Costco’s Return Policy: What You Need To Know Before You Head Back

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Costco is famous for its bulk deals, free samples and affordable membership perks, but it also stands out for its commitment to customer satisfaction. Under the Costco return policy, shoppers can return any item they’re dissatisfied with at any time, with some exceptions. Returns are accepted online and at Costco warehouse locations.

This guide will break down how long you have to return items, what can and can’t be returned and how to handle issues like missing receipts or online returns.

Return Timeframes at Costco

Costco doesn’t put a deadline on how long you have to return items. In most cases, you can return products at any time, with a few key exceptions.

General Return Window

• Unlimited timeframe for most items
• 90 days for electronics and select items (e.g., TVs, computers, drones)

Holiday Returns

• Unlike some retailers, Costco doesn’t have a separate holiday return policy. Most items fall under its standard flexible return timeframe.

When Costco says no limit on returns, they mean it. You can return items that you bought on clearance, damaged or defective items, used items or things you bought years ago. You don’t even need a receipt, since Costco can look up your purchase history through your membership account.

What Items Are Eligible for Return?

Most items sold at Costco can be returned for a full refund of the original purchase price, including shipping and handling fees, even if they’ve been opened or used. When you bought it and its condition aren’t important — Costco can refund you to ensure that you’re satisfied. That said, there are a few categories with restrictions.

Nonreturnable or Restricted Items

While Costco is generous with returns, there are some restrictions. Costco doesn’t accept returns, or limits returns for:

• Electronics if more than 90 days have passed since the original purchase date
• Tires and batteries that have exceeded their warranty period
• Alcohol and cigarettes in states where such returns are prohibited by law
• Precious metals, including gold bullion or gift cards
• Custom special orders — repairs or replacements are available for items under warranty that don’t meet specifications
• Airline and live performance event items
• Shop cards, gift cards and ticket items
• Recreational carts ordered online — returns are accepted within 90 days from the date you received the product)
• Contact lenses and eyeglasses must be returned to the Optical Department of your Costco warehouse
• Hearing aids must be returned to the Hearing Aid center at your Costco warehouse
• Items delivered by freight must be returned the same way

Always check item-specific return rules on your receipt or on Costco’s official return policy page.

Refund Options

Costco keeps things simple with fast refunds, especially if you have your original payment method.

Refund Methods

• Original form of payment: Credit/debit card, Costco Visa, etc.
• Cash or check for cash/check purchases
• Merchandise credit if you don’t have proof of purchase

Note that accepted payment methods for returns vary for online purchases and purchases made at Costco warehouse locations.

Refund Timeline

• In-store refunds are immediate
• Online return refunds take five to seven business days after Costco receives your item.

Costco doesn’t charge any restocking fees or processing fees for returns. You’ll always be refunded the original purchase price you paid for the item.

In-Store vs. Online Returns

Costco allows returns both in-person and online, and both methods are free and relatively easy to complete. Note that:

• Items purchased at a Costco warehouse must be returned to a Costco warehouse.
• Online purchases can be returned at a warehouse or online through Costco.com.

Returning online purchases to a Costco warehouse spares you the trouble of having to ship the items back.

Common Return Issues and How To Solve Them

Costco’s return policy aims to keep things simple. Still, things can happen and you might run into these issues when trying to return an item.

Lost Your Receipt?

While a receipt is helpful, it’s not required by Costco’s return policy. Costco can look up your purchase using your membership ID.

Bought a Gift?

Gifted purchases aren’t a problem for returns. The recipient can return it for a Costco Shop Card if they provide the membership number and basic purchase info.

Damaged Item?

Costco accepts returns on damaged or defective merchandise. If you’re outside the electronics return window, ask to speak with a manager, as they may be able to work with you your return.

No Packaging?

While having the packaging helps, Costco doesn’t require it for most returns. If you have it, you can submit it with your returned item which may help speed up the refund process.

How To Start a Return

Costco gives you two options for returning items. Remember, items purchased in stores must be returned at a Costco location.

In Store

1. Bring the item and your membership card.
2. Visit the customer service or returns counter.
3. Explain the reason for the return and present the item.
4. Present your original receipt if you have it.
5. Receive your refund or exchange on the spot.

Online

1. Log into your account at Costco.com.
2. Go to Orders & Returns.
3. Choose the item and select Return Item.
4. Print the prepaid shipping label
5. Package the item and drop it off at the designated carrier

For bulky or oversized items, Costco may offer free pickup from your home.

Some items cannot be returned online, including:

• Special Order Kiosk items, such as countertops, custom flooring, garage doors, home organization and closets, generators, HVAC systems, water treatment, solar, gutters, water heaters, etc.
• Optical items
• Tires
• Tickets and digital goods
• iTunes and Google Play
• Jewelry items
• Perishable Items
• All Apple products
• Costco Shop Cards
• Pokemon 151 Blooming Waters Premium Collection (Item #1916742)

You can contact Costco support online or visit a Costco warehouse to learn whether these items are eligible for return, and if so, how to return them at a warehouse location.

Final Take To GO: Costco’s Return Policy Is a Member Perk Worth Using

The Costco return policy is one of the strongest in retail and it’s just one more reason shoppers stay loyal to the warehouse giant. Whether you’re returning a TV that didn’t fit your space or groceries you weren’t satisfied with, Costco makes it easy and stress-free.

Quick Recap

• No time limit on most returns
• 90-day window for electronics and select items
• Free returns in-store or online
• No receipt? No problem — just bring your membership card
• Fast refunds with minimal hassle

As long as you’re honest and within reason, Costco’s return policy helps ensure that every purchase feels risk-free. 

John Csiszar, Chris Ozarowski and Rudri Patel contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information is accurate as of Dec. 2, 2025.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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