Costco’s Return Policy: The Basics
Costco offers a satisfaction guarantee on most merchandise purchased at its warehouses or online. The company will refund your purchase price if you’re dissatisfied with a product, with specific exceptions based on item category. You can return items at any Costco warehouse location, or initiate returns online through Costco.com if you ordered online.
Return Windows by Product Type
Different product categories have different return timeframes. Here’s what you need to know:
| Product Category | Return Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most merchandise | No stated limit | Satisfaction guarantee applies |
| Electronics (TVs, computers, tablets, cameras, phones, major appliances, smart wearables) | 90 days from receipt | Includes refrigerators above 10 cu. ft., freezers, ranges, cooktops, microwaves, dishwashers, water heaters, washers, and dryers |
| Diamonds 1.00ct or larger | Vetting process applies | Must present original IGI and/or GIA certificates; Costco Graduate Gemologist inspects within 48 hours before issuing Jewelry Credit Memo |
| Recreational carts (online orders) | 90 days from receipt | See product page for specific return instructions |
| Tires and batteries | Product-specific warranty | May have limited useful life warranties |
Items Costco Will Not Accept
Costco maintains a no-return policy on the following items:
- Cigarettes and alcohol (where prohibited by law)
- Airline tickets and live performance event tickets
- Precious metals
- Shop Cards
- Gift cards
- Custom-ordered products manufactured to your specifications
Special Categories and Procedures
Contact Lenses and Eyeglasses
Contact lenses have a dedicated return process. For warehouse purchases of eyeglasses, visit your Costco Optical Department. For online eyeglass purchases, consult the Online Prescription Eyeglasses FAQ on Costco.com.
Hearing Aids
Contact the Hearing Aid center at your local Costco Warehouse for return information.
Freight-Delivered Items
Large items delivered by freight have a separate return process. Check Costco.com for freight return procedures.
How to Return Items
In-warehouse purchases: Bring your item to the returns counter at any Costco warehouse. You do not need a receipt.
Online purchases: You can either return the item at any Costco warehouse or initiate a return through Costco.com. Check the product details page for shipping and returns information specific to your item.
Membership Guarantee
Costco offers a separate guarantee on membership itself. The company will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you are dissatisfied with your membership.
Recent Changes to Return Enforcement
While Costco maintains its official satisfaction guarantee policy, members have reported experiencing stricter enforcement in recent interactions. Some members report that customer service representatives now require physical return of items, such as spoiled food products, that previously might have been handled without the item present. Costco members on social media have noted that the historically “no questions asked” return experience feels less flexible than in the past, though the formal policy remains unchanged.
This shift may reflect industry-wide pressures. According to recent data, fraudulent returns and claims cost U.S. retailers approximately $103 billion in 2024, representing about 15% of all returned merchandise. Total returns in 2024 reached $685 billion, roughly 13.2% of all retail sales.
Bottom Line
Costco’s official return policy remains among the most generous in retail, with no stated time limit for most merchandise. However, specific categories, particularly electronics and diamonds, have defined return windows. Bring your item to any warehouse location or process online returns through Costco.com. Keep in mind that while the written policy is permissive, enforcement at individual stores may vary.