Costco doesn't price match competitors like Walmart, Amazon or Sam's Club. What it offers is a price adjustment: if Costco lowers its own price on something you bought within 30 days, you can get the difference back. Warehouse purchases are adjusted at the membership or returns counter, and Costco.com orders through an online form.
How Costco's price adjustment works
Costco's policy is simple: if the price of an item you bought drops at Costco within 30 days of your purchase, Costco refunds the difference. A few details matter:
- The clock starts on your purchase date, not when the item is delivered or installed.
- Warehouse and online are separate. A warehouse purchase is compared with warehouse prices, and a Costco.com order with Costco.com prices. You can't claim a lower online price for something you bought in the warehouse, or the reverse.
- The lower price usually has to still be active when you ask. Claim it while the sale is running.
- Costco can decline any request at its discretion.
What qualifies and what doesn't
| Situation | Adjusted? |
|---|---|
| Costco lowers the price of the same item within 30 days | Yes |
| Walmart, Sam's Club, Amazon, Target or another competitor is cheaper | No |
| Costco.com price is lower than what you paid in the warehouse | No (channels are separate) |
| More than 30 days after purchase | No |
| The sale has already ended when you ask | Usually no |
| Precious metals such as gold and silver bars and coins | No |
| Quantities above a promotion's purchase limit | No |
How to claim a Costco price adjustment
Warehouse purchases
- Note the item number from the shelf tag or the sale price in the Costco app.
- Go to the membership or returns counter with your membership card. A receipt helps, but Costco can usually look up the purchase from your membership.
- Get the difference refunded to your original payment method.
Costco.com orders
- Find your order number in your Costco.com account.
- Submit Costco's online price adjustment request with the order and item numbers, or contact customer service.
- Wait for the refund to your original payment method, typically within several business days.
Is Costco actually cheaper? How to check
Costco is great value for many staples, but not for everything. Name-brand household goods, baby items, over-the-counter medicine and small electronics can sometimes be cheaper elsewhere, especially when you compare the unit price instead of the pack price. Costco won't match those lower prices, so the only way to know is to check before you load the cart:
- Scan the barcode of the item on the shelf with Price Match Paradise. No account needed to start.
- Review matching offers across supported retailer sources, with stock status and price-match guidance when the retailer data is available.
- Decide in the aisle: ask for a match, buy it here because it's already the best price, or pick it up where it's cheaper.
- Buying electronics? Best Buy lists Costco as a qualified competitor, so if Costco has the lower price you can ask Best Buy to match it.
- After your trip, scan your receipt to see which items you overpaid for and where they were cheaper.
Costco vs. other stores
| Store | Matches competitors? | Refunds its own price drops? |
|---|---|---|
| Costco | No | Yes, 30 days |
| Target | No (since July 2025) | Yes, 14 days |
| Walmart | Walmart.com only | No |
| Best Buy | Yes, 19 retailers incl. Costco | Yes, 15 days for most |
See every major store in The Complete Guide to Price Matching in 2026.
FAQ
Does Costco price match Walmart or Amazon?
No. Costco doesn't match any competitor, including Walmart, Sam's Club and Amazon. It only refunds the difference when Costco lowers its own price within 30 days.
How long do I have to get a Costco price adjustment?
30 days from the purchase date. For online orders, ask customer service if you're unsure how your order date is counted.
Do I need a receipt for a Costco price adjustment?
It helps, but for warehouse purchases Costco can usually find the transaction through your membership account.
Can I get the Costco.com price for something I bought in the warehouse?
No. Warehouse purchases are compared with warehouse prices and Costco.com orders with Costco.com prices.
What if the sale already ended?
Costco generally expects you to ask while the lower price is still active, so claim it as soon as you notice the drop.
Bulk isn't always cheaper. Check with one scan.
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Keep reading
Sources: Costco price adjustment policy summary (StorePolicies) · Costco customer service. Summary as of September 22, 2026. Policies change and individual stores have discretion, so confirm with the store. Price Match Paradise isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any retailer mentioned.
Price Match Paradise Team
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