Costco refunds price drops within 30 days

Costco members can recover the difference in price if a purchased item drops in value within 30 days. The retailer’s policy, known as Price Adjustment, allows customers to request a credit rather than returning the merchandise. This mechanism applies to non-resale items and is particularly relevant during the November holiday shopping season.

The policy was published by the company on May 15, 2026. It states that articles whose price decreases within 30 days of purchase may be eligible for an adjustment. Quantity limits apply to certain promotions. The company does not automatically issue these refunds; customers must submit a request and Costco must approve it.

The process varies depending on where the transaction occurred. For purchases made on Costco.com, customers must use the official price adjustment form. They navigate to the price adjustment page, select the option to request a price match, and complete the form with purchase details. Approved credits are typically issued within five to 10 business days and returned to the original payment method.

Before submitting an online request, customers should review their order history to ensure a discount was not already applied. This information is available in the Orders and Returns section of their account. For items bought in physical warehouses, the process is different. Customers must visit the returns counter at the specific location where they made the purchase. They should bring the receipt or have the transaction record available, along with information on the new lower price.

The company distinguishes between online and in-store operations. The Costco.com form does not replace the in-person procedure. Consequently, finding an item cheaper in a warehouse does not guarantee a price adjustment for a purchase made on the website. This distinction also explains why prices on Costco.com may differ from store prices due to shipping, handling, and exclusive promotions.

Timing is critical for promotional items. For products in dated promotions, such as Holiday Savings Promotions, two conditions must be met. The request must be made within 30 days of purchase and while the promotion is still active. If a promotion lasts only four days, waiting until the end of the 30-day window may result in a rejection because the offer has expired.

Costco does not match prices from competitors like Walmart, Amazon, or Target. Its strategy involves offering competitive prices at the time of sale rather than equaling discounts from other retailers. Special order items and home improvement services have specific conditions related to contract dates. The company reserves the right to reject price adjustment requests even if the time limit is met. Customers do not need Executive membership to access this policy, provided they are eligible members.