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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: February 6, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to CostRefund ("we," "our," "us"). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you use our website and mobile applications, including features that involve subscriptions.

By using our services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the website or app.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of data:

Information You Provide: Name, email address, phone number, and any details submitted when signing up, contacting support, or subscribing.

Transaction Data: Purchases, subscriptions, Costco refund claims, and in-app transaction history.

Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device information.

Usage Data: Interactions within the app or website, feature usage, and visit duration.

Location Data (Approximate / Coarse Location): When you use CostRefund, we collect your approximate (coarse) location based on network signals to identify nearby Costco warehouse locations and provide relevant store information. This data is collected while the app is in use.

Location Data (Precise / Background Location): If you explicitly grant "Always" or "Allow all the time" location permission, CostRefund collects your precise (GPS) location continuously in the background, even when the app is closed or not in use. This background location data is collected to power the "Store Exit Reminder" feature: CostRefund uses geofencing to detect when you physically leave a Costco warehouse and sends you a push notification reminding you to upload your receipt and claim potential refunds. Background location data is used solely for this store-exit detection and reminder purpose. You can revoke location permissions at any time in your device settings, and background location collection will stop immediately. Granting background location is optional; the app's core features (receipt upload, refund tracking) work without it.

3. Subscriptions and In-App Purchases

CostRefund offers auto-renewable subscriptions through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store:

  • Monthly Plan: $1.99/month
  • Annual Plan: $19.99/year

Subscription Terms:

  • Payment is charged to your Apple ID or Google Play account at confirmation of purchase.
  • Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the billing cycle.
  • You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime via your App Store or Google Play account settings.
  • We do not issue refunds for partial subscription periods.
  • We do not collect or store your credit/debit card details; all transactions are securely handled by Apple or Google.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

  • Deliver and improve our refund tracking and subscription features
  • Process claims and send alerts or updates
  • Approximate location: Identify nearby Costco warehouse locations and display relevant store information while you use the app
  • Precise/background location: Detect when you leave a Costco store via geofencing and send you a push notification reminding you to upload your receipt and claim refunds (only if you grant background location permission)
  • Monitor performance, security, and user activity
  • Send promotional messages (if you opt in)
  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell or rent your data.

5. Location Services and Background Location

CostRefund accesses and collects location data as described below. This section provides a comprehensive disclosure of all location data accessed, collected, and used by the app.

Summary of Location Data Collection

Approximate (Coarse) Location

  • Data collected: Approximate location derived from network signals (Wi-Fi, cell towers, IP address)
  • When collected: While the app is in use (foreground)
  • Purpose: To identify nearby Costco warehouse locations and display relevant store information
  • Shared with third parties: No

Precise (GPS) Location, Including Background Location

  • Data collected: Precise GPS coordinates of your device
  • When collected: Continuously in the background, even when the app is closed or not in use, if you grant "Always" / "Allow all the time" location permission
  • Purpose: To detect via geofencing when you physically leave a Costco warehouse and send a push notification reminding you to upload your receipt and claim potential refunds ("Store Exit Reminder" feature)
  • Shared with third parties: No
  • Required: No — this permission is optional. Core app features (receipt upload, refund tracking, price monitoring) work without background location

Store Exit Reminder Feature: CostRefund offers an optional "Store Exit Reminder" feature. When enabled, the app uses geofencing around Costco warehouse locations to detect when you leave a store. Upon exit, the app sends you a push notification reminding you to upload your receipt and claim any eligible refunds. This feature requires precise background location permission to function.

Background Location Disclosure: If you choose to enable the Store Exit Reminder and grant "Always" or "Allow all the time" location permission, CostRefund will access and collect your precise (GPS) location continuously in the background, even when the app is closed or not actively in use. This continuous background location collection is necessary to monitor geofences and detect when you leave a Costco store so the app can send you a timely reminder notification.

This feature and permission are entirely optional. You are not required to enable background location to use CostRefund. You can use the app's core features (uploading receipts, tracking refunds, monitoring prices) without granting any location permissions.

How to disable: You can revoke location permissions at any time through your device's Settings app (iOS: Settings > CostRefund > Location; Android: Settings > Apps > CostRefund > Permissions > Location). Once disabled, background location collection stops immediately, and you will no longer receive store exit reminders.

Data retention: Location data used for geofencing is processed on-device and is not stored on our servers. We do not maintain a history of your location movements.

We do not sell, share, rent, or use your location data for advertising, analytics, or any purpose other than providing the store exit reminder feature described above.

6. Data Sharing & Third-Party Services

Your data may be shared with:

  • Service Providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, support tools) under strict confidentiality agreements
  • Regulatory or Legal Entities if required by law
  • Business Transfers in case of acquisition or merger.

7. Cookies & Tracking

Our website and app may use cookies and tracking tools to:

  • Ensure functionality
  • Analyze usage patterns
  • Offer personalized experiences (with your consent)

You may disable cookies through your browser or app settings.

8. Data Security

We protect your personal data using:

  • Industry-standard encryption
  • Secure cloud infrastructure
  • Routine system and access audits

However, no system is 100% secure—please use strong passwords and log out when done.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), you may have rights to:

  • Access, update, or delete your data
  • Restrict processing
  • Opt out of marketing
  • File a complaint with a data authority

To make a request, email us at info@sfdify.com

10. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to fulfill our services or meet legal requirements. When you cancel or delete your account, your data is securely removed unless retention is required by law.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website or app may contain links to third-party platforms. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage you to review their policies separately.

12. Children's Privacy

CostRefund is not designed for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we learn we've collected information from a minor, we will delete it immediately.

13. Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated occasionally.

  • Significant updates will be announced via email or within the app.
  • Continued use of the service after changes means you accept the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

For privacy-related inquiries:

📧 Email: info@sfdify.com

🌐 Website: www.costrefund.com