The return policy in plain English
Costco's return policy is famously generous, with one big exception for electronics. Here's what you need to know before you head to the returns counter.
Based on Costco's U.S. customer service pages, last checked October 12, 2026.
The short version
- Most things: covered by Costco's satisfaction guarantee. Outside the categories below, Costco doesn't publish a general time limit.
- Electronics and major appliances: 90 days.
- Online orders: the 90 days count from the day you received the item.
- Your membership fee: refunded at any time if you're not satisfied.
The satisfaction guarantee
Costco offers a satisfaction guarantee on merchandise: if you're not happy with something, you can usually return it for a refund. It notes that some items can't be returned or have limits, so check Costco's return policy for anything unusual before you buy.
The 90-day items
These must be returned within 90 days of purchase, or of delivery for online orders:
| Category | Includes |
|---|---|
| Screens | Televisions, projectors |
| Computers and devices | Computers, touchscreen tablets, smart wearables such as watches |
| Cameras | Cameras, camcorders, drones |
| Audio | MP3 players |
| Phones | Cell phones (details depend on the carrier's service 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 |
Costco's own pages list these slightly differently in different places. Check Costco's major appliance policy for the current list.
Where to return things
- Bought in a warehouse? Take it to the returns counter at any Costco warehouse, not just the one you bought it at.
- Bought online? Return it at any warehouse, or start the return on Costco.com.
Bring your membership card. For electronics, bring everything that came in the box.
Getting your membership fee back
Costco says it will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you're dissatisfied. Ask at the membership counter of any warehouse.
The Executive upgrade works a little differently. If you downgrade or cancel, the upgrade fee is refunded minus any 2% reward you've already earned. Our downgrade calculator shows what you'd get back.
Returns and your 2% reward
If you're an Executive member, a returned item loses the reward it earned. That's fair, but it means a big return late in the year can shrink your reward.