How Costco Works
Costco return policy in Canada: time limits, exceptions and what you get back
Costco Canada refunds most purchases with no stated time limit, but electronics such as TVs, computers and phones have a 90-day window. Here is every exception, from tires to gold.
By Cost Check Editorial · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · 3 min read
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.
| What you bought | Return window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most products | No time limit stated | Satisfaction guarantee |
| TVs, major appliances, projectors, computers, tablets | 90 days | Countertop microwaves are excluded from this list |
| Cameras, drones, camcorders, music players, smart watches, cell phones | 90 days | Plus other electronics Costco names |
| Your membership | Any time | Fee refunded in full if you are dissatisfied |
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.
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:
- 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
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.
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, and our receipt checker flags drops for you.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Costco return policy time limit in Canada?
- There is no time limit stated for most products. Electronics such as TVs, computers, tablets and phones must be returned within 90 days.
- Can you return a TV to Costco after 90 days?
- No, the 90-day window covers TVs. After that, Costco's 2-year warranty extension applies if the manufacturer's warranty is shorter.
- Can you return tires to Costco?
- Not as a straight refund. Tires and batteries are covered by their own warranties, including the 5-year road hazard warranty on Costco tires.
- Does Costco refund the membership fee?
- Yes. Costco refunds the membership fee in full if you are dissatisfied: $65 for Gold Star, $130 for Executive.
How Costco Works