Costco Return Policy 2026: The 90-Day Electronics Rule, No-Receipt Returns and Exceptions

Last updated: October 18, 2026 · We tried to check Costco’s official return policy pages on October 18, 2026, but they block automated reading, so every rule below is cross-checked against at least two recent, reliable sources that report Costco’s published policy. Policies can change, so confirm with your warehouse or Costco customer service before a big return.

Costco’s return policy has a reputation for being the most generous in retail, and for most of what you buy it is: there’s no 30-day or 90-day clock on a sofa, a jacket or a box of cereal. Electronics are the big exception: Costco limits returns of TVs, computers and similar products to 90 days, and that’s the rule that trips people up most.

Below you’ll find exactly which products the 90-day rule covers, what Costco won’t take back at all, how no-receipt and online returns work, and how the membership fee refund works.

Costco return policy at a glance (October 2026)

Compiled from DealNews (updated June 18, 2026), ConsumerAffairs (May 27, 2026), Cheapism, SlashGear and The Sunday Guardian, which report Costco’s published policy. Costco’s own pages could not be read automatically on October 18, 2026.

The 90-day electronics rule, explained

The 90-day limit applies to a specific list of electronics and appliances, not to every item with a plug. According to DealNews and SlashGear, the list includes televisions, projectors, computers, tablets, smartwatches, cameras (including drones and camcorders), MP3 players and cellular phones, plus major appliances: refrigerators above 10 cubic feet, freezers, ranges, cooktops, microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers.

A few practical points:

• When the clock starts. For warehouse purchases it’s the purchase date. For Costco.com orders, DealNews and ConsumerAffairs say the 90 days run from the date you receive the item.
• Small electronics outside the list. Items not on the list (a toaster, headphones, a vacuum) generally fall back under the standard satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unsure about a specific product, ask the member service counter before the 90 days run out.
• Cell phones. SlashGear notes that phone returns may also depend on the carrier’s service contract, so check the carrier’s terms too.
• Apple devices. SlashGear reports Costco asks you to factory reset Apple products (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch) and bring them back unlocked.

After 90 days you can’t return the TV or laptop, but you’re not out of options. Both DealNews and SlashGear say Costco’s Concierge/technical support services can extend the manufacturer’s warranty on many TVs, projectors, computers and major appliances to a second year, and they offer free tech support.

What Costco won’t take back

These items are excluded from the satisfaction guarantee or handled differently, according to at least two of our sources each:

• Gold and silver bullion: precious metals are final sale.
• Costco Shop Cards (gift cards): not refundable and can’t be redeemed for cash.
• Event and airline tickets: not returnable.
• Custom-installed products: such as flooring or blinds made to measure.
• Cigarettes and alcohol: not returnable in states where the law restricts it.
• Diamonds of 1.00 carat or larger: returnable, but only with the original paperwork (such as the diamond certificate), and the stone goes through a gemologist inspection of about 48 hours before you get a refund.
• Tires and batteries: DealNews and ConsumerAffairs say items with a limited useful life are generally handled under their own warranties rather than the open-ended guarantee.

Costco Travel bookings aren’t covered by the merchandise guarantee either. Cheapism notes that airline, hotel and cruise restrictions and fees can apply, so read the terms when you book.

Can you return to Costco without a receipt?

Usually, yes. DealNews and Cheapism both say you don’t typically need a printed receipt because the warehouse can look up the purchase with your membership number. Bring your membership card (or the digital card in the Costco app) and the item.

Refunds generally go back to the original payment method, according to DealNews. If the item was a gift from another member, the purchaser’s membership is needed to find the transaction, and DealNews says the refund is typically issued as a Costco Shop Card. ConsumerAffairs adds that some members report being asked for a receipt more often on expensive items, so keep receipts for big purchases anyway.

How to return a Costco.com order

1. Warehouse: most online orders can be returned at any Costco warehouse’s member service counter, which DealNews says gives you an immediate refund.
2. By mail: sign in to Costco.com, go to Orders & Returns and choose “Return or Replace Items.” SlashGear and DealNews say you can print a prepaid return label for most items.
3. Large items: for furniture, appliances and other bulky orders, Costco arranges a carrier pickup instead of a mailed label, according to DealNews and ConsumerAffairs.
4. Refund timing: mail returns are refunded to the card used for the order. DealNews says it can take 5 to 7 business days after Costco receives the item; SlashGear suggests contacting your bank if the credit hasn’t shown up within three to five business days after it’s processed.

Costco membership fee refund

Costco’s satisfaction guarantee also covers the membership itself. DealNews, Cheapism and ConsumerAffairs all report that you can cancel at any time and get a full refund of your annual membership fee, even partway through the year. To do it, go to the member service counter at a warehouse or contact Costco customer service.

One thing to keep in mind: refunding the membership doesn’t extend the 90-day window on electronics or change the exclusions above.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

• Set a reminder at day 80 for any TV, laptop or appliance, so you have time to test it and decide.
• Keep the accessories. Remotes, chargers and cables should go back with the item.
• Wipe your data. Factory reset phones, tablets and computers and sign out of every account before returning.
• Keep diamond paperwork in a safe place; without it a return of a 1.00 ct+ stone can be refused.
• Don’t abuse the guarantee. The Sunday Guardian notes that Costco doesn’t publish a return limit, but it can cancel a membership (with a fee refund) in rare cases of repeated abuse.

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Frequently asked questions

How long do you have to return electronics to Costco?

You have 90 days. The limit covers TVs, projectors, computers, tablets, smartwatches, cameras, drones, camcorders, MP3 players, cell phones and major appliances; for online orders the 90 days count from the day you receive the item.

Can I return a TV to Costco after 90 days?

No, televisions are on Costco’s 90-day list, so they can’t be returned after that. Costco’s Concierge services can extend the manufacturer’s warranty on many TVs to a second year, so check warranty support instead.

Can you return something to Costco without a receipt?

Usually yes. The warehouse can look up your purchase with your membership card, and the refund generally goes back to the original payment method.

What can you not return to Costco?

Gold and silver bullion, Costco Shop Cards, event tickets and custom-installed items like flooring or blinds can’t be returned, and cigarettes and alcohol are excluded where state law restricts returns. Diamonds of 1.00 ct or more need original paperwork and an inspection, and tires and batteries are handled under warranty.

Does Costco refund your membership fee?

Yes. Costco refunds the annual membership fee in full if you cancel because you’re dissatisfied, even partway through the membership year.

Sources: Costco customer service: return policy (blocks automated reading), DealNews: Costco return policy, ConsumerAffairs, Cheapism, SlashGear: Costco electronics return policy, The Sunday Guardian (checked October 18, 2026).

CouponVPS is not affiliated with Costco Wholesale. Return rules, exclusions and membership terms are set by Costco and may change at any time. Always check Costco’s official website or ask your warehouse’s member service counter for the current policy.