Does Amazon Price Match Costco?
- Jenny
- Nov 7
- 8 min read
Last updated: November 07, 2025
TL;DR
No, Amazon does not price match Costco (or any other retailer). Amazon’s help center is explicit about this.
Costco also doesn’t match competitors, but members can request a 30‑day price adjustment when a Costco purchase drops in price.
What you can do: return and reorder at the lower price, ask Amazon support for a one‑off courtesy credit, or buy at Costco and use its own adjustment/returns.
Want the exact phrases to use in chat? See How to Ask Amazon for a Price Match (Scripts & Chat Steps).
Looking for the full 2025 policy and scripts? See our Amazon Price Match Guide — 2025 Policy & How It Really Works
Short answer
If you’re wondering, “Does Amazon price match Costco?” the short and honest answer is no. Amazon doesn’t run a competitor price‑match program. That means you can’t send Amazon a Costco price and expect Amazon to match it automatically. Amazon may still adjust its own prices at any time, but there is no formal promise to match another store’s current price.
On the Costco side, the answer is also no—Costco doesn’t match competitors either. Instead, it offers members a price adjustment within 30 days when Costco’s price drops after your purchase. It’s an internal adjustment, not a competitors‑match program.
What Amazon officially says
Amazon’s help page makes it clear: there’s no price‑matching policy for competitor prices. Amazon’s site is built around dynamic pricing—its systems constantly seek competitive prices, so the company doesn’t commit to one‑off matches. If you spot a lower price somewhere else, many Amazon product pages include a “Tell us about a lower price” link; think of it as a feedback loop rather than a guarantee that your order will be adjusted. Separate from this, Amazon offers a Pre‑order Price Guarantee for qualifying pre‑release items; if the price drops between order and release, you get the lower price automatically on those items.
What Costco officially says
Costco doesn’t match other retailers either. But if you purchase from Costco and the price drops shortly afterward, you can request a 30‑day price adjustment from the point of purchase (warehouse vs. Costco.com). There are exclusions and quantity limits, and Costco can deny an adjustment at its discretion, but for many common price drops the process is straightforward for members.
Amazon vs. Costco at a glance
Topic | Amazon | Costco |
Competitor price match | No formal competitor price‑match policy. | No competitor price matching. |
Post‑purchase price adjustment | No site‑wide policy. Goodwill “courtesy credits” may be offered by support; not guaranteed. Separate Pre‑order Price Guarantee applies to eligible pre‑release items. | Yes, 30‑day price adjustment (on Costco’s own price) with exclusions/limits. |
Standard return window | Most items: 30 days (category exceptions apply; holiday windows may be extended). | Electronics/appliances: 90 days; many other items have very generous return terms for members. |
Notable programs | “Tell us about a lower price” link (pricing feedback). Pre‑order Price Guarantee on eligible items. | Costco Concierge Services extends manufacturer warranties on select electronics/appliances to two years and provides free tech support. |
Notes: Always verify product‑level exceptions. Holiday seasons often extend return windows. Costco’s Concierge coverage is product‑specific and separate from returns.
What to do when Costco is cheaper
1) Use the return‑and‑reorder lever
If your Amazon order is within the return window and returning is practical, the cleanest approach is to return the item and reorder from the cheaper retailer (or wait for an Amazon price drop). This avoids relying on a non‑existent match policy and keeps you in control of timing. Factor in any restocking fees, repackaging effort, and time costs.
2) Ask Amazon for a one‑off goodwill credit
Polite, succinct chats sometimes result in a small “courtesy credit,” especially for long‑time Prime members or when the price drop occurred within a day or two of delivery. This is discretionary—don’t expect it, but it doesn’t hurt to ask once. For ready‑to‑paste lines, go to our guide: How to Ask Amazon for a Price Match (Scripts & Chat Steps).
3) Lean on Costco’s own protections (if buying there)
When you choose Costco instead, remember you can request a 30‑day price adjustment (on Costco’s price) and, for many electronics and appliances, you also benefit from Concierge tech support and extended manufacturer warranty coverage. For large items or appliances, Costco’s 90‑day returns and support can be a big perk if you value post‑purchase service.
Category notes & edge cases
Electronics & appliances
Costco’s Concierge Services extend the manufacturer’s warranty to two years on eligible televisions, projectors, computers and major appliances, and offer free technical support. That can tilt value in Costco’s favor even when Amazon’s sticker price is similar. Amazon’s standard return window for most items is 30 days; category exceptions and holiday extensions apply, but Amazon doesn’t offer a universal competitor match.
Pre‑orders, Lightning Deals & limited‑time promos
Amazon’s Pre‑order Price Guarantee will automatically honor the lowest price between order and release on eligible items, but it does not extend to competitor prices. For Lightning Deals and similar fleeting promos, Amazon rarely issues adjustments; consider returns or timing purchases around predictable deal events instead.
Third‑party marketplace listings
If the product is sold by a third‑party seller on Amazon, price adjustment or courtesy credit is even less likely; you’ll mostly rely on returns. Verify the “Ships from” and “Sold by” line on the product page before assuming Amazon policies apply.
Membership‑only pricing
Membership‑only pricing (like Costco) is often excluded from competitor match policies across the industry, which is one practical reason fewer retailers attempt to cross‑match it. Regardless, Amazon doesn’t run a competitor match, so this is a moot point here—but it explains why even retailers that do match competitors frequently exclude membership prices.
Step‑by‑step scripts (quick copy)
Want to try for a goodwill credit instead of returning? Keep your ask tight and offer the agent an easy “yes.”
Hi — I ordered <item> on <date> (Order #<123-1234567-1234567>).
I noticed a lower price shortly after purchase / at another major retailer.
Would you be able to offer a small courtesy credit so I don’t have to return and reorder?More variations and screenshots of the chat flow: How to Ask Amazon for a Price Match (Scripts & Chat Steps).
Timing tips: how to buy smarter
Track prices over a few days on items over $100. Amazon’s dynamic pricing can shift multiple times in a week.
Leverage returns sensibly. For small differences (under $10–$15), a return may not be worth the hassle; for larger swings, returns are often the fastest way to capture savings.
Holiday windows help. During the holidays, many retailers extend returns. If you’re shopping in November/December, your effective decision window may be much longer than 30 days.
Consider total value, not just sticker price. Costco’s included warranty extensions/tech support can offset a small price premium.
Realistic scenarios
Scenario A: Costco is $40 cheaper on the same model
Confirm exact model/UPC/SKU to ensure an “apples‑to‑apples” comparison.
If your Amazon order is within the return window and returning is simple, initiate a return and buy at Costco.
If a return is inconvenient, try one polite goodwill‑credit chat. If declined, decide whether the $40 is worth the return effort.
Scenario B: Amazon price dropped 48 hours after you ordered
Grab a timestamped screenshot of the new price.
Open chat; request a small courtesy credit to avoid a return (use the script above).
If declined, weigh the time cost vs. return savings; for a large drop, returns usually win.
FAQ
Does Amazon price match Costco?
No. Amazon does not price match competitors, including Costco.
Will Costco match Amazon’s price?
No. Costco does not match competitors. It offers a 30‑day price adjustment when Costco’s own price drops after purchase.
Is there a “30‑day price match” at Amazon?
No site‑wide policy exists. Some shoppers receive goodwill credits from support, but it’s not guaranteed. Pre‑order items may be covered by a separate price guarantee.
Do holiday purchases change anything?
Holiday seasons often include extended return windows, which can make “return and reorder” easier.
Where can I get the exact chat steps?
Use our dedicated guide: How to Ask Amazon for a Price Match (Scripts & Chat Steps).
Warehouse vs. online (Costco nuance that trips people up)
Costco treats warehouse and Costco.com as separate points of purchase for adjustments. If you bought online, you must request the adjustment through Costco.com; if you bought in a warehouse, you must visit the Returns counter at the same warehouse. Costco.com prices often include shipping/handling that the warehouse price does not, so Costco won’t “match” a warehouse‑only price on a Costco.com order (and vice‑versa). See Costco’s current language here.
Online order? Use the Costco.com request form from your order history.
Warehouse purchase? Bring the receipt to the Returns counter at that warehouse.
Mind the 30‑day window and the item‑limit language during big promos.
Industry trend watch (2024–2025)
Retailers have steadily scaled back competitor matching in favor of everyday pricing, members‑only promos, and dynamic price changes. In July 2025, Target discontinued competitor matching and refocused on matching only its own prices for a short window. Meanwhile, Best Buy continues to match a defined list of competitors (including Amazon and Costco) with notable exclusions (e.g., no marketplace sellers). Across the industry, membership‑only pricing is commonly excluded from matches even where competitor policies still exist.
Checklist: compare “apples to apples” before you decide
Exact model/SKU/UPC: Small differences (bundle contents, accessories, color codes) can hide bigger policy differences.
Seller identity: Amazon LLC vs. third‑party sellers have different return rules and support experiences.
Shipping, installation, and haul‑away: Costco pricing may include services the Amazon listing does not (or vice‑versa).
Warranty and support: Costco’s Concierge coverage (and optional Allstate plans) can be worth real money on big‑ticket items.
Return window timing: Holiday purchases often carry extended returns—factor that into your plan.
Where each retailer tends to win
Amazon wins when…
You need fast delivery and an ultra‑wide catalog on short notice.
You can’t easily visit a warehouse for service, or you prefer doorstep pickups for returns.
The item is low‑risk and easy to re‑box for a quick return if a lower price appears.
Costco wins when…
You value longer tech support/warranty coverage on electronics or appliances.
Bulk packaging or installation/haul‑away is part of the value (e.g., large appliances).
You’re willing to trade a bit of flexibility for stronger post‑purchase support.
Pro tip: document price changes
When you spot a lower price, save a timestamped screenshot (desktop and mobile). If you end up chatting with support, having a clear, time‑stamped capture keeps the conversation focused and avoids back‑and‑forth over whether the price really changed. It also helps you decide quickly whether the difference is large enough to justify a return.
Disclaimer: Retail policies change. Always confirm details on each retailer’s official help pages before acting.
