Costco Return Policy: A Simple Guide

Costco is one of the most trusted names in retail, known for its bulk products, low prices, and rock-solid satisfaction promise. Whether you’re buying a pack of batteries or a big-screen TV, Costco wants you to shop with confidence—and that’s where their return policy really shines.

Below, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Costco return policy, what you can return, what you can’t, how to make a return, and some savvy tips to make your experience smooth.

Costco Return Policy at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of Costco’s return policy for U.S. shoppers:

What Costco’s Return Policy Covers

100% Satisfaction Guarantee on Merchandise

Costco guarantees your satisfaction with almost everything they sell. If you’re unhappy for any reason, they’ll refund your money. Yes, even if you’ve opened the box. But a few exceptions apply (more on that soon).

Risk-Free Membership Guarantee

Not happy with your Costco membership? You can cancel it anytime and get a full refund of your membership fee. No questions asked

The Exceptions: Items with Special Return Rules

Some items don’t fall under the “return whenever” umbrella. Let’s look at those next.

90-Day Return Window for Electronics & Appliances

Certain high-tech and large-ticket items must be returned within 90 days of the date you received them. These include:

• Televisions & Projectors
• Major Appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers)
• Computers & Tablets
• Smart Wearables (e.g., smartwatches)
• Cameras & Camcorders
• Drones
• MP3 Players
• Cell Phones (note: phone return rules may vary by carrier)

Expert Tip: If you’re returning one of these electronics, keep the receipt and original packaging for faster processing.

Jewelry Over 1.00 Carat

Returning a diamond? If it’s 1.00ct or larger, you’ll need to bring all original certificates (GIA/IGI). Costco will give you a Jewelry Credit Memo, and within 48 hours, a Graduate Gemologist will inspect the diamond.

Items That Cannot Be Returned At All

These items are non-refundable under any circumstance, whether bought in-store or online:

• Cigarettes (where prohibited by law)
• Alcohol (where prohibited by law)
• Precious Metals (like gold bullion or coins)
• Costco Shop Cards
• Third-party Gift Cards & Tickets, including:
  • Airline tickets
  • Live performance/event tickets
  • iTunes gift cards
  • Google Play cards
  • Other digital goods
• Pokemon 151 Blooming Waters Premium Collection (Item #1916742)

Items That Must Be Returned In Person or via Support (Not Online Self-Service)

These items can be returned—but not through Costco.com’s automated return process. You’ll need to visit a warehouse or contact customer service for help:

• Special Order & Custom Installed Products, such as:
  • Countertops
  • Custom flooring
  • Home organization systems
  • Garage doors
  • HVAC and water systems
  • Solar installations
  • Generators
  • Gutters
  • Water heaters
• Optical Items (e.g., prescription glasses, contacts)
• Tires
• High-End Jewelry (especially over 1.00ct or those requiring certificate verification)
• Perishable Items (like food and floral products)
• Apple Products

Tip from me: If you’re ever unsure about an item, the fastest way to find out if it needs to be returned in-store is to start the return process online. If the item is ineligible, Costco will guide you to the next steps or ask you to call them.

How to Return Items

Costco gives you two ways to return items—super convenient, whether you shopped online or in-store.

Option 1: Return to Any Costco Warehouse

This is usually the fastest way to get a refund.

1. Bring the item to any Costco warehouse.
2. Head to the returns counter.
3. Refunds will include shipping and handling (for online orders).
4. If possible, the refund will go back to your original payment method.

Note: Payment methods accepted in warehouses may differ from online.

Option 2: Return or Replace via Costco.com

Here’s how to return something online:

1. Go to Costco.com and log into your account.
2. Click Orders & Returns.
3. Find the order and click Return or Replace Items.
4. Follow the prompts. You’ll get a return label (usually within an hour).
5. For large items, you’ll get extra instructions via email.

Heads Up: Some items—like jewelry, tires, and Apple products—can’t be returned through online self-service. You’ll need to go to a warehouse or call support.

Price Adjustments (Online Orders Only)

Got a price drop right after your order? You may be in luck.

If your Costco.com purchase goes down in price within 30 days, you can request a price adjustment (unless you’re a reseller). You’ll get the difference refunded to your original payment method within 5–10 business days.

Costco does not price match with other stores or even warehouse prices.

Not eligible for adjustments:

• Gold bullion
• Costco warehouse purchases (handled separately)
• Items purchased by resellers

How Costco Issues Refunds

When you return an item to Costco—whether in-store or online—getting your money back is pretty straightforward.

In-Warehouse Refunds

If you return a product to any Costco warehouse location, your refund will be issued right away, including any shipping and handling charges (for online orders returned in-store).

• Whenever possible, the refund goes back to the original payment method.
• Refund processing is immediate at the returns counter.

Tip: If you used a credit or debit card, bring that same card with you. It helps speed things up.

Online Return Refunds

When you return an item through Costco.com, here’s how the refund works:

• The refund is credited to the original payment method you used to place the order.
• Shipping and handling fees are refunded too.
• Some products—like food, jewelry, and floral items—might take longer to process before the refund appears.

Important: The return label will be provided within the hour, and for large items, you’ll receive extra return instructions via email.

Refund Timing

• Warehouse returns are usually refunded on the spot.
• Online refunds may take a few business days to show up on your statement.
• Special categories (like perishable goods or jewelry) can take longer due to extra verification steps.

What About Warranties?

While Costco’s return policy is super flexible, some products come with separate warranty coverage—especially if they’re built to last or require tech support.

Technical & Warranty Support

For many electronics, appliances, and smart devices, Costco offers Technical and Warranty Services. These representatives can help you:

• Troubleshoot issues
• Check warranty coverage
• Guide you on service or replacement options

Tip from me: If your gadget stops working and it’s past the return window, don’t panic—reach out to Costco’s Tech Support before giving up.

You can find the full list of eligible products for warranty assistance on Costco’s website.

Limited-Life Products Like Tires & Batteries

Items like tires and batteries are covered by product-specific limited warranties. These products have a shorter useful life, so Costco doesn’t treat them the same as regular merchandise for returns.

• You may not be able to return these outright if they’ve been used
• But you can get warranty service or a replacement if the product fails early

Custom Orders and Installed Products

Products made just for you—like custom cabinets, flooring, garage doors, and solar panels—can’t be returned unless they fail to meet the agreed specs.

However, these are still covered for:

• Warranty repair
• Replacement if they don’t work as promised

Translation: If your custom-installed water heater quits early, Costco will work with you to repair or replace it – it just won’t give you a refund unless there’s a serious issue.

How to Contact Them for Help

Need to return a tricky item or ask a question? Here’s how to reach Costco support.

Call Them

• Online Orders: 1-800-955-2292
  • Hours: Mon–Fri: 5am–8pm PT, Sat–Sun: 5am–7pm PT
• Membership & Warehouse: 1-800-774-2678
  • Hours: Mon–Fri: 6am–6pm PT, Sat–Sun: 8am–5pm PT

Chat Support

Live chat is also available during the same hours. Visit the Costco Customer Service page to start a chat.

Find Your Local Warehouse: Use Costco’s Warehouse Locator online.

The following video from CostcoZaddy provides a good summary of Costco’s return policy.

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Returns

Even though Costco’s return policy is generous, there are ways to make things even smoother. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Pro Tips from an Expert Shopper:

• Keep Your Receipt: Costco can look up your purchase using your membership, but receipts make returns way faster.
• Don’t Wait Too Long on Electronics: Remember, you’ve only got 90 days.
• Bring All Parts: Cables, remotes, manuals—bring it all back, especially for electronics.
• Box It Up: Original packaging isn’t required, but it helps—especially for tech gear.
• Online Return? Check Your Email: Watch for that return label or special pickup instructions.

Common Questions

Final Thoughts

Costco return policy is one of the most generous in retail. Whether you’re returning a big-screen TV or a bag of apples, their goal is simple: make it easy for you to shop risk-free.

Just remember the key points – 90 days for electronics, some items are non-refundable, and always bring your original documents for high-value items like diamonds.

Happy shopping—and even happier returns!

Please Note: Return policies can change over time. While this article aims to provide accurate information based on the policy at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check the return policy on official Costco website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting Costco Customer Service directly is the best resource.