Still waiting on a Costco refund?
Can you get a refund from Costco? Check eligibility first
- Change of mind satisfaction guarantee: Almost any product can be returned at any time, for any reason – even opened or used items.
- Membership fee refunds: Full refund of your membership fee if you’re not satisfied, no time limit.
- 90-day electronics/appliances rule: TVs, laptops, phones, appliances etc. must be returned within 90 days for change of mind. After that, ACL or manufacturer warranty applies.
- Exclusions: Gift cards, tickets, custom/special orders, bullion, and hearing aids (covered under separate terms). Costco Travel refunds follow travel booking rules.
- Product condition: Used/partially consumed items often accepted. Bring all parts, accessories, packaging if possible.
- ACL rights: Costco’s generous returns are in addition to your rights for faulty products under Australian Consumer Law.
How to get a refund from Costco
- In-store (fastest): Take the item to any warehouse returns counter. Provide your membership card (receipts not required). Refund processed on the spot.
- Prepare item: Return all accessories, packaging, and manuals if possible. For groceries or consumables, bring what’s left.
- Online orders: Log into your Costco account, go to My Orders, and select Return Item. Print prepaid label or call Member Care (03 5316 7223) to arrange a courier.
- Large items: Costco organises pickup for bulky items. Staff can also help unload in-store.
- Refund issued: In-store = instant. Online = processed once item arrives back at Costco. Refund confirmation sent via email.
Costco’s refund timeframe - how long it takes
- In-store: Immediate. Refunds appear as pending credits same/next day (cards), or cash instantly for cash payments.
- Online/mail returns: Allow 1–2 weeks total (shipping + inspection + bank processing).
- Membership refunds: Processed immediately at desk or within 1–2 days if done by phone.
- Delays: Can occur if courier misplaces items or for high-value returns requiring verification.
Costco’s refund methods - how you'll get your money back
- Original payment method: Credit/debit card, EFTPOS, PayPal, or cash refunded to same method.
- Cash: Cash refunds given for in-store cash purchases.
- Gift cards: Refunds issued back to Shop Cards (gift cards) if that was used.
- Partial refunds: Bundle or promo returns refunded pro-rata. Free gifts must be returned or value deducted.
- Membership refunds: Refunded by same method used to pay.
Common refund issues with Costco
- Electronics 90-day limit confusion: Refunds denied if returning change-of-mind TVs/appliances after 90 days.
- Excessive returns: Rare cases of membership flagged for abuse if returns are excessive.
- Online delays: Refunds delayed if courier fails to update status.
- Misclassified returns: Some disputes arise if staff classify an issue as “change of mind” rather than faulty/delivery issue.
- No receipt/gift returns: Without membership record, gifts may be tricky to return.
Costco cases submitted through Ajust
I bought Turkish bread and potatoes from Costco only to find the bread mouldy and the potatoes green when I got home. I couldn’t use either for dinner and just wanted a simple refund for food that wasn’t fit to eat. It’s not what I expect from Costco quality. - Sofie
The Bref toilet freshener I bought didn’t work at all — no scent, no cleaning, nothing. It was frustrating since I rely on these products to keep things fresh. I asked Costco for a refund, hoping it would be handled smoothly even without an online order number. - Michael
I ordered two Swarovski Advent Calendars before Christmas and they never arrived. They were meant as gifts, so the delay was disappointing. When it was too late, I just wanted my money back and an answer about where my order went. - Julie
I opened a pack of lamb shanks before the use-by date and they smelled bad. We couldn’t eat them and just wanted our $22.13 refunded. It’s frustrating when something fresh turns out not to be. - Richard
Customer experiences with Costco refund cases
Positive: Members report returning opened groceries and wine for full refunds with no hassle
Online order delay: One member waited 3 weeks for a TV refund due to courier issues, but Costco resolved once flagged.
Furniture service issue: A sofa delivery failed and was initially classed as “change of mind” but Costco corrected and refunded after escalation.
How Costco Refund Policy Compares to Competitors
- General retailers (Kmart, JB Hi-Fi): 14–30 day change-of-mind windows, unopened only. Costco far more generous.
- Amazon AU: 30-day returns, stricter on opened items. Costco offers no time limit.
- Aldi: 60-day double guarantee on house brands. Costco allows anytime returns.
- IKEA: 365-day returns, unused only. Costco accepts opened/used returns.
Summary: Costco’s refund policy is the most generous in the Australian market.
Official Costco Refund Resources & Links
- Costco Australia – Return Policy
- Costco Help Centre – Returns FAQ
- Phone: (03) 5316 7223 (Member Care)
- Store Finder – Warehouse Locations
- ACCC Consumer Rights – Refunds
Costco Refund FAQs
How do I get a refund from Costco Australia?
You can get a refund in-store or online using your original payment method. In-store refunds are instant, while online refunds are processed after Costco receives your returned item. Always bring your membership card, and include all parts and packaging if possible.
How long do Costco refunds take to appear?
Most in-store refunds show up within one business day for card payments or instantly for cash. Online refunds take one to two weeks, allowing time for shipping, inspection, and bank processing. Membership fee refunds are handled immediately or within 48 hours when done by phone.
What if my Costco refund is delayed or missing?
If your refund hasn’t appeared after two weeks, contact Costco Member Care on (03) 5316 7223. Delays often happen when couriers don’t update tracking or when high-value returns need verification. Ajust can help you check your refund rights and escalate your case if needed.
Can I get a refund on my Costco membership?
Yes. Costco offers a full refund of your annual membership fee at any time if you’re not satisfied—no time limit or explanation required. Refunds are processed instantly in-store or within a couple of days by phone, using the same payment method you used to join.
You deserve your money back, don’t let it slip away.
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