Trying to cancel Costco? Avoid the runaround.
Can you cancel your Costco subscription? Check eligibility and conditions
Costco offers some of the most flexible cancellation policies in Australia:
- Membership – Cancel anytime for any reason. Costco refunds your full annual fee under its “100% Satisfaction Guarantee.”
- Online orders – Cancel yourself within 30 minutes of placing an order. After that, you’ll need to contact Costco Member Care to request a manual cancellation. If the order has already shipped, cancellation isn’t possible, but you can return it.
- In-store purchases – No pre-shipment cancellation since you already have the product, but Costco’s generous change-of-mind returns apply.
- Exceptions – Certain items (e.g., Costco Travel bookings, custom orders, or large appliances) may follow different terms. Electronics can only be returned within 90 days, while other merchandise has no formal time limit.
How to cancel a Costco subscription, service or order
A. Cancel a Costco Membership
- In-Warehouse – Visit any Costco warehouse membership desk and request cancellation. Refunds are processed immediately, often back to your card or in cash.
- By Phone – Call Member Services on (03) 5316 7223 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm AEST). Provide your details and request cancellation. Refunds are processed to your original payment method or by cheque/EFT if needed.
- No notice period – You don’t need to wait until your renewal date; cancel anytime.
B. Cancel a Costco Online Order
- Within 30 minutes – Log in to My Account → My Orders. Select the order and click “Cancel Items”. You’ll get instant confirmation if successful.
- After 30 minutes – Call (03) 5316 7223 or use the support chat bubble. If the order hasn’t shipped, staff can cancel manually.
- If already shipped – Wait for delivery, then initiate a return via Costco’s returns policy.
How long does a Costco cancellation take?
- Memberships – Cancel anytime. Refunds are available throughout your membership year, even on day 364.
- Online orders – The first 30 minutes is your golden self-service window. After that, timing depends on order status. If it’s still “Pending,” Member Care may cancel, if it’s “Shipped,” you’ll need to return the item.
- Returns deadlines – Electronics: 90 days from receipt. Other merchandise: no fixed deadline, subject to condition.
Costco cancellation fees and final charges – what to expect
Costco does not charge cancellation fees:
- Membership cancellations – 100% refund of your annual fee.
- Online orders – Full refund if cancelled before shipment. If returned later, refunds cover product price and usually shipping.
- No restocking fees – Costco doesn’t deduct penalties for cancellations or change-of-mind returns.
- Gift card payments – Refunds are returned to a new or existing Costco Shop Card.
Costco cases submitted through Ajust
I felt humiliated at the checkout after being wrongly accused of theft when my husband put earphones back on the shelf. The staff’s behaviour was loud, dismissive, and felt racially biased. It turned what should’ve been a normal shop into something deeply upsetting. I just wanted fairness and respect, not embarrassment. - Vishakha
I was shocked when Costco staff accused my mum of stealing glasses. Even after we cooperated and checked everything, they just dropped the case with no apology or explanation. The confusion and stress it caused ruined our family day. We deserved clarity and respect, not suspicion. - Viet
During a visit to Costco, I urgently needed the restroom but was loudly refused by staff, even after showing my membership card. The public humiliation was awful and completely unnecessary. I just wanted a bit of understanding and empathy in a stressful moment. - Phoebe
I’ve been a loyal Costco member for years, but being scolded by a cashier for not facing barcodes up was embarrassing and unnecessary. It made me feel like my loyalty didn’t matter. Customers deserve courtesy, not reprimands, especially during the busy holiday period. - James
Consumer experiences with Costco cancellations
“Too Good to be True" – Many members confirm full membership refunds even after nearly a year of use, reinforcing Costco’s satisfaction guarantee.
“Unable to Cancel in Time” – Customers who missed the 30-minute online window sometimes faced delays coordinating returns with couriers. Refunds still arrived, but patience and persistence were required.
“Smooth Store Return” – Many shoppers highlight Costco’s no-questions-asked returns in warehouses, with instant refunds.
Costco Cancellation FAQs
Can I cancel my Costco membership at any time in Australia?
Yes, you can cancel your Costco membership anytime for any reason. Costco offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, refunding your full annual fee. You can cancel in-store at the membership desk or by calling Member Services. Refunds are processed immediately to your original payment method, giving you full flexibility and peace of mind with no notice period required.
How do I cancel a Costco online order after I’ve placed it?
You can cancel a Costco online order within 30 minutes of purchase via My Account > My Orders. After that, contact Costco Member Care to request a manual cancellation. If your order has already shipped, cancellation isn’t possible—but you can return the product once it arrives using Costco’s change-of-mind policy. This ensures you never lose out, even if you miss the initial cancellation window.
Are there any Costco cancellation fees or penalties?
No, Costco does not charge any cancellation or restocking fees. Membership cancellations receive a full refund, and online order cancellations before shipment are refunded in full. If you return shipped items, you’ll usually be refunded the product price and shipping costs. Costco’s no-fee approach reinforces its reputation for fairness and transparency.
What happens if I miss the 30-minute window to cancel a Costco order?
If you miss the 30-minute self-cancellation window, you can still call Member Care to cancel manually if the order hasn’t shipped. Once shipped, wait for delivery and return the item under Costco’s returns policy. While this adds a few extra steps, Costco’s flexible returns ensure you still receive a refund without hassle or penalties.
Tried to cancel but Costco made it difficult?
We’ll help you submit a formal cancellation they can’t ignore.