4 Costco Items That Are Non-Refundable

Costco lists a generous return policy on its website, saying that purchases are risk-free with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. As an independent backup of that claim, U.S. News & World Report discussed Costco first when naming stores with the best return policies, using three factors for quality ratings: stores with long refund windows, ones where people don't need a receipt, and ones that offer options for online purchase returns. In its review, the publication noted Costco has the most generous big-box retail store policy, even permitting returns years later, post-purchase. Items bought in a Costco warehouse don't need a receipt because purchases are tracked via membership information, and items purchased at a warehouse can be returned at the appropriate counter at any store, while items bought online can be returned online through Costco.com or at a warehouse.

The majority of items purchased are returnable, and items returned to Costco most often, according to anecdotes from a Reddit conversation among people claiming to be store employees, include Keurig coffee makers, clothing, and vacuum cleaners. There are several items, however, where Costco doesn't provide refunds, ranging from cigarettes and alcohol (wherever that's prohibited by law) to special order kiosk items and custom-installed programs. One-karat-plus diamonds require original paperwork, including IGI and/or GIA certificates; at that point, the customer will receive a jewelry customer memo and, within 48 hours, the jewel will be inspected by a gemologist for authenticity. But while those have caveats for returning them, these items are considered non-refundable by Costco in every store.

Costco offers a range of tickets for sale, including airline tickets and tickets for special events, all of which are non-refundable and not eligible for resale. For airlines, members in the United States would go through Costco Travel, having the opportunity to get better pricing through Costco's big buying power. Through the store's travel division, members would engage with Costco's specially trained employees as they plan and book trips. The store doesn't sell airline tickets as a stand-alone purchase; only in conjunction with hotel bookings. Car rentals can also be secured through Costco travel packages.

The brand also offers live performance event tickets through a third party, Fevo.com, including ones to Major League Baseball games, National Basketball Association games, National Hockey League games, auto races, music concerts, and more. Tickets are sourced through official partners for either a team or the venue. Ticket buyers can often select seats of choice, while other times, the best available seating is automatically provided. After purchase, tickets are digitally delivered to an email address, although the receiver may need to have the Fevo app to access them. 

Members can also buy gold bars through Costco, such as a 1 oz Gold Bar PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan, which was going for $4,119.99 on December 31, 2025 (but was out of stock as of this writing, with the pricing potentially being outdated). If this 24-karat gold bar had been in stock, conditions for purchase included a limit of one transaction per membership with a maximum of four purchases over a 24-hour period. Costco notes on the product page that this item is not refundable, nor is it eligible for price adjustments. Costco.com also includes an offering for a 100 Gram Gold Bar Rand Refinery (about 3.5 ounces), with pricing available to members who sign into their online account. On December 31, the amount for this currently unavailable item was $14,299.99. This purchase would come with the same restrictions as the 1 oz. gold bar, except that purchases are limited to one every 24 hours.

In a 2024 CNBC article, it was estimated that Costco sells gold at about 2% above spot price. According to APMEX on December 31, 1 oz. bars came with a spot price of $4,507.09. Since bold new predictions about the value of gold in 2026 are coming in from experts like Goldman Sachs via CNBC, predicting increasing value, Costco may have opportunities to increase transactions of its low-margin gold sales, but members won't be able to return them.

Costco Shop Cards are gift cards that can only be purchased by a member — either for themselves or as a gift — online or at a warehouse. They're spendable by members and nonmembers alike and can be used towards membership costs or on products. You can buy a physical card that, if purchased online, will be shipped to an address; this is the route to take if you want to add a gift message. Once purchased, gift cards can be reloaded with funds at any warehouse. Costco Digital Shop Cards are electronic versions that can be purchased online and are then delivered by email. Policy in December 2025 states that digital cards can't be used at food courts.

These cards are non-refundable, which isn't unusual. Many companies don't give refunds on gift cards unless required by state law. Places, then, where Costco Shop Cards are refundable (or more like cash-in-able), by law, per World Population Review, include Colorado, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington if the balance is less than $5, although fees can be collected in Colorado. Fees are applicable in New Jersey and Washington after three years. In California, cards under $10 can be cashed in with fees withheld, and in Rhode Island and Vermont, cards with balances under $1 must be cashed in without fees. In Massachusetts, remaining balances must be redeemable after 90%.

Besides the Costco Shop Cards that can be used in place of cash or credit cards in this brand's warehouses and website, the store also sells gift cards that can be used in other venues for products and services. Some cards — like ones for Uber services and Topgolf — can only be purchased by members while the majority are available for sale to the general public. Some may be in warehouses while others are sold only on the website. Categories of cards include Costco Shop Cards, travel gift cards & passes, restaurant gift cards, gaming gift cards, entertainment & lifestyle gift cards, movie tickets, sports tickets, theater & live event tickets, theme park & attractions, and health & wellness gift cards. 

Some of their gift cards come with discounts, such as 10% off of a Universal Studios Hollywood season pass or 20% off purchases at the Orlando Magic team store when buying two game tickets through Costco. These discounts are one key reason why people buy gift cards at Costco. To find discounted offers, click on the Costco banner on the gift card page that reads "gift cards & ticket savings." To see new offers, click on "gift cards & tickets: what's new."

These tickets are neither rechargeable nor refundable. That said, they would be subject to the same state laws as described in the section about Costco Shop Cards.