Costco electronics return policy: the 90-day list, item by item

Costco’s US return policy sets no time limit for most products. Electronics are one exception, and that exception is a specific list.

Is your item on the list?

Item	90-day limit?
TV or projector	Yes
Laptop or desktop computer	Yes
iPad or other touchscreen tablet	Yes
Smartwatch	Yes, as a smart wearable device
Camera, camcorder, or drone	Yes
Cell phone	Yes, and details vary by carrier contract
Refrigerator over 10 cu. ft., freezer, washer, dryer, dishwasher	Yes
Range, cooktop, range hood, water heater	Yes
Over-the-range or under-counter microwave	Yes
Countertop microwave	No, not on the list
Refrigerator of 10 cu. ft. or less	No, not on the list
Printer	No, not on the list

For items not on the list, Costco’s general satisfaction guarantee applies unless another exception covers it, such as hearing aids or freight-delivered items. That guarantee carries an asterisk: “Limitations apply.” For a large purchase that isn’t on the list, ask at the membership counter rather than assume there’s no deadline.

When the 90 days start

Costco counts from “the date the member received the merchandise.” In the warehouse, that’s the day you buy it. For an online order, it’s the day it arrives.

Delivered

Mon, Nov 30, 2026

Return window

90 days from delivery

Last day to return

Sun, Feb 28, 2027

Costco doesn’t say whether the delivery day counts as day one, so return by Feb 27 to be safe. Its return policy lists no holiday extension, and a late-November delivery doesn’t need one.

Before you return an Apple device

Back up anything you want to keep, because a reset erases the device. Then do the two steps Costco requires before you bring back an Apple product, such as a Mac, Apple Watch, iPhone, or iPad:

1. Factory reset the device.
2. Unlock it.

For an iPhone or iPad, Apple’s steps before you trade in a device cover both, since erasing it also turns off Find My and Activation Lock. If you bought the device from Apple instead, Apple’s own 14-day rules apply; see returning an opened iPhone or AirPods to Apple.

What if it’s past 90 days?

Then it’s a warranty question, not a return. Costco extends the manufacturer’s warranty to up to 2 years on TVs, projectors, computers (not touchscreen tablets), and most of the same major appliances. The 2 years count from the purchase date, or the delivery date for online orders. In the second year, Costco chooses whether to repair, replace, or refund up to the price you paid. The extension is for US members, through Costco Technical & Warranty Services. Costco also offers free technical support on TVs, computers, cameras, and printers for the life of the product.

How do I return it?

Bring warehouse purchases to the returns counter at any Costco warehouse. Costco says a receipt or the original box helps but “may not be necessary.”

Online orders can go back to any warehouse for an immediate refund, shipping included. To return one from home instead:

1. Sign in on Costco.com.
2. Select Orders & Returns.
3. Choose Return or Replace Items next to the order and follow the prompts.
4. Print the label, usually sent within the hour, or schedule a pickup where offered.

Costco refunds shipping and handling and doesn’t charge for the return shipping. Some items can’t be returned through Costco.com and need a warehouse visit; Costco keeps a list of those self-service exclusions.

A TV or appliance that came by freight carrier is picked up the same way it was delivered: curbside, threshold, or white glove. The carrier calls within 5 to 7 business days to set a time, and the refund goes through once the pickup is confirmed. Special Order Kiosk, Custom Installed, and warehouse special event purchases aren’t covered by freight pickup.

Costco’s return policy lists no holiday return extension, unlike several other stores; see holiday return deadlines by store.