Costco return policy — the real window, and how to use it
Every line below is quoted from Costco's own published return policy and linked to the source. If they're refusing a return you're entitled to, Owed's agent can push it for you.
Returns & refunds
Costco guarantees satisfaction on every product it sells and will refund the purchase price, with no general time limit — the exceptions are what matter. Electronics and major appliances run on a hard 90-day clock from the date you received the merchandise: televisions, projectors, major appliances (refrigerators above 10 cu. ft., freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-range and under-counter microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers), computers, touchscreen tablets, smart wearables, cameras, drones, camcorders, MP3 players and cellular phones. Diamonds of 1.00ct or larger require the original IGI or GIA paperwork and go to a Costco Graduate Gemologist for authentication. Airline and live event items, precious metals, Shop Cards, gift cards and tickets are non-refundable outright, and cigarettes and alcohol cannot be returned where prohibited by law. Membership fees are separately refundable at any time if you are dissatisfied.
In their own words
“On Membership: We will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you are dissatisfied.”
Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
“On Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell, and will refund your purchase price*, with the following exceptions:”
Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
“Electronics: Costco will accept returns within 90 days (from the date the member received the merchandise) for Televisions, Projectors, Major Appliances (refrigerators above 10 cu. ft., freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-range and under-counter microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers), Computers, Touchscreen Tablets, Smart Wearable Devices, Cameras, Aerial Cameras (drones), Camcorders, MP3 players and Cellular Phones”
Exceptions — Electronics
“Members returning a diamond over 1.00ct must also present all original paperwork (IGI and/or GIA certificates) at which time they will receive a Jewelry Credit Memo.”
Exceptions — Diamonds
“Products with a limited useful life expectancy, such as tires and batteries, may be sold with a product-specific limited warranty.”
Exceptions — limited life products
“Items ordered online can be returned at any Costco warehouse -or- you can initiate a return through Costco.com.”
How to Return an Item
What they exclude
- Electronics and major appliances — 90 days from the date the member received the merchandise
- Recreational carts ordered online — 90 days from receipt
- Diamonds 1.00ct or larger require all original IGI and/or GIA paperwork and are inspected for authenticity
- Cigarettes and alcohol where prohibited by law
- Products with a limited useful life expectancy, such as tires and batteries, may carry a product-specific limited warranty instead
- Custom product manufactured to a member’s unique specifications, except for warranty repair or replacement due to failure to meet specifications
- Airline and Live Performance Event items, precious metals, Shop Cards, gift cards and tickets are non-refundable
How to file
Items bought at a warehouse go back to the returns counter at any Costco warehouse. Online orders can be returned to any warehouse or started through Costco.com. For the 90-day electronics categories, Costco Technical & Warranty Services representatives handle technical support and warranty questions. Contact lenses, eyeglasses, hearing aids and large freight-delivered items each route through their own process rather than the returns counter.
Costco's claim page →Source: Costco's published policy · verified 2026-08-03
If they say no
A first refusal is not the end — most claims that get paid are the ones that got answered a second time. The ladder that works:
- Reply in the same thread quoting the exact policy line above, with your order number and the date. Ask for a supervisor or a formal complaint reference.
- Escalate to an executive contact if support stalls — a specific, documented request outperforms an angry one.
- Use your payment rail: a card chargeback for "not as described" or "item not received" (typically within 60 days of the statement under the US Fair Credit Billing Act, and up to 120 days under card-network rules — confirm the exact window with your issuer), or a PayPal dispute.
- For lost or damaged shipments, file a claim with the carrier directly.
- Escalate externally: the selling platform's guarantee, BBB, your state attorney general, or the FTC. Small claims is the last resort.
Owed reads your receipts, tracks every warranty clock, drafts the claim citing the terms above, and follows up until you're paid. Free to start.
Policies change. We re-verify these terms regularly and show the date each was checked, but always confirm current terms on Costco's own site before relying on them. Owed is not a law firm and this page is not legal advice.