Return policy comparison · 2026
Costco vs Sam's Club
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Costco
A+
5.0 / 5.0 · Exceptional
Sam's Club
A+
5.0 / 5.0 · Exceptional
The verdict
Costco and Sam's Club are in a dead heat: both grade A+ (5.0/5.0) on Thrifle's five-axis return-policy scale. Pick by what you buy: the tie-breakers live in the fine print below.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
CostcoSam's Club
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Costco | Sam's Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | Unlimited (most items) | Unlimited (most items) |
| Free returns | Yes | Yes |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | Free | Free |
| Holiday extension | Not specifically extended (already unlimited) | Not specifically extended |
| Non-returnable | Cigarettes, alcohol (where prohibited), gift cards, tickets, custom orders, precious metals, airline tickets | Cigarettes, alcohol (where prohibited), gift cards, prepaid cards, tickets, custom orders |
| Watch-out items | Electronics/appliances 90 days, diamonds over 1ct require original GIA/IGI certs | Electronics 90 days |
Costco tip
No receipt needed — your membership card tracks every purchase ever. 2026 alert: enforcement is stricter on abuse patterns.
Sam's Club tip
Like Costco — your membership tracks everything. Plus members may get perks. Electronics 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Costco or Sam's Club?
Costco and Sam's Club are in a dead heat: both grade A+ (5.0/5.0) on Thrifle's five-axis return-policy scale. Pick by what you buy: the tie-breakers live in the fine print below.
What is Costco's return window?
Costco's return window is Unlimited (most items).
What is Sam's Club's return window?
Sam's Club's return window is Unlimited (most items).
Does Costco or Sam's Club offer free returns?
Costco: Yes. Sam's Club: Yes.