Ace Hardware Corporation is still owned by its local retail owners, who share in annual profits through a patronage dividend. Its newsroom reports record 2025 revenues of $10.0 billion.
Ace Hardware suits:
- Homeowners who want a nearby store for repairs, paint and garden supplies.
- Grillers, since Ace sells brands such as Weber and Traeger.
- DIYers who like rewards, because Ace Rewards is free and pays out $5 per 2,500 points.
- Busy shoppers who want free store pickup or next-day store delivery instead of waiting for a parcel.
Ace Hardware Review: Products, Brands and Services
Ace’s brands page and homepage highlight large selections from Weber, Traeger, Craftsman, Yeti, Toro, Scotts and many other brands. Here is what that range looks like for a typical home project.
What Does Ace Hardware Sell?
Ace sells hand and power tools, hardware, plumbing supplies, paint, grills, lawn and garden products, outdoor power equipment and home goods. Some stores also sell and service outdoor power equipment from brands such as STIHL, EGO, Honda and Milwaukee, so check your local store page for its services.
Which Paint Brands Does Ace Carry?
The paint section includes Benjamin Moore, Magnolia Home and Clark+Kensington. Ace has described Clark+Kensington as one of its private label paint brands, and its paint and primer is sold as an all-in-one option for interior and exterior work. Ace says tinted paint is not part of its quick free store pickup option.
Is Every Ace Store the Same?
No. Most Ace stores are owned and run by local entrepreneurs, so stock, services, delivery areas and some policies differ from store to store. Ace says participation and delivery areas vary by store, and each store sets its own return policy. Pick your home store on the site before you order to see the right stock and options.
Ace Rewards, Delivery and Returns in 2026
Ace charges no fee to join its rewards program, and online prices show for your chosen store. Here are the main rules, as of October 2026.
| Item | Cost or rule | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Ace Rewards membership | Free | No fee or purchase needed to join |
| Points | 10 points per $1 | Qualifying purchases, after discounts; excludes tax and gift cards |
| Rewards | $5 per 2,500 points | Issued weekly; one transaction |
| Premier tier | $750 spend | Qualifying purchases in a rolling 12 months |
| Store pickup | Free | In-stock items bought online |
| Next-day store delivery | Free for members | In-stock online orders of $50 or more; varies by store |
| Ship to home | Based on weight | Shown at checkout; standard ground 3 to 8 business days |
| Returns | 30 days | Most items, with original receipt, unused and in original packaging |
From search excerpts of Ace Hardware’s Ace Rewards, pickup and delivery, and returns pages, October 28, 2026. Prices in US dollars.
How Does Ace Rewards Work?
The Ace Rewards page says there is no fee or purchase needed to join. You earn 10 points per $1 on qualifying purchases, and each 2,500 points becomes a $5 reward, issued weekly. Show your card, phone number or app in store, or log in online, to earn points. Members also get member-only offers, and those who spend $750 on qualifying purchases in a rolling 12 months reach the Premier tier.
What Pickup and Delivery Options Are There?
Ace’s pickup, delivery and shipping page lists free store pickup for in-stock items, delivery from your local store and ship to home. Ace Rewards members get free next-day delivery on in-stock online orders of $50 or more, while same-day delivery carries a fee set by the store. Ship-to-home cost is based on weight, with standard ground (3 to 8 business days), second-day and next-day options.
What Is the Ace Hardware Return Policy?
The returns page says most items can be returned within 30 days of purchase with the original receipt, if unused, uninstalled and in their original packaging. Bring a valid photo ID. Outdoor power equipment and grills follow the same 30-day rule, but gas-powered equipment cannot be returned once gas or oil has been added. Clearance items, trading cards and gift cards are final sale, and refunds can take three to five business days.
How Can You Pay Less at Ace Hardware?
- Join Ace Rewards. It is free, and every 2,500 points becomes a $5 reward.
- Reach $50 for free delivery. Members get free next-day store delivery on in-stock online orders of $50 or more.
- Pick up in store. Free store pickup avoids weight-based shipping on heavy items.
- Use a promo code. Our Ace Hardware coupon page lists current codes and offers; check it before you pay.
Pros and Cons of Ace Hardware
✅ What We Like
- Ace Rewards is free to join and gives a $5 reward for every 2,500 points.
- Free next-day delivery from a store on in-stock online orders of $50 or more for Ace Rewards members.
- Free store pickup on in-stock items bought online.
- Wide brand range, including Weber, Traeger, Craftsman, Yeti, Toro and Scotts.
- Paint from Benjamin Moore, Magnolia Home and Clark+Kensington.
- Locally owned stores, with a cooperative model dating back to 1924.
- A Premier tier for members who spend $750 on qualifying purchases in a rolling 12 months.
💡 Things to Consider
- Each store can set its own return policy; ask your local Ace before you buy a large item.
- Ship-to-home cost is based on weight; choose store pickup or member delivery to save on bulky items.
- Clearance items, trading cards and gift cards are final sale; check the tag before you buy.
- Gas-powered outdoor equipment cannot be returned once gas or oil has been added; check the model before you fill it.
Ace Hardware’s strengths are its free rewards program, free store pickup, local delivery for members and wide brand range. The things to consider come mostly from its local-store model, and you can handle them by choosing your home store online and asking it about returns on large items.
Is Ace Hardware Legit?
Ace Hardware has operated since 1924, is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, and publishes return, rewards and delivery rules on its own site. Its newsroom reports record full-year 2025 revenues of $10.0 billion. Because stores are locally owned, the store you pick online handles your pickup or delivery, so its local rules apply.
How We Rated Ace Hardware
| Criterion | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Product range | 4.5/5 | Tools, paint, grills, lawn and garden and home supplies from many big brands. |
| Rewards | 4.6/5 | Free program; 10 points per $1 and a $5 reward per 2,500 points. |
| Pickup and delivery | 4.5/5 | Free store pickup; free next-day store delivery for members on $50+ in-stock orders. |
| Returns | 4.0/5 | 30 days with receipt for most items; local stores can set their own rules. |
| Pricing transparency | 4.2/5 | Prices shown online, but offers and delivery fees can vary by store. |
| Overall | 4.4/5 | A retailer-owned hardware chain with a free rewards program, store pickup and local delivery |
How we score: Ace Hardware’s website blocked automated reading on October 28, 2026, so we reviewed search excerpts from acehardware.com pages (returns, Ace Rewards, pickup and delivery, about us, brands) and the Ace newsroom on that date, and compared them with other home improvement stores. Scores reflect this research of the brand’s own pages, not product use, and no company paid for or reviewed this article.
How Ace Hardware Compares to Other Home Improvement Stores
| Store | Best for | Standard returns | Rewards | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Hardware | Local stores, pickup and member delivery | 30 days with receipt (most items) | Ace Rewards: $5 per 2,500 points | 4.4/5 |
| The Home Depot | Large stores and a big online range | 90 days with proof of purchase (most items) | Not covered here | 4.3/5 |
| Lowe’s | Large stores and free shipping on qualifying orders | 90 days with receipt (most new, unused items) | MyLowe’s Rewards | 4.3/5 |
From each store’s own website (search excerpts), October 28, 2026. Our scores are editorial.
The Home Depot and Lowe’s offer longer standard return windows, while Ace stands out for its free rewards payouts and local stores. For more shopping help, see our shopping guides.
How to Shop at Ace Hardware
- Join Ace Rewards for free, then choose your home store on the site.
- Check stock at that store and pick free store pickup, member delivery or ship to home.
- Keep your receipt for the 30-day return window, and ask the store about large items.
- Check our Ace Hardware coupon page for current codes before you pay.
Final Verdict: Is Ace Hardware Worth It?
We think so, if you want a nearby store for tools, paint, grills and garden gear with local pickup and delivery options. Ace Rewards is free and pays $5 for every 2,500 points, store pickup is free, and members get free next-day store delivery on $50+ in-stock orders. We rate Ace Hardware 4.4 out of 5. Check your local store’s return rules for big purchases, and use pickup to avoid weight-based shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ace Rewards free?
Yes. As of October 2026, Ace Hardware says there is no fee or purchase needed to join Ace Rewards. Members earn 10 points per $1 on qualifying purchases and get a $5 reward for every 2,500 points.
What is the Ace Hardware return policy?
Most Ace Hardware items can be returned within 30 days of purchase with the original receipt, if unused and in original packaging. Clearance items and gift cards are final sale, and each store can set its own policy.
Does Ace Hardware offer free delivery?
Ace Rewards members get free next-day delivery from a store on in-stock online orders of $50 or more, as of October 2026. Participation and delivery areas vary by store.
Can I buy online and pick up at Ace Hardware?
Yes. Ace Hardware offers free store pickup for in-stock items bought online. Choose your home store first so the site shows that store’s stock.
Who owns Ace Hardware?
Ace Hardware Corporation is owned by its local retail owners, according to its about page. It was founded in 1924 by a small group of Chicago hardware store owners.
Are there Ace Hardware promo codes?
Yes. Our Ace Hardware coupon page lists current codes and offers. Check it before you pay so the discount applies at checkout.
Weighing other options? See our Ace Hardware Alternatives and Competitors.
About the author: Mohamed Zaki, Founder & Chief MarTech Strategist, Coupons Scout. Mohamed Zaki is the founder of Coupons Scout and leads how the team finds deals and researches the software behind them. He focuses on marketing technology, automation tools and ways to pay less for them.
Editorial note: this article is based on research of brand product pages, help centers and policies, last checked October 28, 2026. Scores are our editorial opinion. Coupons Scout may earn a commission from some links, which never changes our rankings.
Sources
Brand pages we used for this article, checked October 28, 2026. Prices and plans can change, so confirm on the brand’s own website before you buy.
