Costco Electronics Return Policy: Must Know Rules & Easy Tips 2026
Buying electronics can be expensive, so knowing the Costco Electronics Return Policy before making a purchase is important. A television may be too large for your room, a laptop may not perform as expected, or a tablet may simply not suit your needs.
Costco has a broad satisfaction guarantee for many products, but covered electronics are an important exception.I shop at Costco. I like that they let me return some electronics within 90 days of when I get the stuff.
The 90 day rule from Costco applies to product categories, such as televisions, projectors, computers, touchscreen tablets, smart wearable devices, cameras, drones, camcorders, MP3 players and cellular phones. Major appliances are also included in the published 90 day exception.
For a wider look at other merchandise categories, read our Costco Return Policy guide.
How Does Costco’s Electronics Return Rule Work?
The Costco return policy electronics shoppers need to understand is based on a clear 90 day period for covered products.
The important detail is when those 90 days begin.
The date the member receives the merchandise marks the beginning of the 90 day return period according to Costco.
Do not assume the purchase date starts the clock for online orders. Since the delivery date can come later check the delivery information if your computer arrives after a day from the online order.
Which Electronics Have a 90 Day Return Period?
The Costco return policy for electronics covers several major technology categories.
Costco currently lists:
- Televisions
- Projectors
- Computers
- Touchscreen tablets
- Smart wearable devices
- Cameras
- Aerial cameras and drones
- Camcorders
- MP3 players
- Cellular phones
Cellular phone return details can also vary based on the carrier service contract.
Because these products have a specific return period, test them soon after receiving them.
Why Does the 90 Day Deadline Matter?
The Costco return policy on electronics is different from the broad satisfaction guarantee that many customers associate with Costco.
You should not assume an eligible computer or television can be returned at any time simply because Costco has a customer friendly general policy.
For covered technology, treat 90 days as the important deadline.
Save your:
- Receipt
- Online order confirmation
- Delivery confirmation
- Product information
These records can help you identify exactly when the return period ends.
How Does the Costco TV Return Policy Work?
The Costco TV return policy is great because it gives you 90 days to return your television and this 90 days starts from the day you get it.
Do not leave a new television unopened for months.
Test it soon after delivery.
Check:
- Screen
- Picture quality
- Speakers
- Remote control
- HDMI ports
- Wi Fi connection
- Streaming features
- Stand
If you notice a cracked screen or delivery damage, document the problem promptly.
Take clear photographs and keep your order information.
Should You Keep the TV Box?
Yes. Keeping the original box during the return period is a smart choice.
Large televisions can be difficult to move safely.
The original box and protective inserts can help protect:
- Screen
- Corners
- Frame
- Stand
- Accessories
Also keep the remote, power cable, stand screws, and other included components together.
If you wall mount the television, store the original stand and hardware somewhere safe.
What About Computers and Laptops?
Computers are included in Costco’s 90 day electronics category.
When a new laptop or desktop arrives, test it early.
Check:
- Screen
- Keyboard
- Trackpad
- Battery
- Charging
- Wi Fi
- Bluetooth
- USB ports
- Speakers
- Webcam
Test your computer with the software you expect to use every day whether its for school, gaming, video editing or work.
Performance problems are not always clear, during web browsing. They often show up when the system is handling tasks.
Remove Your Personal Information Before Returning Electronics
Modern devices can collect personal information quickly.
A computer or tablet may contain:
- Photos
- Documents
- Saved passwords
- Email accounts
- Payment details
- Cloud storage
- Browser history
Before returning a device, back up anything important.
Then sign out of your accounts and complete the correct factory reset when appropriate.
Remove your personal memory card or SIM card as well.
Do not rely on someone else to erase your information later.
What About Smartwatches and Tablets?
Touchscreen tablets and smart wearable devices are also listed among Costco’s covered 90 day electronics.
Test a tablet’s:
- Display
- Battery
- Speakers
- Camera
- Wi Fi
- Bluetooth
- Charging port
Before keeping a smartwatch, test its sensors and battery. Also check notifications charging and its connection with your phone.
Before you return a device make sure you do these things. Disconnect all of your accounts from the device. Remove any stored information that you have on the device.
How Are Cameras and Drones Handled?
Costco includes cameras, aerial cameras or drones, and camcorders within its published electronics exception.
Test these products carefully after purchase.
For a camera, check:
- Autofocus
- Display
- Battery
- Lens functions
- Image quality
- Video recording
For a drone, review setup instructions before operation.
Store all included parts in one place, including the batteries, chargers, controllers and cables.
What About Cellular Phones?
Cellular phones are included in Costco’s electronics list, but Costco notes that return details can vary by carrier service contract.
This is important.
Returning the physical phone may not always mean every service agreement or carrier obligation disappears automatically.
Review the carrier terms connected to your purchase.
If you are uncertain, confirm both the merchandise return requirements and any service cancellation requirements.
Can Costco.com Electronics Be Returned?
Eligible Costco.com orders can have convenient return options.
Costco currently provides two main methods for many online purchases:
- Return to a Costco warehouse
- Start the return or replacement process online
For an online return, sign into your Costco.com account and open Orders & Returns.
Select the appropriate order and follow the available instructions.
Costco states that returning an eligible online order to a warehouse can provide an immediate refund, including shipping and handling fees.
Keep Accessories Until the 90 Days Are Over
Electronic products often come with several small pieces.
Keep:
- Chargers
- Cables
- Adapters
- Remotes
- Batteries
- Stands
- Manuals
- Controllers
Using the product for a week is not a good reason to throw these items away.
Being organized now can save time later if you decide to make a return.
What Happens After 90 Days?
Once the specific electronics return period has ended, do not assume Costco’s broader satisfaction guarantee replaces the stated deadline.
Other support may still be available depending on the product and problem.
This can include:
- Manufacturer warranty
- Costco technical support
- Applicable warranty coverage
Costco also provides technical and warranty services for certain electronics.
Keep your receipt after the return period because it may be useful as proof of warranty coverage.
Costco Electronics Return Checklist
| Step | What to Do |
| Check product category | Confirm the 90 day rule applies |
| Find receipt | Keep purchase information |
| Check delivery date | Calculate the deadline |
| Test product | Check important features early |
| Save accessories | Keep everything together |
| Protect packaging | Useful for safe transportation |
| Back up data | Save important personal files |
| Sign out | Remove personal accounts |
| Factory reset | Erase information when appropriate |
| Start return | Do not wait until the final day |
How Does Costco Compare With DSW?
The DSW Return Policy is designed mainly around footwear and accessories, so its conditions are very different from Costco’s electronics rules.
If you are shopping for shoes rather than technology, check the DSW Official Store for current requirements.
Never use one retailer’s return period to predict another company’s rules.
How Does Target Compare?
The Target Return Policy has its own standard windows and special product exceptions.
Some electronics can follow different rules from ordinary Target merchandise.
This is why comparing return periods before buying an expensive television, laptop, or tablet can be useful.
Does Walmart Have the Same Electronics Rules?
The Walmart Return Policy covers a large range of merchandise and uses its own category specific return periods.
Different stores have rules, for returning things. So you should not think that the 90 day Costco policy will work for electronics purchased from Walmart.
Always check the retailer listed on your receipt.
How Is Best Buy Different?
The Best Buy Return Policy is particularly important for electronics shoppers because many products can have shorter standard return periods than Costco’s covered 90 day electronics window.
Membership status and product type can also affect Best Buy return timing.
Compare policies before making an expensive technology purchase.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Costco Electronics Return Policy is important because covered technology does not simply follow Costco’s broad merchandise satisfaction guarantee.
Costco currently gives members a 90 day return period that starts on the date they receive electronics.
This category covers televisions projectors computers touchscreen tablets smart wearable devices cameras drones camcorders MP3 players and cellular phones Please note that phone details are subject to carrier service contracts.
Your expensive electronics should be tested soon as they arrive. Also keep the receipt box accessories.Delivery information for your expensive electronics until you are completely happy with them.
It is really important to erase your information before you send back your computers, tablets, phones and wearables.
Most importantly, do not treat Costco’s general satisfaction guarantee as an unlimited electronics return period. Covered electronics have a clear 90 day deadline, so check the date and act before that window ends.
What About Home Depot?
The Home Depot Return Policy mostly covers home improvement merchandise, tools, appliances and many household products.
While warehouse retailers may carry product categories, Home Depot relies on its own return rules.
Organize receipts by retailers to help prevent their deadlines from getting mixed up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Costco allow electronics returns?
For electronics Costco currently measures the 90 day return period from the date the member receives the merchandise subject to its stated policy conditions.
Can I return a TV to Costco after 90 days?
Televisions fall under Costco’s 90 day electronics exception. After that period, check available warranty or technical support options instead of assuming normal return eligibility.
Can I return a laptop to Costco?
Yes. Computers are included in Costco’s 90 day electronics return category. Back up your files and remove personal information before returning the device.
Does Costco’s 90 day period start on the purchase date?
Costco says the 90 day period starts when the member receives the merchandise making this especially important for products ordered through Costco.com.
Can I return Costco.com electronics to a warehouse?
Many eligible Costco.com purchases can be returned to a Costco warehouse. Bring the merchandise and available order information to help make the process easier.
Do Costco electronics need the original box?
It is an idea to keep the original packaging. This protects electronics keeps accessories organized and is especially useful for large televisions and computers.
Can I return a smartwatch to Costco?
Yes. Smart wearable devices are included among Costco’s listed 90 day electronics categories. Remove your accounts and personal information before completing the return.
What should I do if electronics fail after 90 days?
Check the manufacturer’s warranty and available Costco technical support. Certain products may have warranty assistance even after the specific 90 day return period ends.
