BJ’s Wholesale Club kinda flies under the radar compared to Costco, but if you’re about to throw down a few hundred bucks on a giant flat-screen or a bulk pack of batteries, their return policy suddenly becomes a big deal. Spoiler: it’s definitely not a carbon copy of Costco’s famously chill return rules. Here’s the full scoop on how BJ’s actually does returns along with some real talk on how it compares to the big dog in the warehouse world.
BJ’s Gives You 365 Days
While BJ’s 365-day return window on general merchandise is good, it’s not as good as Costco’s policy (more on that below).
Here’s a screenshot of what BJ’s determines to be “General Merchandise”:
Some in-club purchases might get a little more wiggle room (a few reports suggest up to a year and half for general merchandise), but officially, 365 days is the standard, and BJ’s customer service will typically stick to it if you try to push your luck.
For electronics you have 90 days to make the return, the same as Costco. (Be sure to hold on to the box, manual, and accessories to make your return MUCH easier)
Oddly, if you open the electronic item, and find that it’s damaged, they only give you 14 days to make the return.
Also worth noting: If you start a return online but don’t ship the item back within 30 days, BJ’s will auto-cancel the request. So don’t wait around.
Costco absolutely crushes this one. They let you return most items whenever you want. Yes, really. A couch you bought a couple years ago? If you’re unhappy, they’ll still take it back. So if return flexibility is your thing, Costco is the clear winner.
PRO TIP: SIMILAR TO COSTCO, ITEMS CAN BE USED
This was confusing to me originally because the BJ’s website clearly states “Returned items must be in new condition with accessories intact”.
So I started a live chat to get to the bottom of this and I found a set of Cuisinart pans that I “used” for 8 months as my example (and I threw the box away).
The chat rep told me this, “You can return the pans even if they are used and without the box, but it’s best to check with your local club for their specific return process.”
So apparently their website is wrong and their policy is similar to Costco’s in that you CAN take back used items.
All the Stuff That Can’t Be Returned
BJ’s has a decent list of stuff that they won’t take back, most notably….
– Trading cards: Includes Pokémon and sports cards, whether they’re sealed or opened, can’t return them.
– Alcohol, lottery tickets, cigarettes, and tobacco: Some states let you return alcohol to Costco but apparently not to BJ’s.
– Gift cards: Once you buy them, they’re yours. Sell them on eBay if you don’t want them.
– Opened DVDs, video games, or computer software
– Fireworks: This includes anything that’s had gas, oil, or fuel added to it.
– Opened massage chairs: Officially, opened massage chairs are non-returnable. But I was told by a longtime BJ’s shoppers that if you claim it malfunctioned or caused discomfort, they’ll often make a one-time exception. She also told me to avoid saying “I didn’t like it”. Instead say, “It stopped working” or “It aggravated my back” and ask for store credit or an exchange.
– Prescription glasses or contact lenses
– Anything marked “Final Sale”
PRO TIP: GET AROUND THE 90-DAY LIMIT ON ELECTRONICS
BJ’s says most electronics must be returned within 90 days, but here’s the workaround: If the product is defective after 90 days but within the manufacturer’s warranty, take it to the club and ask for a manager.
In many cases, they’ll override the policy and issue a refund or store credit to keep you from dealing with the manufacturer. Bring in the warranty paperwork as backup. Also, mention you’re a long-time member or you’re replacing it with another BJ’s item. Loyalty + repurchase = leverage.
Here’s How You Actually Return Stuff
Returning to BJ’s is pretty simple—but only if you stick to the rules.
– Online purchases: Go to your BJ’s account, select the item, and start the return. They’ll give you a prepaid shipping label.
– In-club purchases: Bring it back to any BJ’s Member Services desk. You *usually* need your receipt or membership card to process it.
A weird quirk: BJ’s doesn’t do straight exchanges. If you bought the wrong size or just want a different model, you’ll need to return the item and place a brand-new order. No “even swaps”.
COSTCO WITH THE “W” AGAIN
Costco makes this easier. You can return anything you bought online at any warehouse, no questions asked.
They also don’t require a receipt—your membership number pulls up everything. And yes, Costco allows exchanges. BJ’s feels a little more old-school in comparison.
Refunds: How You Get Your Money Back
Once BJ’s receives your return (either in person or by mail), they’ll refund your original payment method.
Expect 5–7 business days for it to show up on your card. If you used a BJ’s gift card, they’ll issue store credit.
Worth noting: BJ’s doesn’t refund shipping or delivery charges unless the return is their fault (like a damaged or incorrect item).
COSTCO WINS ON REFUNDS
Costco doesn’t mess around. You usually get your refund on the spot if you return in-store.
Even online returns get processed quickly, and yes—they’ll typically refund shipping if there was an issue with the item. Another win for the Costco crowd.
See Also: Here’s How the Sam’s Club Return Policy Works
Product-Specific Rules at BJ’s
Here’s where BJ’s return policy gets a little more complicated. Some product categories have stricter rules:
– Electronics & TVs: 30-day return window. Don’t miss it.
– Jewelry: Must include all original packaging and paperwork. No exceptions.
– Perishable goods: Bring them back in-club with your receipt. BJ’s might not accept them via mail.
– Gift returns: Must be returned in-club. You’ll get store credit (not cash) if you’re not the original purchaser.
– Alcohol & cigarettes: Not returnable unless required by state law.
And again: No exchanges. Just returns and repurchases.
Costco also has product restrictions (electronics = 90-day window), but they’re much more forgiving with food.
You can return half a cake if you hate the frosting. They’re also more flexible with diamonds, alcohol (depending on state), and they allow some exceptions that BJ’s won’t touch. Overall, Costco handles “tricky” items better.
PRO TIP: USE THIS “ONLINE RETURN TRICK” TO AVOID CLUB HASSLES
Club returns can be hit or miss depending on who’s at the desk. If you sense resistance in-store, just return it online, even if you bought it at the warehouse.
Chat with BJ’s customer service and say you “can’t make it back to the store soon” and they’ll send a free return shipping label, no questions asked.
Membership Guarantee
If you’re unhappy with your BJ’s membership, you can cancel it and get a refund, but only for the current membership period.
Don’t expect them to refund last year’s renewal if you forgot to cancel it in time.
To cancel, go in-club or call their member care team at (800) 257-2582. If you ordered online, you can cancel through your account.
SEEING A PATTERN HERE?
Costco’s policy is more generous. If you’re ever dissatisfied with your membership—at any point—they’ll refund your fee in full, even if you’ve used it all year. They actually stand behind the “100% satisfaction” part.
Hold On to That Receipt
BJ’s usually wants you to have a receipt or proof of purchase to process a return.
If you ordered online, your digital order history works. In-store? If you lost the receipt, they *might* be able to look it up—but it’s not guaranteed.
Tip Alert: You gotta download the BJ’s app and start using the Express Pay feature. Not only does it allow you to just scan items as you shop, pay within in the app, and completely AVOID the checkout line, but all of your receipts get saved in the app.
To find your receipts just go to Account, Manage Orders, and then click on Club Orders and they’ll all be sitting there patiently waiting for you.
HMMM, TAKE A GUESS
This one’s easy. Costco tracks every purchase by membership number.
You could return a 3-year-old blender without a receipt, and they’ll still know it’s yours. BJ’s doesn’t have that level of system support, which makes Costco much more return-friendly.
See Also: The Big-Name Stores That Let You Make a Return Without Your Receipt
What Happens If You Abuse the Return Policy?
BJ’s doesn’t say much publicly about return policy abuse, but like any store, if you go too hard (constant returns, empty boxes, serial refunds), they can deny future returns or flag your membership.
COSTCO IS BUCKLING DOWN
Costco is also more vocal about this. They’ve shut down memberships for excessive or suspicious returns.
So even though their policy is looser, they’re watching. Abuse it, and you’re out.
Final Take…
BJ’s return policy is… okay. It’s not terrible, but it’s definitely stricter than Costco’s.
You’ve got a set 365-day return window, limited flexibility on food or high-value items, and no exchanges. It works fine if you follow the rules, but there’s not a lot of wiggle room if life gets in the way.
If you value return flexibility, no-hassle refunds, and generous timeframes, Costco wins this round hands down. But if you’re already a BJ’s shopper and you keep track of your receipts and deadlines, you’ll be just fine.
Ask the Reader: What’s your take on the return policy at BJ’s? Have you had any issues or problems using it? Let me know.
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)