Did you know Costco will refund the difference if an item you bought drops in price within 30 days? Most shoppers don't—and they're leaving money on the table. In this complete guide, we'll show you exactly how Costco's price adjustment policy works and how to claim your refund.
What Is Costco's Price Adjustment Policy?
Costco's price adjustment policy allows members to get a refund for the difference if an item they purchased drops in price within 30 days. This applies to both in-store warehouse purchases and online orders from Costco.com.
It's important to understand that this is not the same as price matching with other retailers. Costco doesn't match competitors' prices like Amazon, Walmart, or Target. Instead, this policy covers situations where Costco itself reduces the price on something you recently bought.
The 30-Day Window Explained
You have exactly 30 days from your purchase date to request a price adjustment. Here's what you need to know:
- The clock starts on your purchase date, not the delivery date for online orders
- Even sale items can qualify—if Costco marks them down further, you can get the additional savings
- There's no limit to how many price adjustments you can request
- You don't need your receipt—your membership tracks all purchases automatically
For a deep dive into the timing rules, check out our guide on Costco's 30-day price adjustment window.
How to Request a Price Adjustment Online
For purchases made on Costco.com, requesting a price adjustment is straightforward:
- Log in to your Costco.com account
- Go to Customer Service
- Select "Request a Price Match" and complete the form
- Wait 5-10 business days for the credit to appear on your original payment method
You can also request an adjustment through Costco's virtual chat on their website or app, or by calling 1-800-774-2678.
Important: You cannot go to a physical warehouse to get a price adjustment for something you bought on Costco.com. Online and in-store purchases are handled separately.
Learn more in our detailed guide: How to request Costco price adjustments online.
How to Request a Price Adjustment In-Store
For warehouse purchases, the process is even simpler:
- Visit the Returns counter at the same Costco location where you made the purchase
- Tell them you'd like a price adjustment for a recent purchase
- Provide your membership card (no receipt needed)
- Receive your refund on the spot
Your purchase history is automatically linked to your membership, so staff can easily look up your transactions and verify the price drop.
For step-by-step instructions, see our guide on Costco in-store price adjustments.
What Items Qualify for Price Adjustment?
The good news: almost everything at Costco qualifies for price adjustment. This includes:
- Electronics (TVs, laptops, tablets)
- Major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers)
- Furniture and home goods
- Groceries and household items
- Clothing and accessories
- Outdoor and sporting goods
High-ticket items like electronics and appliances are especially worth tracking since price drops can mean savings of $50-$500 or more.
What Doesn't Qualify: Exceptions to Know
There are a few important exceptions to Costco's price adjustment policy:
- Gold bullion and silver coins – Due to market volatility, precious metals are never eligible
- Black Friday and special event sales – Costco may deny adjustments for purchases made just before major sales
- Resellers – If you're a reseller, you're not eligible for price adjustments at all
- Cross-channel pricing – Costco.com prices and warehouse prices are separate; you can't adjust based on the other channel's price
Costco also reserves the right to deny any price adjustment request at their discretion. However, if they do deny your request, you can always return the item and repurchase it at the lower price using Costco's generous return policy.
The Problem: Tracking Prices Manually Is a Pain
Here's the catch: Costco won't notify you when prices drop. It's up to you to:
- Remember what you bought and when
- Check prices regularly for 30 days after each purchase
- Compare against your original receipt
- Request the adjustment before the window closes
For frequent Costco shoppers, this quickly becomes impossible to manage. A $300 TV might drop $50 two weeks later, but if you don't notice, that money stays with Costco.
The Solution: Automate Price Tracking with Task Monkey
Task Monkey's browser extension solves this problem by automatically tracking prices on items you've purchased or are interested in. Here's how it helps with Costco:
- Automatic monitoring – We track Costco prices 24/7 so you don't have to
- Instant alerts – Get notified the moment a price drops
- Never miss a refund – We remind you before your 30-day window closes
- Works for wishlists too – Track items you want to buy and get alerted when they go on sale
Stop leaving money on the table. Let Task Monkey do the watching while you do the saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my receipt for a price adjustment?
No. All purchases are linked to your Costco membership, so staff can look up your transactions without a receipt.
How long does it take to get my refund?
In-store adjustments are immediate. Online adjustments take 5-10 business days to credit back to your original payment method.
Can I get a price adjustment on a sale item?
Yes! If you bought something on sale and it drops further within 30 days, you can still get the difference.
Does Costco price match other stores like Amazon or Walmart?
No. Costco only adjusts prices based on their own price reductions, not competitors' prices.
What if Costco denies my price adjustment request?
You can return the item and repurchase it at the lower price. Costco's return policy is very flexible.