Return & Refund Policy

Last Updated: September 2025

We want every customer to feel confident when making a purchase. Most merchandise is covered by our satisfaction guarantee, subject to the exclusions, product-specific restrictions, and return periods described below.

Please review this Return & Refund Policy carefully before initiating a return. Certain products may have special return requirements or separate warranty terms.

1. Satisfaction Guarantee

We stand behind the merchandise we sell and aim to provide a straightforward return experience.

Most eligible merchandise may be returned when you are not satisfied with your purchase, subject to the exceptions and limitations described in this policy.

Certain product categories, including electronics, customized merchandise, limited-life products, gift cards, tickets, precious metals, and other specially designated products, are subject to additional restrictions.

Costco's published policy similarly provides a satisfaction guarantee for merchandise while maintaining specific exceptions for certain product categories.

2. General Return Eligibility

Unless a specific product category states otherwise, an eligible item may generally be returned for reasons including:

You are not satisfied with the item.
You ordered the item by mistake.
The item arrived damaged.
The item is defective.
You received the wrong item.
You received a duplicate shipment.
The package was refused because it arrived damaged.
An item from your order is missing.
The shipment appears to have been lost in transit.

For online orders, Costco currently recognizes these as common reasons for a return or replacement request.

Returned merchandise may be inspected before a refund, replacement, or other resolution is issued.

3. Return Period

Most merchandise is not subject to a single universal 30-day return period.

However, certain product categories have a specific return window.

Electronics — 90-Day Return Period

The following products must generally be returned within 90 days from the date the customer receives the merchandise:

Televisions
Projectors
Computers
Touchscreen tablets
Smart wearable devices
Cameras
Drones / aerial cameras
Camcorders
MP3 players
Cellular phones
Qualifying major appliances

Qualifying major appliances include certain:

Refrigerators
Freezers
Ranges
Cooktops
Microwaves
Range hoods
Dishwashers
Water heaters
Washers
Dryers

Costco's current policy uses a 90-day return period for these electronics and major-appliance categories. Cellular-phone returns may also depend on the applicable carrier agreement.

4. Online Purchases

Eligible online purchases may generally be returned in one of two ways.

Return to a Warehouse

An eligible online purchase may be brought to a participating warehouse return counter.

Where applicable, the refund may include the original shipping and handling charges.

Returning the merchandise in person may also allow the return to be processed more quickly.

Costco currently allows Costco.com purchases to be returned at warehouses and states that eligible refunds include shipping and handling fees.

Return Online

Customers may also initiate an eligible online return through their account.

The typical process is:

Account → Orders & Returns → Select Order → Return or Replace Items

Depending on the item, the customer may receive:

A prepaid return label
Return shipping instructions
Replacement instructions
A scheduled carrier pickup
Freight pickup instructions for oversized merchandise

Eligible Costco.com returns currently do not incur a separate return-shipping charge.

5. Return Shipping Fees

For qualifying online returns, return shipping is generally provided without an additional return-shipping charge.

Where applicable, the original shipping and handling charges may also be included in the refund.

However, special products, third-party services, customized merchandise, delivery upgrades, or other restricted items may be subject to separate terms.

Costco states that qualifying Costco.com returns are refunded with shipping and handling and that customers are not charged for return shipping.

6. Refund Method

Approved refunds will generally be issued to the original payment method used for the order.

Depending on the original transaction, refunds may be issued to:

Credit card
Debit card
Shop Card
Check
Other original payment method where supported

When an online purchase is returned at a physical warehouse, available refund methods may depend on the payment methods supported at that location.

Costco notes that online and warehouse payment methods can differ and that, where possible, the refund is returned to the card originally used.

7. Refund Processing Time

Refund timing depends on the method used to return the merchandise.

For Costco.com returns, Costco currently publishes the following typical processing timeframes:

Return Method	Typical Refund Processing
UPS Return Label	2–3 business days after UPS scans the label
UPS Mail Innovations	2–3 business days after return use
UPS Pickup	2–3 business days after pickup
Freight Pickup	About 2 business days after carrier pickup

Certain merchandise may require an additional 3–10 business days for inspection or verification.

After a refund has been issued, additional processing time may be required by the customer's bank or card provider.

For check refunds, Costco currently indicates that the check may arrive within approximately 15 business days.

For eligible Shop Card refunds, the original card may generally be reloaded within approximately 48 hours; if a replacement digital card is required, processing may take approximately 1–2 business days.

8. Damaged or Defective Merchandise

If an item arrives damaged or defective, the customer should initiate a return or replacement request as soon as reasonably possible.

Depending on the circumstances, available resolutions may include:

Replacement
Refund
Replacement component
Manufacturer warranty assistance
Technical support
Carrier pickup

Please retain the merchandise, packaging, accessories, manuals, components, and other materials until the return or replacement process has been completed.

For online orders, Costco currently permits return or replacement requests when merchandise arrives defective or damaged.

9. Incorrect Items

If the merchandise received does not match the merchandise ordered, the customer may request a return or replacement.

Customers should avoid using an incorrect item when possible and retain the original packaging until return instructions are received.

Costco's online return system currently includes receipt of an incorrect item as an eligible reason for return or replacement.

10. Missing Items

If part of an order is missing, customers should verify whether the order was divided into multiple shipments before submitting a claim.

If an item is confirmed missing, a replacement may be available.

Costco currently lists a missing item as a replacement reason for Costco.com orders.

11. Lost Shipments

If tracking indicates that a package may be lost, customers should submit a request for assistance.

Depending on the circumstances and carrier verification, a refund or replacement may be issued.

Additional verification may be required before the claim is approved.

Costco currently recognizes a lost shipment as an eligible reason to initiate an online return/replacement resolution.

12. Refused Delivery

If merchandise or its shipping container arrives visibly damaged, the customer may refuse the delivery where appropriate.

If delivery is refused because of shipping damage, the refusal should be documented with the carrier whenever possible.

A refund or replacement may then be requested.

Costco currently includes refusal due to damage to the merchandise or shipping box among its eligible online return reasons.

13. Large and Freight Items

Furniture, appliances, outdoor products, and other oversized merchandise may require freight return service.

If merchandise was originally delivered through a freight carrier, the return will generally be picked up through a comparable level of service, such as:

Curbside pickup
Threshold pickup
White Glove pickup

After the return is initiated, Costco states that the freight carrier generally contacts the customer within approximately 5–7 business days to arrange pickup.

The customer should:

Make the merchandise accessible for pickup.
Remove personal property from the merchandise.
Provide a safe path for the pickup team.
Be available during the scheduled pickup window.
Retain all accessories and components.
Follow any disassembly instructions provided.

Once pickup has been confirmed and the merchandise is in transit, the refund may be processed.

14. Major Appliances

Qualifying major appliances are generally subject to the 90-day return period described above.

Major appliances may include:

Refrigerators above the applicable size threshold
Freezers
Ranges
Cooktops
Certain microwaves
Range hoods
Dishwashers
Water heaters
Washing machines
Dryers

The return period generally begins on the date the customer receives the appliance.

Warranty service may be available after the return period expires.

15. Cellular Phones

Cellular phones generally fall under the electronics 90-day return policy.

However, a cellular phone purchase may also involve a separate agreement with a wireless carrier.

Therefore, eligibility for:

Device returns
Service cancellation
Activation-fee refunds
Carrier credits
Promotional credits
Trade-in credits

may be governed partly by the carrier's own terms.

Costco specifically notes that cellular-phone return details can vary depending on the carrier service contract.

16. Diamonds and High-Value Jewelry

Additional verification may be required for high-value jewelry.

For diamonds of 1.00 carat or larger, Costco currently requires the original grading paperwork, such as applicable IGI or GIA certificates, to be provided during the return process.

The diamond is then subject to authentication before final processing.

High-value jewelry returns may take longer to process because inspection and verification may be required.

17. Jewelry Returns

Jewelry may require special processing and may not always qualify for standard online self-service return.

Customers may be required to:

Contact customer service
Visit a warehouse
Provide certification paperwork
Complete authenticity verification
Use special insured return procedures

Costco currently lists jewelry among categories that may not be eligible for ordinary Costco.com self-service return.

18. Products With Limited Useful Life

Certain products naturally have a limited useful lifespan.

Examples may include:

Tires
Automotive batteries
Certain other consumable or wear products

These products may be covered by a separate product-specific warranty instead of the general return policy.

Costco specifically identifies tires and batteries as examples of products that may be governed by limited warranties.

19. Customized and Special-Order Products

Merchandise manufactured, modified, or installed according to a customer's personal specifications may generally be non-returnable and non-refundable.

Examples may include certain:

Custom countertops
Custom flooring
Garage doors
Closet systems
Home organization systems
HVAC equipment
Generators
Water-treatment systems
Solar products
Gutters
Custom-installed products

If a customized product fails to meet the agreed specifications, warranty repair or replacement rights may still apply.

Costco's policy states that custom merchandise made to a member's unique specifications cannot generally be returned or refunded except in connection with applicable warranty repair or replacement.

20. Non-Refundable Products

Certain products and services may be final sale or non-refundable.

Under Costco's current published policy, these include certain:

Precious metals
Costco Shop Cards
Gift cards
Ticket items
Airline items
Live performance event items

Customers should review any product-specific terms before completing the purchase.

21. Alcohol and Tobacco Products

Return availability for regulated merchandise depends on applicable law.

Costco does not accept returns of cigarettes or alcoholic beverages where returns are prohibited by law.

State and local rules may therefore affect return eligibility.

22. Gift Cards

Gift-card products are generally non-refundable.

This may include:

Retail gift cards
Service gift cards
Entertainment gift cards
Certain digital-value products

Costco's published policy identifies Gift Card items as non-refundable.

23. Shop Cards

Costco Shop Cards are generally non-refundable.

They also appear among Costco's online self-service return exclusions.

24. Tickets

Ticket products are generally non-refundable unless a separate product-specific policy expressly states otherwise.

Costco's current policy identifies Ticket items as non-refundable.

25. Precious Metals

Purchases categorized as precious metals are generally final sale and non-refundable.

Customers should carefully review all product information before placing an order.

Costco currently identifies precious metals as non-refundable merchandise.

26. Perishable Products

Food, flowers, and other perishable items may require a different return or refund process because they cannot always be physically returned through standard shipping channels.

Customers experiencing an issue with a perishable product should contact customer service promptly.

Perishable merchandise is among the categories Costco currently excludes from ordinary Costco.com self-service return.

27. Apple Products

Certain Apple products may not be eligible for standard Costco.com self-service return.

Customers may be required to contact customer service or visit a warehouse for assistance.

This limitation relates to the self-service return method and should not automatically be interpreted as meaning that every Apple product is non-returnable.

Costco currently lists all Apple products among Costco.com self-service return exclusions.

28. Optical Products

Optical merchandise may require specialized return processing.

Certain optical products cannot be returned through standard Costco.com self-service return and may require assistance from the appropriate department or warehouse.

29. Tires

Tires may be subject to:

Product-specific warranties
Mileage limitations
Road-hazard coverage terms
Installation-related conditions

They are also excluded from Costco.com's ordinary self-service return process.

Customers should refer to the specific tire warranty applicable to the product.

30. Items Not Eligible for Online Self-Service Return

Some products may still qualify for assistance even though they cannot be returned through the normal online return portal.

Costco currently identifies categories such as:

Special-order products
Custom-installed products
Optical products
Tires
Tickets
Certain digital goods
Jewelry
Perishable merchandise
Apple products
Costco Shop Cards

as products that may not be processed through normal Costco.com self-service return.

In these situations, customers may need to contact customer service or visit a warehouse.

31. Receipt and Original Packaging

Customers are encouraged to retain:

Receipt or proof of purchase
Order number
Original packaging
Manufacturer packaging
Manuals
Accessories
Cables
Components
Certificates
Warranty cards

Having these materials can make the return process faster.

For warehouse purchases, Costco currently states that having a receipt or original packaging is helpful, although it may not always be necessary to process the return.

32. Condition of Returned Merchandise

Unless the return involves a defective or damaged product, customers should return merchandise in a condition reasonably consistent with ordinary inspection and use.

All components supplied with the original item should be returned whenever possible.

This includes:

Accessories
Manuals
Cables
Remote controls
Hardware
Parts
Packaging
Promotional items

Incomplete returns may require additional review.

33. Replacement Instead of Refund

Certain eligible online purchases may qualify for replacement rather than refund.

Replacement may be appropriate when:

The merchandise arrived damaged.
The item is defective.
The wrong item was delivered.
An item is missing.
The shipment was lost.

Replacement availability depends on current inventory.

If a replacement is unavailable, a refund may be issued instead.

34. Replacement Parts

For items missing only a part or component, customers may be able to request a replacement component rather than return the entire product.

This may be particularly useful for:

Furniture
Appliances
Outdoor equipment
Products requiring assembly

Costco currently advises customers needing a replacement part or piece to contact customer service.

35. Return Abuse and Fraud Prevention

Returns may be subject to verification for fraud prevention, loss prevention, or policy compliance.

We reserve the right to review unusual return activity, including situations involving:

Suspected fraud
Altered merchandise
Items not originally purchased from us
Serial-number discrepancies
Missing high-value components
Counterfeit merchandise
Repeated misuse of return privileges

A return may be delayed or declined when necessary to verify the transaction or merchandise, subject to applicable law.

36. Refund Verification

Certain merchandise may require additional verification before a refund is issued.

Verification may include:

Purchase confirmation
Serial-number verification
Product inspection
Authenticity review
Carrier confirmation
Delivery verification

Costco notes that some returned items may require an additional 3–10 business days of verification before the refund process is completed.

37. Original Shipping Charges

For qualifying online returns, original shipping and handling charges may be refunded together with the merchandise price.

Costco currently states that eligible Costco.com returns include shipping and handling fees.

Exceptions may apply to special services, customized products, or transactions subject to separate terms.

38. Return Pickup Appointments

For oversized merchandise requiring carrier pickup, a scheduled pickup appointment may be required.

The customer should ensure that:

The item is ready.
The pickup area is accessible.
The carrier has sufficient access.
An authorized adult is available where required.

For Costco freight returns, the carrier generally contacts the customer within approximately 5–7 business days after initiation to arrange pickup.

39. Refunds After Freight Pickup

For qualifying freight merchandise, refund processing normally begins after carrier pickup is confirmed.

Costco currently states that freight-return refunds are processed once pickup is confirmed and the merchandise is in transit.

Banks and card issuers may require additional time before the credit appears on the customer's account.

40. Membership Refunds

Costco separately maintains a satisfaction guarantee for membership.

Under Costco's current published policy, a membership can be canceled and the membership fee refunded if the member is dissatisfied.

Membership refunds are separate from merchandise returns.

41. Product-Specific Policies

Certain products may display additional return, warranty, manufacturer, installation, or service terms on the product page.

When a product-specific policy applies, customers should review those terms together with this general Return & Refund Policy.

Examples may include:

Major appliances
Electronics
Tires
Batteries
Jewelry
Custom merchandise
Installation services
Tickets
Digital goods

42. Manufacturer Warranty

A product that is no longer eligible for return may still be protected by a manufacturer's warranty.

Depending on the product, warranty remedies may include:

Technical support
Repair
Replacement parts
Replacement product
Manufacturer service

A warranty claim is separate from a merchandise return.

43. Policy Updates

Return procedures, eligible products, exclusions, refund methods, and processing times may change from time to time.

The policy in effect at the time of the return, together with applicable product-specific terms and applicable law, will determine available options.

Short Version

For customers who want a quick summary:

Most merchandise: Covered by a satisfaction-based return policy, subject to exclusions.

Electronics & major appliances: Generally 90 days from receipt.

Eligible online returns: Return at a warehouse or initiate through the online account.

Return shipping: Generally free for qualifying Costco.com returns.

Original shipping fees: Generally refunded for qualifying Costco.com returns.

Freight returns: Carrier pickup may be arranged; contact generally occurs within about 5–7 business days.

Non-refundable / restricted categories: Include certain gift cards, Shop Cards, tickets, precious metals, custom products, airline/live-event products, and legally restricted alcohol/tobacco returns.

Refund processing: Many parcel returns are processed within roughly 2–3 business days after carrier acceptance, while certain products require additional verification.