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 18, 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.
Price dropped after you bought it?
You don't need to return it. Costco refunds the difference if the price drops within 30 days. See how price adjustments work and find your deadline.
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.
Common questions
What is Costco's TV return policy?
90 days from purchase, or from delivery for online orders. Televisions are on Costco's 90-day list, so after that you can't return one for a refund.
What is the Costco TV warranty?
Costco says all TVs sold in its warehouses or on Costco.com are covered for two years, double the usual one year, and come with free tech support from Costco Concierge. That's separate from the 90-day return window: after 90 days, a fault is a warranty claim, not a return. See Costco's TV buying guide and how Costco's warranty works, including Allstate plans.
Can I return a TV to Costco without the box?
Costco asks you to bring everything that came in the box when you return electronics. If you no longer have the box, ask the returns counter before you haul the TV in.
What is the Costco furniture return policy?
Furniture, including sofas, isn't on Costco's 90-day list, so it falls under the satisfaction guarantee. For something too big to carry in, or that was delivered, contact Costco's customer service to arrange the return.
Can I return a Christmas tree to Costco?
Artificial trees aren't on the 90-day list either, so they're covered by the satisfaction guarantee like most merchandise. Pre-lit trees aren't listed as electronics.