A Costco storefront.

Will Excessive Returns Really End Your Costco Membership?

NEWS

By EMMY SCHNEIDER-GREEN

A person holding a Costco membership card.
As a card-carrying Costco member, you have access to economical groceries and a wide range of other items, including hotel stays. It also involves the store’s affordable gas.
A Costco membership counter.
However, this privilege isn’t necessarily a lifetime membership. The truth is, it can be revoked under certain circumstances if shoppers commit one too many missteps.
A woman working a Costco cash register.
This specifically involves excessive returns. If you’re routinely buying and returning somewhere around 60% to 70% of all your purchases, you’re potentially in the danger zone.
Shoppers with a Costco employee.
The decision to terminate a membership is typically made by higher-ups such as managers, upon reviewing each case. Your best bet is to stay under the threshold of 70% returns.
A person holding a Costco membership card and a receipt.
While Costco notes on its website that a “membership may be terminated at Costco’s discretion and without cause,” in general, excessive return rates are a common culprit.