Costco Return Policy: Answers To Your 8 Biggest Questions

Costco Return Policy: Costco’s return policy has one of the best returns policies in comparison to other retailers. However, you might still have a few questions before returning to your local Costco.

We’ll cover all your questions, whether you want to know the return policy for a specific item, such as a mattress, laptop, television, electronics, alcohol or Costco tires.

Costco Return Policy

This easy to follow summary guide will answer your questions regarding Costco’s returns policy. You can bookmark it and come back to check it whenever you need to make a return.

What is the Costco return policy?

Costco has a return policy that allows you to get a refund if at any point you are unhappy with your purchase.

Costco offers a return policy that is very customer friendly. The return policy is also very customer-friendly, as there are no restrictions and no questions.

The Costco membership is also covered by the return policy. You can return your membership if you’re not happy. 

You’re not happy with your membership. Costco will refund the full membership fee if it is not satisfactory.

Costco tracks your returns. If they suspect that you are abusing their return policy they may flag your account. This is not common but worth mentioning.

Can You Return Food to Costco?

Yes, Costco accepts produce, food, and other items that you would eat.

No questions asked. It’s a Good reason to test out new products on your family and see what they think.

Costco tracks all returns. If they suspect you are abusing their return policy, they may flag your account.

A reader commented that a lady had been refused the return of buns she purchased the day before but hadn’t opened.

It seems that your mileage will vary when it comes back to food. Costco will discard most of the food, even if you get reimbursed.

You can freeze bakery products if you buy too much.

Do You Need Your Costco Receipt?

No, Costco does not require a receipt for any returns.

You can return the item by bringing your Costco membership number (or card) to the Customer Service Desk.

You can quickly and easily find proof of your Purchase.

What Items Can’t You Return to Costco?

You can only return a few items to Costco if you want a full refund.

Alcohol: Bottoms Up on all wine, beer or liquor, as you cannot return it to the majority of states in the U.S., and therefore, sales are final. It doesn’t really matter if the product is opened or not.

Cigarettes: You can only return them at Costco.

Diamonds: Any diamonds greater than 1 carat should be returned along with the original paperwork. The Costco fulfillment center will verify your return before you receive a refund.

Costco Graduate Gemologist inspects the diamond. They will issue you a jewelry credit note that allows you to buy a different diamond, or receive your money back. It could take up to five business days.

Limited-Lifetime Products: Think of car tires and batteries. They are sold with a limited warranty that is specific to the product.

Special order kiosk: While you cannot return special orders, if the product does not meet specifications you may be eligible for a warranty repair.

Installed Custom Programs – Same as above.

It’s a pretty limited list, considering the thousands of items that Costco stocks every day.

Can you return electronics at Costco?

Costco is a popular place for shoppers to find great deals on electronics. Costco allows you to return electronic items as long as they are returned within 90 days.

Costco’s Return Policy no longer allows for Unlimited days of return on electronics. This is an exception to the rule we previously mentioned.

What are the items included? Costco Gives you 90 days for returning major appliances such as televisions, computers and tablets, MP3 Players, Cameras, cell phones, and other electronic devices.

You can return televisions, cameras, iPods/MP3 players, cell phones and camcorders for a refund within 90 days.

Can You Return Items Bought Online to Costco?

Yes, Bring the item along with your Costco.com receipt and Costco will process your refund.

Costco has also created a Return Form that makes it even easier for you to return your Costco.com purchase.

How About Returning Gifts to Costco?

Yes, you can return items to Costco that were Given to you as a gift.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a member or not, you can walk in and return stuff.

But keep in mind that if you don’t have the receipt you’ll need the membership number of the person who purchased the gift for you.

Can You Return a Mattress to Costco?

If you are returning a mattress that you have Owned for over a year you will need to speak to the store manager.

The manager will look at your purchase history to determine if you have spent enough at Costco for the return to be worthwhile.

You’ve been told to return it to Costco outside of your town as you could make enemies by returning an old mattress.

Can I exchange one item for another at Costco?

Costco offers a generous exchange policy. Costco offers a return policy for products that you are not satisfied with.

Costco’s Specific return policy can vary depending on what you bought and where you live.

Costco Generally allows exchanges and returns for most products in a reasonable amount of time. The item must still be in its original packaging.

You’ll need to show proof of purchase such as a receipt. Electronics, For example, may have a limited Return Period or other requirements.

For the latest information about exchanges, you can check out your local Costco store or their website.

How do you return online orders to Costco?

Costco offers two ways to return an item online. You can either bring the item with you and the receipt into the store or return it directly from the website. This doesn’t require much time.

Returning an item purchased online in-store: Visit Costco to get a refund.

Costco.com allows you to return items online. Sign in at Costco and click on’my orders.’

Next to the item that you want to return, there will be an option for’return item.’ Click this to begin your online return.

Can You Return Car Tires?

Costco gives you 30 dayss for testing your new tires.

You can return them or exchange them if you are not satisfied for any reason.

Can I return alcohol to Costco?

Costco generally does not accept alcohol returns. Costco’s return policy excludes most alcohol products from refunds or exchanges.

The policy was implemented due to the legal restrictions and regulations that surround the sale and returns of alcoholic drinks.

Costco’s specific return policy details may vary depending on your region and local laws. You should check your local Costco or their website for the latest information on alcohol returns.

What About Returning Furniture That I Bought Online?

I asked Costco about their furniture return policy. I gave the example of a couch and was told, “Our couches can be returned quite easily.” 

We take care of everything! It would be picked up in the same manner as the couch was delivered. Once a return request is made, our carrier will call you to set up an appropriate appointment.

Then I asked: “Even like two years later, when the couch begins to sag?” Then I was told “Yes, for any reason, you may return this item!”

It’s pretty amazing. Why buy furniture from anywhere else?

FAQ – Costco Return Policy

How long do I have to return an item to Costco?

Customers have up to 90 days after the purchase date to return an item and receive a refund. Certain items, like electronics and major appliances have different return periods.

Can I return an item to Costco if it was purchased online?

Costco does accept returns on items ordered online. Costco accepts returns for items purchased online. Customers can initiate the return process by logging in to their account and then return the item to any Costco warehouse, or send it back.

How can I initiate a return to Costco?


Furthermore, Costco customers have the option to initiate a refund online through their Costco accounts or by contacting Costco customer service. Once contacted, the customer service team will provide specific instructions based on the type and quantity of items being returned.

Do I need a receipt to return an item to Costco?

Costco does not require a receipt to return an item. It is still recommended that you have your order number or receipt to speed up the return process.

Are there any items that cannot be returned to Costco?

Costco does not accept certain items, such as Cigarettes, alcohol, products that are custom-Ordered, or products that contain electronic content.

Can I return a gift I received from Costco even though I am not a member?

Non-members are able to return a gift bought at Costco and receive a cash refund, if they possess the receipt. If the recipient does not have the Original gift receipt, he/she can exchange it. They may also receive store credit.

What is the return policy for tires purchased at Costco?


Additionally, Costco provides a lifetime warranty on all tires purchased from their store. This warranty ensures that if a tire is deemed unrepairable or not repairable, Costco will offer a replacement or a refund.

Can I return a mattress to Costco?

“However,” Costco does allow customers to exchange or return mattresses at any time for a refund. Delivery Fees can be deducted from a refund.

Can You Return Something If Your Membership has Expired?

Costco does not accept returns unless you are a member.