Costco Return Policy 2026: Electronics, No Receipt & More

Quick answer: Costco takes back almost anything, at any time, for a full refund under its "Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee". The main exception is electronics and major appliances: TVs, computers, tablets, phones, cameras, smart watches and large appliances have a 90-day return window from the day you received them. A short list of items can't be returned at all (gift cards and Shop Cards, precious metals, tickets, custom-made products, and alcohol or cigarettes where the law forbids it), and a few have their own process. You can return to any Costco warehouse, including items bought on Costco.com.

Key takeaways

• Most items have no return deadline: the satisfaction guarantee is open-ended.
• Electronics and major appliances: 90 days from the date you received the item.
• Not returnable: gift cards, Shop Cards, precious metals, tickets, airline and live-event purchases, custom products, and alcohol or cigarettes where prohibited by law.
• Return anywhere: at the returns counter of any Costco warehouse, or start an online order's return on Costco.com.
• Your membership fee is refundable too, at any time, if you're dissatisfied.
• If the item is fine and only the price dropped, you want a price adjustment, not a return.

Rules below are from Costco's published US return policy (version 18.0, October 2025), checked October 15, 2026.

Costco return windows by category

The core policy: the risk-free satisfaction guarantee

Costco's policy says it guarantees your satisfaction on every product it sells and will refund the purchase price, subject to the exceptions in this guide. For most of what's in your cart there is no deadline: if you're not satisfied, you can bring it back. Costco built its membership reputation on this, so it's the rule to assume unless your item is in one of the categories below.

The 90-day rule for electronics and major appliances

Electronics and major appliances can be returned within 90 days of the date you received them. Costco's policy lists exactly what that covers:

• Electronics: televisions, projectors, computers, touchscreen tablets, smart wearables, cameras, drones, camcorders, MP3 players and cell phones (cell phone returns also vary by the carrier's service contract).
• Major appliances: refrigerators over 10 cubic feet, freezers, ranges, cooktops, built-in and under-counter microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers.
• Recreational carts ordered online also have a 90-day window from delivery.

Because the clock starts when you receive the item, a delivered TV or fridge gets its full 90 days from the delivery date, not the order date. After 90 days, problems go through the manufacturer's warranty instead. Details by product: TVs, laptops, appliances and electronics in general.

Items with special rules, and what you can't return

• Diamonds of 1.00 carat or larger: bring the original IGI and/or GIA paperwork. You receive a Jewelry Credit Memo, and a Costco graduate gemologist inspects the diamond for authenticity within 48 hours. See the jewelry return guide.
• Alcohol and cigarettes: not returnable where the law prohibits it, so it depends on your state. See what drinks you can return.
• Tires and batteries: may be sold with a product-specific limited warranty, which governs what happens if they fail.
• Custom products made to your own specifications: can't be returned or refunded, apart from warranty repair or replacement if they don't meet the specification.
• Non-refundable: airline and live performance event purchases, precious metals, Shop Cards, gift cards and tickets.
• Their own process: contact lenses, eyeglasses, hearing aids and freight-delivered items. Ask the relevant warehouse department, or check the item's page on Costco.com.

How to return something to Costco

• Bought in the warehouse: take it to the returns counter at any Costco warehouse, not only the one where you bought it.
• Bought on Costco.com: return it at any Costco warehouse, or start the return online in your Costco.com account. The product's "Shipping & Returns" details say how a large or freight-delivered item is picked up.
• Refunds: Costco notes that accepted payment methods differ online and in the warehouse. The refund normally goes back to how you paid, and how long it takes depends on the payment method; see how long a Costco refund takes.

You don't need the original box in most cases, though bringing all the parts and accessories makes the return quicker.

Returns without a receipt

A missing paper receipt usually isn't a dealbreaker. Purchases are tied to your membership number, so in practice staff can often look the purchase up at the counter. Costco's published return policy doesn't describe receipt lookups, though, so treat this as common practice rather than a guarantee, and confirm at your warehouse if it matters. The no-receipt return guide covers what to expect.

Can you get your membership fee back?

Yes. The policy says Costco will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you're dissatisfied. How that works in practice, including for Executive members, is in how to cancel a Costco membership and get a refund.

Returns vs. price adjustments: don't confuse them

A return means giving the item back for a refund. A price adjustment means keeping the item and getting back only the difference when its price drops within 30 days of purchase. If the item is fine and you just noticed it went on sale, ask for a price adjustment, not a return. More in Costco refunds vs. returns.

Costco Canada

Costco Canada's policy follows the same pattern, an open-ended satisfaction guarantee with a 90-day window for electronics and major appliances, handled in the warehouse or through Costco.ca; check Costco.ca for the exact Canadian list. Provincial law decides alcohol and tobacco returns. If you shop on both sides of the border, see Costco Canada vs. US.

FAQ

What is Costco's return policy? A "Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee": most items can be returned at any time for a full refund. Electronics and major appliances have a 90-day window from the day you received them, and a few items can't be returned.

Is there a time limit on Costco returns? Not for most items. The main exception is electronics and major appliances, at 90 days. Online-ordered recreational carts also have 90 days from delivery.

What can't you return to Costco? Gift cards, Shop Cards, precious metals, tickets, airline and live performance event purchases, custom-made products, and alcohol or cigarettes where the law prohibits it.

Can I return something to Costco without a receipt? Often yes: purchases are tied to your membership, so staff can usually look them up in practice. Costco's published policy doesn't spell this out, so confirm at your warehouse.

Can I return an online order to a Costco warehouse? Yes. Costco.com purchases can be returned at any Costco warehouse, or you can start the return on Costco.com.

Can I exchange an item at Costco? Costco's published policy doesn't describe a separate exchange process. In practice, warehouses handle it as a return plus a new purchase, and the same windows apply (90 days for electronics and major appliances).

Does the return policy cover price drops? No. For a price drop on something you're keeping, use a price adjustment within 30 days instead.

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Returns get your money back on things you don't want. CostRefund gets your money back on things you're keeping: scan your receipts and get alerted the moment an eligible price drops.