Costco Return Policy 2026 explained. Know more about the 90-day electronics rule, membership reviews, digital receipts and what items cannot be returned.
Costco Return Policy 2026 - 90-day electronics rule, membership reviews, digital receipts [Photo: X]
Costco’s return policy has long been considered one of the most generous in retail, giving members confidence to make big purchases without fear of being stuck with the wrong item. But in 2026, some shoppers say the experience at the returns counter feels different.
While the company has not officially changed its “Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee,” stricter enforcement and closer monitoring of return patterns have sparked confusion online. Reports of additional documentation checks and membership reviews have fueled rumours of a policy crackdown.
Costco continues to operate under its “Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.” The retailer allows members to return most products at any time if they are not satisfied.
Unlike many major stores that enforce strict 30-day return windows, Costco does not set a universal deadline on general merchandise. If a product fails to meet expectations, members can typically bring it back for a refund. However, this flexibility does not mean there are no limits.
Costco enforces a 90-day return window on specific high-value electronics. This rule has existed for years and remains firmly in place in 2026. The 90-day limit applies to:
Costco introduced this rule to prevent short-term “rental” behaviour, where customers purchase electronics for temporary use and then return them. Members must return these items within 90 days of purchase to qualify for a refund.
Costco does not publish a specific return limit. However, membership remains a privilege, not a right. The company monitors return patterns through internal systems. If a member consistently returns a large percentage of purchases or shows unusual activity, Costco may flag the account for review.
In rare cases involving repeated abuse, Costco may cancel a membership and refund the annual fee. Retail analyst Michael Patterson addressed the shift in oversight:
“We’ve definitely seen changes in how Costco handles returns over the past year,” says retail analyst Michael Patterson. “They’re being much more selective about what they’ll take back and from whom. The days of no-questions-asked returns are quietly coming to an end.”
Costco has not announced any official “crackdown,” but enforcement appears more consistent across warehouses.
While Costco accepts most returns, certain categories come with restrictions.
These limitations are not new, but members sometimes overlook them.
In 2025 and 2026, Costco expanded digital tools to improve efficiency at the returns counter. Many warehouses now use membership scanning systems at the entrance. This process links purchases directly to a member’s account history. Even if shoppers lose their paper receipt, employees can verify transactions through Costco’s system.
The Costco mobile app now stores digital receipts for past purchases, making returns faster and easier. These updates do not restrict returns. Instead, they help staff confirm purchases quickly and reduce fraudulent activity.
Some shoppers report longer conversations at the returns desk or additional documentation requests for expensive items. One longtime member described a recent experience where staff reviewed her account history more closely before processing a refund.
Costco has not issued a formal policy overhaul, but employees may request clarification or manager approval in certain cases, particularly for high-value or repeated returns. The company appears focused on balancing flexibility with accountability.
To avoid delays, members should:
Costco still offers one of the most consumer-friendly return policies in retail. However, members should understand the rules and avoid patterns that may trigger account reviews. In 2026, Costco’s policy remains generous—but shoppers should use it responsibly.
