Complain About Costco Membership - learn how to file a complaint

When your complaint needs a direct response, using the right channel makes a difference. Going in person is great for immediate issues, but for everything else, you'll likely need to get on the phone or use their website.

Getting a response can feel like waiting in the checkout line on a Saturday. A very, very long line.

• Call during off-peak hours (like Tuesday morning) to avoid the longest waits.
• Have your membership number and any relevant order numbers ready before you call.
• Be clear and concise. State your problem and what you want as a resolution in the first minute.

If Costco is ignoring you or gives you a final 'no' that you don't agree with, it's time to escalate. Your best bet is filing a formal complaint with an external body. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is your next stop. It's a formal process, and Costco usually responds to avoid a black mark on their record. You file a complaint on the BBB website, they forward it to Costco's corporate office, and Costco is expected to respond. But be warned, the BBB process isn't instant. Think weeks, not days. It's always best to show the BBB that you tried to resolve it with Costco first, so keep a record of your calls or emails.

Subject: Urgent: Formal Complaint Regarding Membership #[Your Membership #] / Order #[Your Order #]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing again to resolve an issue with my membership and a recent online order. This is my third attempt to get this sorted out, and my patience is wearing thin.

On [Date], my order #[Order Number] arrived with missing items, but I was charged the full amount of [$Amount]. Trying to get this fixed through your phone support has been incredibly time-consuming and frankly, a huge headache. The conflicting information and long hold times are unacceptable.

To fix this, I require an immediate refund for the missing items, totaling [$Amount], credited back to my original payment method. I also expect a written confirmation of this refund sent to my email address.

If I do not receive confirmation of this refund within 48 hours, I will be filing a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau and disputing the charge with my credit card company. I hope we can resolve this before it comes to that.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

[Your Name] [Your Membership Number]

• Ask for a supervisor immediately. If the first person you speak to is not helpful, don't waste time re-explaining. Politely but firmly ask to be transferred to a manager or supervisor.
• Get a reference number. For any phone call, ask for a ticket or reference number. This creates a paper trail and holds them accountable.
• Try social media. Sometimes a public post on their Facebook page gets a faster response from a social media team than a private email. Be polite but firm.
• Go to the source. One user on Reddit mentioned they couldn't get a refund for an online order until they went to the membership desk at their local store and had the manager there call the corporate office on their behalf.

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