Costco return policy in Canada: time limits, exceptions and what you get back

The Costco return policy in Canada refunds the purchase price of most products with no time limit stated; the main exception is electronics, which you must return within 90 days. Our advice: treat the 90 days on a TV or laptop as a hard test period, and don't count on returning tires, gold or gift cards.

Costco's policy is a satisfaction guarantee with a list of exceptions, so the useful question is never whether you can return something but which list it falls on.

How long do you have to return something to Costco?

For most products, Costco's policy sets no time limit: it guarantees your satisfaction and refunds the purchase price. Electronics are the exception at 90 days.

Which electronics have a 90-day return limit?

Televisions, major appliances, projectors, computers, cameras, drones, camcorders, digital music players, tablets, smart watches and cell phones, plus other electronics Costco identifies from time to time. Countertop microwaves are excluded from the 90-day list. For Apple, that takes in iPads, Macs, Apple Watches and iPhones, while AirPods and game consoles aren't named: see returning Apple products and returning a PS5 or Switch.

Laptops fall under it; see returning a laptop to Costco. So do fridges, ranges and laundry; see Costco appliances for delivery, installation and pickup returns.

If you are unsure about a TV or laptop, set a reminder for day 80. After 90 days the guarantee no longer covers it, but the warranty below does.

What can't you return to Costco?

Costco's policy lists these exceptions to the satisfaction guarantee:

Glasses follow their own rules at Costco Optical; see returning glasses to Costco.

• Cigarettes, and alcohol where the law prohibits returns
• Gold bullion and gold and silver bars and coins
• Shop Cards, gift cards and ticket items
• Airline and live performance event items
• Custom installation services
• Products with a limited useful life and their own limited warranty, such as tires and batteries
• Diamonds of 1.00 carat or larger can be returned, but need 2 to 5 business days for verification

Buying gold or silver at Costco? It is final sale and excluded from price adjustments too; see Costco gold in Canada.

Tires and batteries are handled through their warranties rather than a straight refund. See our Costco tires guide for the 5-year road hazard warranty.

Can you return something to Costco without a receipt?

Often, yes. Costco's return FAQ says merchandise without a receipt may be returned if it can be verified as a Costco product, at the warehouse manager's discretion. In practice the membership counter can look up purchases made on your membership, so bring the card you shopped with. Mattresses, clothing and food aren't on Costco's exceptions list, so they fall under the satisfaction guarantee like most products; a mattress bought online is picked up by carrier like any large item.

Can someone else make the return for you? Costco says a non-member returning a gift needs the original receipt, and without a receipt only the purchasing member can return an item for a refund. So if a friend or an independent Costco return runner takes something back for you, send the receipt with them; Costco's own rules still decide whether it is accepted.

How do you return a Costco.ca order?

Two ways. Take it to any Costco warehouse with your order confirmation (no packaging needed), or start a return online under Orders & Returns on Costco.ca: Costco emails a return label within 2 to 3 business days, and for large items the carrier calls within 1 to 2 weeks to book a pickup. Costco says a pickup and refund can take up to 3 to 4 weeks, and carrier pickups are refunded to your original payment method.

What happens after the 90 days on electronics?

Costco extends the manufacturer's warranty on televisions, projectors, major appliances and computers (not tablets) to 2 years from purchase when the manufacturer's warranty is shorter. Its Concierge Services also give free technical support on those products plus tablets, cameras, camcorders, smart watches, security cameras and digital music players bought from Costco Canada.

Can you get your membership fee back?

Yes. Costco's policy says it will refund your membership fee in full if you are dissatisfied. Our membership price guide covers what each tier costs.

Is a return the same as a price adjustment?

No. If the price drops after you buy, you do not need to return the item: Costco adjusts warehouse purchases within 30 days. Our price adjustment guide explains how. Can't get to the warehouse? An independent return runner can take a return back for you.