Costco Return Policy: The Must-Knows Before You Shop
The return policy at Costco is so darn good that it deserves its own article. While I’ve talked about some of the better return policies in the past, Costco’s return policy is arguably the best of them all. Here is exactly how it works and everything you need to know to take full advantage.
Update: I originally wrote this article back in 2016 but I do my absolute best to keep it updated. The 200+ comments are great as they help me keep it updated with all the newest information. I hope you still find this resource helpful.
What Exactly is the Costco Return Policy?
Costco calls it their “Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee” and with very few product exceptions, they’ll refund you the purchase price if not completely satisfied.
Pretty much everything in the warehouse is returnable with no time limit.
No questions asked.
This guarantee also includes your Costco membership. You have 364 days from the date you sign-up to try out the membership and see if it works for you.
If not completely satisfied, you can get a full refund on your membership cost.
See Also: How to Essentially Get a $60 Costco Membership for Free
Can Product Packaging Be Opened or Missing?
Yes.
You do NOT need the original packaging or product manual in order to return the product to Costco.
But, you do need all of the parts and accessories that came with the product.
This is a wonderful feature, especially when you’ve had a product for a while and no longer have any of the original packaging.
Permanent COVID-19 Changes
Costco was limiting the return of items that people tend to hoard, but in recent months their return policy has returned to normal.
But with that said, unfortunately for the Costco food court lovers out there, they’ve limited the food court menu and have permanently eliminated a few things including the combination pizza, chicken Caesar salad, and the turkey and cheese wrap.
Can You Return Food to Costco?
Yes.
You can return produce, food (opened or unopened), and anything else you’d put in your mouth, to your local Costco.
No questions asked. Makes for a great reason to try new products and see if your family likes them.
Just be aware that Costco is tracking all of your returns and if they think you’re abusing the return policy they might flag your account.
Update: A comment came in saying that a lady was refused her return of unopened buns that she bought the day before.
So it seems your mileage may vary when it comes to returning food.
Keep in mind that most food items will be discarded by Costco, even though they’ll get reimbursed.
If you’re buying bakery items you can always freeze them for later use if you overbuy.
Bottom line, don’t abuse their return policy as it’ll eventually go away, and hurt all members, if more and more folks abuse it.
90-Day Return Policy on Electronics
Due to some abuse from shoppers in recent years, Costco has shortened their return window on electronics from unlimited days to 90 days.
You now have 90 days from date of purchase to return televisions, tuner-free displays, projectors, computers, tablets, cameras, camcorders, MP3 players and cell phones.
The 90-day policy is still fairly liberal and simply keeps Costco members from bringing back 5 year-old HDTV’s that now have a yellow picture. (For example)
Tip on Buying Apple Products: If you can avoid it, DO NOT buy your next iPhone or iPad from an Apple Store or you’ll be stuck with their measly 14-day return window.
Instead, buy it from the kiosk within Costco and you’ll get the 90-day “electronics” return policy and the return process will be simple if you need to bring it back.
All that Costco asks you to do before you return your Apple device is to Unlock it and perform a Factory Reset.
What’s the Policy on Major Appliances?
90 days.
Unlike Lowe’s and Home Depot, who have both recently shortened their return policy on appliances to a measly 48 hours, Costco still offers a very generous 90 days.
This includes refrigerators over 10 cubic feet, washers, dryers, freezers, ranges, dishwashers, and even hot water heaters.
Do You Need Your Costco Receipt?
No.
You don’t need your receipt to return anything to Costco.
Simply take your Costco membership card (or number), and the item you want to return, to the customer service desk.
They’ll be able to look up all of your past purchases and quickly find evidence of your purchase and issue your refund.
See Also: 12 Things You Should NEVER Buy at Costco
Can You Get Cash When Returning Items Bought with a Debit Card?
Thanks to reader Olivia for this information: If you buy items with your ATM card you might be stuck with a Costco cash card when returning something.
This is especially true if the item is a gift and the person returning it has the original receipt but not the ATM card.
Great information if you regularly buy gifts with your ATM card as you might want to use a credit card or cash to make returns easier.
What Items Can’t Be Returned to Costco?
Here are the handful of items that you can’t return to Costco for a full refund.
Alcohol – Bottoms up on any wine, beer, or liquor as you can’t return them to most states in the U.S. and thus all sales are final. Opened or unopened, it doesn’t matter.
See Also: Costco Liquor: 4 Things You Gotta Know Before You Buy
Cigarettes – Light ’em up, or throw them away, as you can’t return them to any Costco location.
Diamonds – Any diamonds 1 carat or larger must be returned with all original paperwork and has to be verified via the Costco fulfillment center before you get your refund.
A Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect the diamond and issue a jewelry credit memo that allows you to purchase a different diamond or get your money back. Could take up to 5 business days.
Limited Lifetime Products – Think car tires and batteries. These are sold with a product-specific limited warranty.
Sanitizing Wipes – During COVID you could NOT return Lysol wipes, but I think this has changed and you can now return them again. Leave a comment if you know.
Special Order Kiosk – While you can’t return special orders, you can get a warranty repair or replacement due to failure to meet product specs.
Custom Installed Programs – The same as above.
Pretty limited list when you consider the thousands of products Costco stocks on a daily basis.
Can You Return Items Bought Online to Costco?
Yes.
Just bring in the item and your Costco.com receipt to your local store and they’ll process your refund.
Also, Costco now has a handy Online Return Form to make your Costco.com purchases even easier to return.
What About Returning Furniture That I Bought Online?
I started a live chat session with Costco and asked about their furniture return policy.
I used a couch as my example and was told the following, “Our returns for couches are quite easy. We do everything for you! The same way the couch gets delivered, would be the same way it would get picked up. Our carrier would call you once a return is requested and they would set up an appointment that works best for you.”
I then asked, “Even like 2 years later when the couch starts sagging?”
I was then told, “Yes, if for any reason you become unsatisfied with this item, you can return it!”
Pretty amazing. Why would you buy furniture anywhere else?
Can I Return a Casket I Bought From Costco?
First of all, YES, Costco sells caskets and people in-the-know say they’re a good value.
Secondly, you can ONLY return a casket to Costco if there is damage during delivery.
So always try to be home, and examine the casket closely, before signing-off on the delivery.
Otherwise, you can call Costco to get a return authorization on your coffin, the number to call is 1 (800) 955-2292.
You CANNOT show up at the Costco returns desk with your casket on an orange flatbed shopping cart and try to return it, they WILL NOT take it back.
How About Returning Gifts to Costco?
Yes, you can return items to Costco that were given to you as a gift.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a member or not, you can walk in and return stuff.
But keep in mind that if you DON’T have the receipt you’ll need the membership number of the person who purchased the gift for you.
See Also: 5 Brilliant Money-Savings Hacks for Buying Costco Meats
Can Someone Else Make a Return For You?
If they are not listed on your membership then NO they will not be able to make the return on your behalf.
You’ll have to find the time to make the return yourself.
Can You Make a Return Beyond the Manufacturer’s Warranty?
From some recent comments I have received, it seems Costco will not take back an item if it has gone beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.
The example in the comments section was HP printer ink that had “expired”.
In this case, Costco would not take it back.
Can You Return Something If Your Membership has Expired?
No.
Costco will ONLY let you return items if you have an active (and paid) membership.
Can You Return a Mattress to Costco?
Yes, but if you try and return a mattress that you’ve had over a year you’re going to end up dealing with the store manager.
The manager will take a look at your buying history to decide if you spend enough at Costco to make the return worthwhile.
It’s been suggested that you return it to a Costco out of your hometown as you might make some enemies returning a nasty old mattress.
Can You Return Car Tires?
Yes.
Costco gives you 30 days to test out your new tires.
If you don’t like them for any reason, they will let you return or exchange them for a new set.
If there’s a problem with the tire, and you want a new set after 30 days, they will prorate them based on a tread depth measurement.
See Also: Here’s How Costco Tire Prices Stack Up to the Competition
Strangest Items Ever Returned to Costco…
I loved this article from Mashed.com that breaks down some of the strangest returns that Costco employees have seen over the years.
Some of my favorites include an empty bottle of wine that gave the lady a headache, a bag of cat food without the bag, a package of opened underwear, a used chicken coop, and a broken 15-year old pressure washer.
Also, a woman was able to return a dead Christmas tree in January and get a full refund. Crazy.
Moral of the story? Be smart and don’t abuse Costco’s liberal return policy as it’ll end up costing us all.
Ask the Reader: How often do you use their return policy? Any smart Costco tips I may have neglected to mention?
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
I keep hearing you on this 90 day electronic return policy; however, just under a year ago I bought a Samsung Smart TV that just TODAY stopped working. I’m not some scammer trying to use the TV for Super Bowl and then return it. It, absolutely should have lasted more than a year. Why wouldn’t Costco accept this return?
TVs are designed to go out at 3 and 1/2 years that’s why you buy the insurance plan for $34.
My first TV I didn’t do that and I learned the second time the second TV I bought the insurance and it again three and a half years of watching and it died I took it in picked out a new TV no problem no charge
Many credit cards will double the mfg warranty
The manufacturers warranty will cover it within the first year at least, contact them directly and they will more than likely replace it .
you literally answered your own question – you know the part where it says you can’t return electronics after 90 days? that might be a good hint.
Had purchased the Hood Fan before moving and got another one for higher CFM, and now costco wont take the unopened unused old hood fan back citing 90 day return policy. with covid and the move just forgot to take it back to the warehouse, been dealing with the online service who first said ok and now refusing it saying it was mistake to agree to the return. been a member for 16 plus years.
I call ahead before taking back certain items. It’s almost as if you say “can I” and usually the answer is yes. I don’t think a range hood is in the 90 day window. It should be like everything else very liberal on the returns.
I don’t remember when I purchased the Job Rocker and you can’t change channels, will they take it in AZ? hardly used.
No.
What about returns on defective items bought with a voucher that was given to you by Costco? I previously bought a high priced item from Costco and received a very good voucher as part of the purchase.
I bought a nice piece of electronics as a gift but when it arrived it was dead out of the box. I had a nasty surprise in that when I returned said defective electronic equipment, bought with the voucher, they did not want to give me anything back…. I asked for a refund or another voucher so I can buy something else as the item is clearly garbage and I don’t want to buy the same brand/item again. But apparently it’s policy, and in the fine print, that a voucher is single use and that’s that…. You loose the monetary value….. I stood my ground and argued the fact and came off with a voucher to the value of the defective item. Whether the voucher arrives as it being sent by postal service is to be seen. Reading other forums it looks like I was lucky to have received anything back.
I had wonderful experiences with Costco prior to this but this event really put me on the back foot with them.
Kyle, if costco sent 2 cases of the wrong soda and it is returned unopened and intact will you throw it away?
I’d probably chug it.
Can you exchange a mattress after a couple yrs? As long as you keep it in the plastic and keep the receipt. I was told by a customer while at work one day that you can.
I have bought a Panasonic TV from Costco, it has been more than 90 days but they can’t repair TV, they will give me refund but my remote control is damaged from the back bit still works, will Costco still accept my TV?
No.
I think their return policy is ridiculous. I just came back from a Costco trip and im pissed. The lady who assisted me asked me who purchase the item since its not on my account. I provide their name or membership ID. They told me they have to come and return it. One time it was $4 item. Item is brand new, not use, visible Costco Item No. I was like whats the point of providing ” proof of purchasec if you’re going to waste my time.
who really takes the time to return a 4$ item xD
Had the same problem with a pair of pants 1 size too small. Bought through girlfriends mothers membership. She lives 4 hours away.
Would it have been better to have a gift receipt?
I shopped with a friend who had costco membership and bought some stuff. Then I tried to exchange the next day because I found mold on the blackberry and mushroom. Costco refused to exchange or return because I don’t have the memebership card even though I have the receipt and I paid for the items. Very pissed off. I tried at another branch and same thing. Guess I wasted a bunch of money getting mold food at Costco
I think that’s the whole point behind the membership…if an item is purchased using “Annie’s” membership by her friend who is not a member, it’s still “Annie’s” responsibility to return the items.
Doesn’t this belong under “How About Returning Gifts to Costco”?
So it DOES MATTER if you’re a MEMBER or NOT, then!
Somebody needs to get rid of the “How About Returning Gifts to Costco”? section
”
….
It doesn’t matter if you’re a member or not, you can walk in and return stuff.
But keep in mind that if you DON’T have the receipt you’ll need the membership number of the person who purchased the gift for you.
…
“
I bought a pressure washer about 4 years ago and used it about 6 times and now the hand held gun doesn’t work can I still return it?
I lost the usb cable for an earphone.. can i still return it?
Where did you get your information from? Some of this is inaccurate. If someone had been denied a return, there is a reason. It’s uncommon for Costco to turn any return away. You should really reach out to the company and verify your information. Damaging articles that aren’t accurate can be a liability for you.
Talk to me Brian, what exactly in my article is inaccurate.
I tried to return an unopened carton of graham crackers past the best by date. They wouldn’t take it even after I argued you’re suposed to take anything back except alcohol and tobacco. “No we don’t have to take anything back.” Richmond Calif Costco
They do not HAVE to take it back. Especially food past best before date that could have been purchased anywhere. If you are one of those peoole always returning things, then you may find your business is not welcome any longer. Businesses do fire customers with no common sense.
wow who’s entitled 🤣
I have a pristine hp printer I purchasd from costco 10 years ago and recently attemped to return the item. They would not accept it. I have had so many issues with the printer over the years, all documented through HP.
Some corrections and additions are needed here.
I watched a person return an unopened bottle of vodka that the person claimed had evaporated while in the car- yes, that’s right- empty but seemingly unopened. It was in California and your mileage may vary but it is possible.
Also, do you don’t even need the food. Just tell them about it. They really don’t want you to bring in a garbage bag full of a moldy jack fruit. They’ll take your word for it.
Costco cash is essentially cash even if they give you a card with the money. After you make a purchase on refund card, they give the rest of you back in cash. I had one where I ended up getting several hundred dollars back.
Thanks Tim for this information.
The Vodka thing is simply abusing the policy, please don’t do that people as Costco will inevitable tighten up their generous policy.
well that vodka story is actually one for Poirot to figure out, n’est pas? I.e. sealed empty bottle… wowzers