Costco has one of the best return policies around. You can bring back almost anything if you’re not happy with it. The store even takes back fruits and vegetables that didn’t meet your expectations. But here’s the thing—even the most generous store has to draw the line somewhere. There are a few items that Costco simply won’t take back, and knowing what they are can save you from a frustrating trip to the Member Services counter.
Alcohol returns depend on where you live
You picked up a bottle of wine for a dinner party, but it turned out to be a dud. Can you bring it back to Costco? Well, that depends entirely on your state’s laws. Some states treat alcohol returns as if you, the customer, are selling booze back to the store. Since you don’t have a liquor license, that’s technically not allowed. Wisconsin is a good example of this. The state forbids alcohol returns because it sees the transaction as an unlicensed person selling to a retailer.
According to Costco’s return policy, the chain does not allow returns on alcohol “where prohibited by law.” However, some stores in certain states might offer a refund instead of accepting the actual product back. If you bought something that tastes off or seems defective, it’s worth asking your local Costco what options you have. The rules really do change depending on your zip code, so don’t assume what works in one state will work in another.
Cigarettes and tobacco products are usually final sales
If you bought cigarettes at Costco and changed your mind, you’re probably stuck with them. Unlike alcohol, there aren’t specific laws in most places about returning tobacco products. But that doesn’t mean Costco will happily take them back. The issue actually comes from the tobacco companies themselves. Many of them have strict policies that prevent retailers from accepting returns on their products. This puts stores like Costco in a tough spot.
Back in 2003, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings updated its policies to no longer accept any returns unless the products were accidentally damaged. Other tobacco companies likely have similar rules in place. So while your local Costco might make an exception in rare cases, it’s definitely not something you can count on. When it comes to cigarettes and other tobacco products, treat every purchase as final. It’s just not the same as returning a pack of socks or a kitchen appliance.
Gold bars and precious metals are completely non-refundable
Did you know Costco sells gold bars? It’s true. The warehouse store isn’t just about bulk toilet paper and giant bags of chips. They actually carry some pretty high-end merchandise, including gold, silver, and platinum bullion. But if you decide to invest in one of these shiny items and then have buyer’s remorse, you’re out of luck. Precious metals are one of the few product categories that Costco considers completely non-refundable. No exceptions.
The reason makes total sense when you think about it. Gold and silver prices go up and down constantly. If Costco accepted a return on a gold bar that dropped in value, the store would lose money on the deal. That’s not a risk any retailer wants to take. As of January 2026, Costco’s PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan 100 Gram Gold Bar sells for about $15,149.99. That’s a lot of money to commit to without the safety net of a return policy. Make sure you really want that gold before you buy it.
Jewelry returns require proper paperwork
Costco’s jewelry section has some beautiful pieces, from diamond rings to elegant necklaces. Unlike gold bars, you can actually return jewelry to the store. But there’s a catch. You need to have the right documentation to prove the item is authentic and matches what you originally purchased. This usually means holding onto certificates from places like the International Gemological Institute or the Gemological Institute of America. These papers come with your purchase for a reason.
Without the proper certificates, Costco might refuse your return or make the process much more complicated. Think about it from their perspective. They need to verify that the diamond you’re bringing back is the same one they sold you. High-value items like jewelry attract people who might try to pull a fast one. So keep all your paperwork in a safe place. If you ever need to return jewelry to Costco, having those documents ready will make everything go much smoother.
Airline tickets bought through Costco Travel
Here’s something many people don’t realize about Costco—they have a travel service. Members can book hotels, cruises, resort packages, and even flights through the store. It’s a nice perk that can save you some money on vacation planning. But what happens if your plans change after you’ve already booked? Unfortunately, Costco can’t guarantee returns on airline tickets. The store simply doesn’t have control over individual airline policies.
When you buy a plane ticket through Costco Travel, you’re still dealing with the airline’s rules. Each carrier has its own contract that spells out what happens with cancellations and refunds. Some airlines let you cancel within 24 hours of booking if you made the reservation at least seven days before the flight. Others offer refundable tickets that cost more upfront. Carriers like Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines have different refund options, though cancellation fees often apply. Always read the fine print before booking.
Gift cards and shop cards cannot be returned
Costco sells great deals on restaurant gift cards. You can often get more value than what you pay, which makes them popular items. The store also has its own Costco Shop Cards that work like store credit. Anyone can use them, even non-members. But if you buy a gift card and then decide you don’t want it anymore, you can’t return it. This is pretty standard across all retailers, and Costco is no different.
The main reason stores don’t take gift card returns is fraud prevention. Verifying the remaining balance and making sure the request is legitimate takes a lot of work. Gift card scams are also pretty common, so retailers protect themselves by making these purchases final. However, there are some exceptions depending on where you live. About ten states have laws requiring cash refunds on gift cards with small remaining balances. California, Massachusetts, and Washington are a few examples. The amounts range from $0.99 to $9.99.
Tires might be returnable but it’s complicated
Costco’s tire center is a convenient way to get new rubber for your car, truck, or SUV. You can pick out tires online, schedule service appointments, and even have them delivered to different locations. But can you return tires if you’re not happy with them? The answer is a bit murky. Costco puts tires in a special category called “products with a limited useful life expectancy.” These items naturally lose value the more you use them.
Your best bet is to rely on the warranty that comes with your tire purchase. Costco offers warranties through brands like Michelin, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Bridgestone. They also have their own road hazard warranty. The details vary by manufacturer, but some companies do offer returns under certain conditions. For example, Bridgestone tires purchased at Costco can be returned within 90 days if you’re unhappy with the performance. You’d get credit toward new tires, though you might have to pay the difference.
Electronics have a 90-day return window
This one isn’t a complete ban on returns, but it’s important to know. Costco gives you a generous 90-day window to return most electronics. That includes TVs, computers, tablets, cameras, and similar items. After those 90 days pass, you’re stuck with whatever you bought. The clock starts ticking from the day of purchase, so keep track of when you bought that new laptop or smart TV. Three months sounds like a lot of time, but it can go by quickly.
Why does Costco limit electronics returns when other products have basically unlimited return periods? Technology changes fast, and items lose value rapidly once they’re opened and used. A TV that was cutting-edge three months ago might already have newer models replacing it. The store can’t resell opened electronics as new, so they need some protection against people using items for months and then bringing them back. Keep your receipts and mark your calendar if you’re on the fence about any electronic purchase from Costco.
Understanding why Costco limits certain returns
It might seem frustrating that Costco won’t take back everything, but there are good reasons behind each policy. Some restrictions exist because of laws that the store has no control over. Alcohol returns fall into this category in many states. Other items, like precious metals, present financial risks that could hurt the company if returns were allowed. And some products, like tobacco, come with restrictions from the manufacturers themselves. Costco is just following rules set by others.
Fraud prevention plays a big role too. Gift cards and high-value items like jewelry attract scammers who look for ways to game the system. By requiring documentation or banning returns entirely on certain products, Costco protects both itself and its honest members. The warehouse chain makes most of its money from membership fees, so keeping members happy matters a lot. But they also need to run a smart operation. These return limits help balance great customer service with practical business sense. Knowing the rules ahead of time saves everyone headaches.
Shopping at Costco is still a great deal, even with these return restrictions. Most items you buy there come with that famous satisfaction guarantee. Just remember that alcohol, tobacco, precious metals, gift cards, and airline tickets play by different rules. Tires and electronics have their own time limits and conditions too. Before you make any big purchase, take a second to think about whether you might want to return it later. A little planning goes a long way toward avoiding disappointment at the Member Services desk.
