Costco Return Policy: The Complete 2026 Guide

Quick answer: Costco's return policy is one of the most generous in retail: most items can be returned any time for a full refund under its "Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee." The big exception is electronics (TVs, computers, tablets, phones, cameras, major appliances), which have a 90-day return window from the date you received them. You generally don't need the original packaging, and in practice a missing receipt is rarely a dealbreaker because purchases are tied to your membership (Costco's published policy doesn't detail receipt lookups, so treat this as common practice rather than a guarantee). A handful of categories (like alcohol where restricted by law, and certain custom or limited items) have their own rules.

Key takeaways

• Most Costco items have no time limit on returns — the satisfaction guarantee is open-ended.
• Electronics and major appliances are the exception: 90 days from receipt.
• No receipt? Often workable — purchases are tied to your membership, though receipt lookups aren't spelled out in Costco's published policy, so confirm at your warehouse.
• Returns ≠ price adjustments. If you just want the difference back on a price drop, you want a price adjustment, not a return.
• Rules are broadly similar in Canada, with some local variations.

The core policy: risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee

For the vast majority of what you buy at Costco — groceries, household goods, apparel, furniture, jewelry — there is no set deadline to return it. If you're not satisfied, you can bring it back for a full refund. Costco built its membership reputation on this, and it's the default you should assume unless the item falls into one of the exceptions below.

You typically don't need the original box or packaging, and you can return in-warehouse at the membership counter or, for online orders, start the return in your Costco.com account.

The 90-day electronics rule

The single most important exception: electronics and major appliances have a 90-day return window from the date you received the item. This covers:

• Televisions
• Computers, laptops, and tablets
• Smartphones and cellular devices
• Cameras and drones
• Major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, etc.)

After 90 days, these fall under manufacturer warranty rather than Costco's return policy. For category specifics see Costco electronics price adjustments and returns.

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 up your order history at the counter. Costco's published return policy doesn't actually describe receipt lookups, so treat this as common practice rather than a stated guarantee — and confirm at your warehouse if it matters. Keeping your digital receipts organized removes the guesswork entirely — and it's the same habit that lets you catch price drops (more below).

Category rules and exceptions

While most items are open-ended, watch for:

• Electronics / major appliances — 90 days (above).
• Alcohol and tobacco — returnable only where state/provincial law allows.
• Cut/custom items, tires, batteries — may follow their own service or warranty terms.
• Gift cards, cash cards, and tickets — generally non-returnable.
• Diamonds over a certain size — may require documentation/authentication on return.

Returns vs. price adjustments — don't confuse them

This trips up a lot of members. A return means giving the item back for a refund. A price adjustment means keeping the item and getting refunded only the difference when the price drops within 30 days. If your item is fine and you just noticed it went on sale, you want a price adjustment — not a return. See Costco refunds vs. returns for the full distinction.

Costco Canada

The Canadian return policy mirrors the US: an open-ended satisfaction guarantee with the same 90-day electronics exception, processed in-warehouse or through Costco.ca. Local law affects alcohol/tobacco returns. If you shop cross-border, the differences are covered in Costco Canada vs. US.

FAQ

What is Costco's return policy? An open-ended "Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee" on most items, with a 90-day window on electronics and major appliances.

Is there a time limit on Costco returns? Not for most items. Electronics and major appliances are the main exception at 90 days.

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.

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.