At a Glance
Standard Return Window
Satisfaction guarantee
Most merchandise falls under Costco’s satisfaction guarantee rather than a fixed return window. Electronics and other exceptions have specific limits.
Receipt Lookup
Warehouse Member Services; Costco.com Orders & Returns for online purchases
When the Clock Starts
Receipt date for the 90-day electronics and online recreational-cart windows; most other merchandise has no fixed day window stated in the satisfaction guarantee.
Costco Return Policy Without a Receipt
For warehouse returns, Costco says a receipt or original packaging helps but may not be necessary. Bring the product to warehouse Member Services. Online return requests can be started through Costco.com Orders & Returns.
Bring the item, any packaging and accessories, your payment card, and photo ID if requested. Purchase lookup is not a guarantee of return approval.
Item Exceptions
These rules can override the standard window.
| Item / Category | Window | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Listed electronics & major appliances | 90 days | From receipt. Covers televisions, projectors, specified major appliances, computers, touchscreen tablets, smart wearable devices, cameras, drones, camcorders, MP3 players, and cellular phones. Cellular-phone details vary by carrier service contract. |
| Diamonds | Special rules | The policy's special-handling category is labeled 1.00 ct or larger. Its text requires members returning a diamond over 1.00 ct to present original IGI and/or GIA paperwork, receive a Jewelry Credit Memo, and undergo authenticity inspection within 48 hours. |
| Cigarettes & alcohol | Special rules | Costco does not accept returns where prohibited by law. |
| Limited-life products | Special rules | Products such as tires and batteries may have product-specific limited warranties. |
| Special-order & custom-installed products | Special rules | Products manufactured to a member's personal specifications cannot be returned or refunded, except for warranty repair or replacement when specifications are not met. |
| Nonrefundable products | Special rules | Includes airline and live-performance event items, precious metals, Shop Cards, and gift-card and ticket items. |
| Recreational carts ordered online | 90 days | From receipt; consult the product page for return instructions. |
| Contact lenses & eyeglasses | Special rules | Costco.com contact lenses can be returned to a warehouse Optical Department. Unsatisfactory online prescription eyeglasses may be returned there for repair, replacement, or refund. For warehouse eyeglasses, consult the warehouse Optical Department. |
| Hearing aids | Special rules | Contact the Hearing Aid center at the Costco warehouse. |
| Freight-delivered products | Special rules | Freight returns are normally picked up using the original delivery service level. Pickup excludes Special Order Kiosk, Custom Installed Programs, and warehouse Special Event purchases that may include delivery. |
Can You Return Opened Items?
Costco publishes a merchandise satisfaction guarantee with listed exceptions, but its published policy does not state a blanket opened-item rule. Check the product’s Shipping and Returns information and the applicable category restrictions.
Holiday & Membership Extensions
Do not assume a holiday or membership extension applies. Dates change by season and product. Check your order’s return-by date and the retailer’s current terms before relying on extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Costco’s return policy?
Most merchandise falls under Costco’s satisfaction guarantee rather than a fixed return window. Electronics and other exceptions have specific limits.
Can I return an item to Costco without a receipt?
For warehouse returns, Costco says a receipt or original packaging helps but may not be necessary. Bring the product to warehouse Member Services. For online purchases, return requests can be started through Costco.com Orders & Returns.
Can I return opened items to Costco?
Costco publishes a merchandise satisfaction guarantee with listed exceptions, but its published policy does not state a blanket opened-item rule. Check the applicable category restrictions and the product’s Shipping and Returns information.
When does the Costco return window start?
The 90-day window for listed electronics and online recreational carts starts when the member receives the merchandise. Most other merchandise has no fixed day window stated in the satisfaction guarantee; product-specific exceptions still apply.
Source & Accuracy
Source: Costco official return policy. This independent summary does not replace retailer terms. Eligibility depends on your product, condition, proof of purchase, seller, and location.
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