Costco Return Policy, Explained
Costco refunds most merchandise under its satisfaction guarantee, but TVs, computers, cameras, phones and major appliances must go back within 90 days.
By Olivia HarperContributing writer. Policy checked .
On this page
Store policies change. This is a summary in our own words of Costco's customer service answer on its return policy, read on October 26, 2026. The official page is the one that applies; check it before you return anything.
The general rule
Costco describes a risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee: it refunds the purchase price on merchandise, apart from the exceptions below. Its page gives no general time limit for most items, and it points members to the membership counter or Costco.com for the limitations that apply. The membership fee is covered too: Costco says you can cancel and get the fee back at any time if you are not satisfied.
Electronics, TVs and appliances: 90 days
The main exception is a 90-day window, counted from the day the member received the item. It covers:
| Category | Items Costco lists |
|---|---|
| Screens | Televisions and projectors |
| Computing | Computers and touchscreen tablets |
| Wearables | Smart wearable devices |
| Cameras | Cameras, drones and camcorders |
| Audio | MP3 players |
| Phones | Cellular phones (details depend on the carrier contract) |
| Major appliances | Refrigerators over 10 cubic feet, freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-range and under-counter microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers |
So a TV, laptop or smartwatch bought at Costco has 90 days, not an open-ended window. For setup and warranty questions on many of these products, Costco points members to its Technical and Warranty Services team rather than a return.
Items with other rules
- Diamonds of 1.00 carat or more: bring all the original paperwork, including IGI or GIA certificates. Costco issues a jewelry credit memo, and a Graduate Gemologist checks the stone within 48 hours.
- Cigarettes and alcohol: not returnable where the law prohibits it.
- Tires and batteries: may carry their own limited warranty.
- Custom orders from the Special Order Kiosk and custom installed programs: not returnable or refundable, except warranty repair or replacement when the item does not meet its specifications.
- Recreational carts ordered online: 90 days from receipt; the product page has the steps.
- Separate processes: contact lenses, eyeglasses, hearing aids and large items delivered by freight each have their own return steps on Costco's site.
What Costco does not refund
Costco lists these as non-refundable: airline and live performance event items, precious metals, Shop Cards, and gift card and ticket items.
How to return
- Warehouse purchases: take the item to the returns counter at any Costco warehouse.
- Costco.com purchases: return them at any warehouse, or start the return on Costco.com. The Shipping and Returns section of the product page has item-specific notes.
- Refund method: Costco says the payment methods it can refund to differ between warehouse and online orders, and it links to the full list.
Costco's return page does not say whether a receipt is needed or how long a refund takes, so ask at the returns counter if that matters for your item.
Before you buy electronics at Costco
Mark the date the item arrived, since the 90 days run from receipt, not from the order. Keep the box and accessories until you are sure, and test a TV or computer early in the window.
Source
What is Costco's return policy?, Costco customer service. Policy checked October 26, 2026.