Looking for Costco's official price match policy? Here's the straightforward answer: Costco does not have a price match policy. Unlike retailers such as Best Buy, Target, or Home Depot, Costco will not match competitors' prices under any circumstances.
But before you feel disappointed, there's something important you should know—Costco offers an alternative that many shoppers find even more valuable.
The Official Policy: No Price Matching
Costco's position on price matching has been consistent since the company's founding in 1983. Their official stance is simple:
"Costco does not price match other retailers. Our membership model and bulk purchasing power allow us to offer consistently low prices without the need for price matching."
This applies to all competitors, including:
- Amazon (even Prime prices)
- Walmart (including Walmart+)
- Target (including Target Circle offers)
- Sam's Club (their direct warehouse competitor)
- Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, and all other retailers
Why Costco Doesn't Price Match
To understand why Costco refuses to price match, you need to understand their unique business model:
The Membership Fee Model
Unlike traditional retailers who profit primarily from product markups, Costco generates most of its profit from membership fees. In their 2023 fiscal year, membership fee revenue was $4.6 billion—nearly all of it pure profit. This allows them to keep product markups razor-thin.
Pre-Negotiated Low Prices
Costco negotiates prices directly with manufacturers and locks in low costs through massive bulk purchases. They've already secured the best price they can—there's nothing to match.
The "Treasure Hunt" Strategy
Costco intentionally creates urgency with rotating inventory. If you see something you want, buy it now—it might not be there next week. Price matching would undermine this strategy.
Operational Simplicity
Price matching requires employee training, price verification systems, and dispute resolution processes. Costco's no-frills approach keeps overhead (and prices) low.
What Costco Offers Instead: Price Adjustment
While Costco won't match competitors, they do offer a generous 30-day price adjustment policy on their own prices:
- If you buy something at Costco and the price drops at Costco within 30 days, you can get a refund of the difference
- Works for both in-store warehouse purchases and Costco.com orders
- No receipt needed—your membership card tracks all purchases
- Easy to request in-store at the Returns counter or online through Customer Service
For complete details, read our Costco Price Adjustment Complete Guide.
Price Match Policy vs. Price Adjustment: Key Differences
Many shoppers confuse these two policies. Here's how they differ:
| Feature | Price Matching | Price Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| What it matches | Competitor's price | Same store's lower price |
| When you use it | At time of purchase | After purchase |
| Time limit | Immediate | 30 days at Costco |
| Costco offers it? | No | Yes |
Retailers That DO Price Match Costco
Here's an interesting twist: while Costco won't match others, some retailers will actually match Costco's prices:
- Best Buy – Will price match Costco on identical items (membership required for verification)
- Staples – Has matched Costco in some cases
- Some local retailers – Policies vary by store
Always check the retailer's current price match policy, as these can change.
How to Save Money Without Price Matching
Since Costco won't match competitors, here are practical strategies to ensure you're getting the best deal:
1. Compare Prices Before You Buy
Don't assume Costco is always cheapest. Check Amazon, Walmart, and Target before making major purchases. Price tracking tools can automate this comparison.
2. Use Costco's Price Adjustment
After buying at Costco, monitor the price for 30 days. If it drops, claim your refund.
3. Stack Your Savings
Combine the Costco credit card (2% back), manufacturer coupons from the Costco Connection, and Executive membership (2% annual reward) to maximize savings.
4. Track Prices Automatically
Instead of manually checking prices across multiple stores, use a price tracking tool that monitors Costco, Amazon, Walmart, and more in one place.
The Bottom Line
Costco's no-price-match policy isn't a disadvantage—it's a reflection of their already-low pricing model. The 30-day price adjustment on their own products, combined with consistently competitive prices, makes Costco a top choice for value-conscious shoppers.
The real opportunity? Track prices across all major retailers so you always know when Costco has the best deal—and when to shop elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Costco ever had a price match policy?
No. Costco has never offered price matching against competitors in their 40+ year history. Their business model has always relied on consistently low prices rather than matching competitors.
Can a Costco manager approve a price match?
No. Price matching is not allowed at any level—this is company-wide policy, not a store-level decision. Managers don't have authority to match competitor prices.
Does Costco match their own online vs. in-store prices?
Costco.com and warehouse prices are treated separately. You cannot get a price adjustment based on the other channel's price—only on the same channel where you originally purchased.
What should I do if I find a cheaper price elsewhere after buying at Costco?
Your options are: (1) Return the item to Costco and buy elsewhere, (2) Keep the item and accept the price difference, or (3) Next time, compare prices before buying using a price tracking tool.