How to Cancel Costco Membership in 2026 (and Get a Full Refund)

Updated February 2026 · 6 min read

✅ Good news: Costco makes this easy

Unlike most companies, Costco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee on memberships. Cancel anytime, get a full refund. No dark patterns, no guilt trips, no retention department.

3 Ways to Cancel Costco Membership

🖥️ Option 1: Online (Easiest)

Go to costco.com and log in
Click your name → Account → Membership
Click “Cancel Membership”
Confirm — refund processes in 5-7 business days

🏬 Option 2: In-Store

Walk into any Costco warehouse → go to the Membership desk → say “I’d like to cancel my membership” → hand them your card → receive refund. Takes about 5 minutes. They may ask why but won’t pressure you to stay.

📞 Option 3: Phone

Call 1-800-774-2678. Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-6pm PT, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm PT. Say “cancel membership” when prompted. Average wait: 5-10 minutes.

Costco Membership Costs in 2026

Membership

Annual Cost

Perks

Gold Star

$65/year

Warehouse access + costco.com

Executive

$130/year

Gold Star + 2% annual reward (max $1,250)

Business

$65/year

Resale purchases + add members at $65 each

Should You Cancel Costco?

❌ Cancel if:

You visit less than once a month
You live alone and can’t use bulk quantities before they expire
Your nearest Costco is 30+ minutes away
You spend less than $1,000/year at Costco (doesn’t justify $65 fee)
You’re on Executive but spend under $6,500/year (downgrade to Gold Star instead)

✅ Keep if:

You have a family of 3+ (bulk buying saves significantly)
You use Costco gas (15-25¢/gallon cheaper than average)
You buy Costco’s Kirkland products (genuine savings of 30-50%)
You shop there 2+ times/month
You have the Costco Citi card (4% gas, 3% restaurants, 2% Costco)

🔄 Alternatives:

Sam’s Club ($50/yr) — cheaper, similar warehouse experience, Scan & Go app
BJ’s Wholesale ($55/yr) — accepts manufacturer coupons (Costco doesn’t)
Amazon Subscribe & Save — bulk pricing without a membership, free shipping
Walmart+ ($98/yr) — free delivery, fuel discounts, no bulk requirements

What About the Costco Credit Card?

If you have the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi, here’s what happens when you cancel Costco:

Your card converts to a Citi Double Cash card (2% on everything)
You keep your credit line and account history (no credit score impact)
You lose the 4% gas, 3% dining, 2% Costco rewards
Your annual reward check is prorated to your cancellation date
The Citi Double Cash card has no annual fee

Costco Services You Can Use WITHOUT a Membership

Costco Pharmacy — Prescription drugs at Costco prices — no membership needed by law

Costco.com (with surcharge) — 5% non-member surcharge on online orders

Costco Optical — Eye exams and glasses — varies by state

Costco Food Court — Some locations allow non-member access (varies)

Costco Gift Cards — Buy a Costco Shop Card from a member, shop without membership

Costco Auto Program — Car buying service — some dealers honor non-member pricing

💰 Costco might be just one of many memberships you’re paying for

Upload a bank statement and find every subscription charging your account — including ones you forgot about.

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FAQ

Can I cancel Costco and get a full refund?

Yes. Costco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee on memberships. You can cancel at ANY time and receive a full refund of your membership fee — even on the last day of the year. No questions asked.

How do I cancel Costco membership online?

Log in at costco.com → Account → Membership → Cancel Membership. You can also call 1-800-774-2678 or visit any Costco warehouse membership desk.

What happens to my Costco credit card if I cancel?

The Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi converts to a regular Citi Double Cash card (2% cash back) — you keep the card but lose Costco-specific benefits (4% gas, 3% dining). Your annual rewards check is prorated.

Can I use Costco without a membership?

Partially: Costco.com allows non-members to shop online (with a 5% surcharge). Costco pharmacy, optical, and food court (in some states) don't require membership. You can also shop with a Costco gift card from a member.

Is Costco Executive membership worth the upgrade?

Executive ($130/yr) is worth it if you spend $6,500+/year at Costco (the 2% reward covers the $65 upgrade). If you spend less, the Gold Star ($65/yr) gives identical access. Costco will refund the difference if Executive doesn't pay for itself.

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Quick Cancel Guide: Costco Membership

Direct cancel link + step-by-step instructions