Our Disclosure

The content on this website includes links to our partners and we may receive compensation when you sign up, at no cost to you. This may impact which products or services we write about and where and how they appear on the site. It does not affect the objectivity of our evaluations or reviews. Read our disclosure.

Costco Canada Return Policy: Do’s and Don’ts You Should Know in 2024

Updated:

Fact Checked

Quick Answer

  • Costco accepts pretty much every return within 90 days of purchase except for custom merchandise or installations and cigarettes or alcohol, where prohibited by law. 
  • You can still return your purchases to Costco without a receipt. However, the process would be faster if you bring your receipts. 
  • When returning items you’ve purchased online, you can return the product to a Costco warehouse or fill out the online return form and wait for your product to be picked up.

Costco is Canada’s largest membership warehouse club, with over 10 million members and 105 stores.

While it is well known for offering members access to great prices and products, perhaps its best feature is its “risk-free, 100% satisfaction guarantee”.

Costco’s return policy is as liberal as you can get, allowing you to return most items for any reason and for a full refund.

Wondering how Costco’s return policy applies to your electronics, mattress, appliance, jewelry, or online purchases in 2024? This guide covers each one and more.

What is Costco Canada’s Return Policy?

Costco has one of the best return policies in the retail industry.

The company guarantees your satisfaction with each purchase, and if you are not happy with what you have bought, you can return it and receive a full refund (with a few exceptions).

Given that you can return almost anything to Costco, it is not surprising that some shoppers have gone to great lengths to abuse this policy.

For example, by trying to return bedspreads they have used for years, empty wine bottles, very old groceries, and more.

Costco Canada Return Policy For Electronics

There are some exceptions to Costco’s return policies, including electronics, major appliances, diamonds, custom orders, tires, batteries, cigarettes, and alcohol.

You can return electronics within 90 days from the date of purchase. This includes the following merchandise:

  • Televisions
  • Projectors
  • Computers
  • Cameras
  • Digital music players
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets (e.g. iPad)
  • Drones (aerial cameras)
  • Camcorders
  • Cellular phones (may vary with your contract)

Electronics like headphones or air pods generally fall under the 90-day return policy. That said, you may be able to return them even after this time at some stores.

Costco Canada Return Policy For Major Appliances

The following appliances can be returned within 90 days of purchase:

  • Refrigerators
  • Washers
  • Dryers
  • Dishwashers
  • Ranges
  • Range Hoods
  • Cooktops
  • Wall Ovens
  • Over the Range Microwaves
  • Freezers
  • Wine Cellars
  • Commercial Appliances

Haul-away services are also available for some appliances at no charge.

Costco Concierge Services for Electronics and Appliances

Before returning electronics or major appliances, you can take advantage of Costco’s free Concierge Services and technical support for various items.

This service is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week by calling their toll-free number 1-866-231-9731.

You will need to provide your:

  • Name
  • Costco membership number
  • Item description and model number
  • Serial number
  • Purchase date
  • Costco item number

If the manufacturer’s warranty on the television, projector, or major appliance you purchased is less than 2 years, Costco extends it to 2 years.

Costco Canada Return Policy (1)

Costco Canada Return Policy For Mattresses

While you shouldn’t be thinking about returning a mattress you have already used for months, Costco will accept your mattress return anytime after purchase (even after 90 days).

Mattresses fall under its 100% satisfaction guarantee policy.

Costco Canada Return Policy For Online Purchases

If you purchase an item online at Costco.ca, you have two options when returning it:

Return to a warehouse: Visit any Costco warehouse location to return the item. Bring your receipt or order confirmation to make it easy for them to process the return.

You can find the nearest Costco merchandise using this locator.

Return Online at Costco.ca: Complete the online return form, and the item will be picked up. You will need your order and item numbers when completing the form.

Pickup returns may take up to 4 weeks before you get your refund.

Costco Canada Return Policy For Jewellery

If you are returning diamonds that are 1.00 ct or larger, it will take 2-5 business days to process your return as the store need to verify it.

Your refund will include shipping and handling fees.

You can also return other jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, earrings, etc., at any time and get a refund.

What is Costco’s Return Policy When You Don’t Have a Receipt

What if you don’t have a receipt? Can you still return your purchase to Costco?

Yes, returns are possible without a receipt or even the original packaging.

Costco clerks can check your membership account to see what you have purchased in the past. That said, your return would proceed much faster if you bring your receipts.

Costco Return Policy For Custom Orders

Custom merchandise or installations cannot be returned to Costco or refunded.

This makes sense. If you created a customer gift, photo print, or mug with your image, they can’t sell these to anyone else.

Can I Return My Costco Membership?

Yes, Costco will refund the membership fee you paid if you are unsatisfied with your shopping experience.

If you close your account, all associated accounts are also closed.

Other Exceptions

You cannot return cigarettes or alcohol to Costco if it is prohibited by law at your location.

Also, some products are by their nature limited in life expectancy and may be subject to different policies. Examples include tires and batteries.

Does Costco Offer Price Matching?

If you purchase an item online at Costco.ca or Costco.com, you may be able to get a price adjustment if the price falls within 30 days from the date of purchase.

For in-store purchases, you can ask at the membership counter whether your purchase qualifies for a price adjustment.

Note that Costco does not offer price matching with other retailers.

Costco Return Policy FAQs

What is Costco’s return policy on computers?

You can return a computer within 90 days of purchasing it and get a full refund.

Can I return an item to Costco after 1 year or longer?

Costco members can return most items at any time due to its generous return policy. That said, the company can cancel your membership without notice if you abuse its return policy.

Can I return food to Costco?

Yes, you can return food items to Costco if you are dissatisfied.

Related:

Best Freebies and Deals This Month

Get a $20 bonus + Earn up to 5% cash back and Interest with this FREE Card

Best free reloadable prepaid card with a $20 signup bonus after your first purchase.

Earn up to 5% unlimited cash back on purchases for the free no-fee card.

Enjoy 3x more savings interest on your entire balance than the big banks.

Guaranteed approval card, free unlimited transactions, & budgeting app.

Add on credit-building and get free monthly Equifax credit score checks.

Best FREE chequing account offer in Canada with $400 cash bonus

$400 cash bonus when you set up a direct deposit of $100 for 3 months.

Forget about monthly account fees or minimum balance requirements.

Unlimited free debits and Interac e-Transfer transactions.

Earn high-interest rates on a free savings account (6.00% savings offer).

Get the prepaid card that pays interest and unlimited cash back

One of the best no-fee prepaid debit cards in Canada.

Get 0.50% unlimited cash back on all purchases.

Earn 4.00% interest on your entire balance.

No ATM withdrawal fees and no FX fees when you spend abroad.

Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu, personal finance expert, author, and founder of Savvy New Canadians, has written about money matters for over 10 years. Enoch has an MSc (Econ) degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. His expertise has been highlighted in major publications like Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC News, Toronto Star, Financial Post, CTV News, TD Direct Investing, Canadian Securities Exchange, and many others. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and recently created a practical investing course for beginners. You can read his full author bio.

About Savvy New Canadians

Savvy New Canadians is one of Canada's top personal finance platforms. Millions of Canadians use our site each year to learn how to save for retirement, invest smartly, maximize rewards, and earn extra cash. We have been featured in prominent finance media, including Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC, MSN, Wealthsimple, and TD Direct Investing. Learn more about Savvy New Canadians.

Free financial education

Expert advice

Free resources

Detailed guides

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.