I Lost My Receipt and Costco Refunded Me Anyway. Costco's Return Policy Is Amazing.

I bought a coffee maker from Costco for $80. Six months later, it stopped working. I had lost the receipt. I took it to my local Costco and explained the situation. The returns desk asked for my membership card. They looked up the purchase in their system, found the transaction, and processed the refund without any problems.

Costco tracks your purchase history through your membership number. They do not need a receipt if you bought it with your membership. This is one of the best return policies in retail.

I have since returned other items to Costco without receipts. Electronics, clothing, even a Christmas tree in January. Costco's policy is generous because they want members to feel confident buying there.

The only exception is electronics: Costco limits returns on TVs and certain electronics to 90 days. But for most items, their return policy is as good as it gets.

Costco is the exception to every rule about difficult refunds. If you value an easy return policy, Costco membership is worth it.