Costco's Return and Exchange Policy: Complete Guide for Hassle-Free Returns and Exchanges

What is Costco’s return policy?

Confused over how to start the return process for Costco?

For Costco, their official return policy states that:

Products purchased at a Costco location need to be returned at the returns counter at any Costco warehouse. Items ordered online can be returned at any Costco warehouse or you can initiate a return through costco.com. Accepted payment methods differ online and in the warehouse. You can return or replace your online purchase through Costco.com for the following reasons: You’re dissatisfied with the item, You purchased it by mistake, The item received is defective or damaged, The item received is incorrect, You received duplicate items, You refused upon delivery due to damage to the item or box, An item is missing (replacement only), The shipment is lost

Here is a summary table:

How do I start a return?

According to their most updated return policy, these are the steps to take to initiate a return with Costco.

To request a return or replacement on Costco.com:

• Log into your account through Sign In / Register.
• Select Orders & Returns.
• Choose the Return or Replace Items button next to the appropriate order, and follow the prompts to complete your return or replacement request.
• Receive your return label immediately or schedule a pickup (where eligible).
• For large items, you’ll be sent an email with additional instructions.

What is the Costco’s return time period?

Costco's return policy allows customers to return most items within 90 days of purchase, with some exceptions for specific categories. Be sure to confirm any exceptions before proceeding!

What can I not return at Costco?

Items that are non-returnable include special Order Kiosk items, countertops, custom flooring, garage doors, home organization and closets, generators, HVAC systems, water treatment, solar, gutters, water heaters, etc, optical items, tires, tickets and digital goods, iTunes and Google Play, jewelry items, perishable Items, all Apple Products, Costco Shop Cards.

What do I need to bring for a return?

To process a return, you will need proof of purchase, which can be a physical or digital receipt. Additionally, ensure the item is in good, unused, unwashed condition, preferably in its original packaging.

Who can I contact for help?

For further clarification, you can always reach out to Costco’s helpline:

Visit the Cosco.com Help Center to find answers to common questions, use their online chat, and more. You may also contact their customer service team at 1-800-955-2292.

How do I do returns for Costco without a receipt?

If you don’t have a receipt, you may still be able to process a return using delivery and shipping confirmation emails, your Costco account information, or credit card statements. If you've lost a physical receipt, returning to the original store can increase your chances of a successful return. Here’s what to bring to assist in verifying your purchase:

• A valid ID (driver's license or state ID).
• Details about the product, including name, brand, and approximate purchase date.
• Refunds may be issued as store credit or at the current selling price.
• Remember to be patient and polite when interacting with Costco associates, as they work within company policies.

Having these items will significantly improve your chances of a successful return.

💡 Pro Tip: Always digitize your Costco receipts immediately after purchase using Receiptor AI's WhatsApp scanner for hassle-free returns later.

How can you make Costco’s return policy even easier and quicker?

Unlike physical receipts, digital data is easier to locate and organize in bulk. By digitizing your receipts using Receiptor AI, you will never lose a receipt again.

1. Easily track return periods

Simply go to Sources > Email Accounts.

Receiptor AI automatically extracts key information from digital receipts in your emails, store names, dates, and itemized lists – all without lifting a finger.

Beyond keeping your receipts so you don’t lose them, Receiptor also has bonus features:

• Sync with budgeting apps or expense trackers for comprehensive financial management.
• Receiptor AI can categorize your purchases, making it easier to track spending patterns.
• Set up alerts for important purchases that are approaching end-of-return periods.

2. Capture and store your receipts digitally whenever, wherever you are

Receiptor AI has a WhatsApp Scanner feature for paper receipts that automatically adds and processes your receipt images.

After a simple setup (Settings > Personal Information > Enter your Phone Number):

• Open WhatsApp, enter the Receiptor AI chat, tap the camera icon, and send a photo of your receipt.
• Your digitized receipt will be available in your documents in a few moments.
• Easily send receipt files to family members for shared purchases or to your accountant for tax purposes.
• Find any receipt quickly by searching by date or store name on your Receiptor AI documents page.

Note: Many retailers now offer the option to receive digital receipts via email. For an additional layer of security, always opt for this when available.

By digitizing your receipts, you're not just preparing for potential returns—you're streamlining your entire purchase history. Whether it's for warranty claims, expense reports, or simply keeping track of your spending, digital receipts are a game-changer in modern shopping.

FAQ Section

Beyond what we have covered, here are some common questions relating to processing returns at Costco.

Will shipping costs be refunded?

Items returned through Costco.com will be refunded including shipping and handling fees and will be credited to the credit card used to place your order.

• You won’t be charged for the return shipping.

What Payment methods are accepted at Costco?

• All Visa Cards
• The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
• MasterCard
• Most PIN-based Debit/ATM Cards
• Apple Pay
• Costco Shop Cards*
• Visa

Have any further questions? You can check out Costco’s FAQ page for other common enquiries at this link.

Found this article helpful?

Read on to find out more about Receiptor AI.

• Is there an app to find receipts in email?
• Receipt Scanners: What is the Best Way to Digitize Receipts?
• I Lost My Receipt: What to Do Next?
• Receiptor AI: A Founder's Vision for Automated Bookkeeping