Skip to main content

What your Costco receipt color really means (and other questions answered)

This is why Costco really checks your receipts

We’re all used to the routine. We go to Costco with a set shopping list (and somehow end up buying twice as much stuff), wait on the checkout line while debating if we should opt for that sweet, inexpensive hot dog combo (the answer is almost always yes), and then fork over our receipt to the worker at the door so they can check our stuff before letting us leave. (And maybe there’s a detour to pick up glasses, meds, or tires along the way.)

It’s a tradition for most homeowners and bulk shoppers, but there are a lot of questions about Costco receipts: What do the different colors mean? Do you need Costco receipts for returns? And just why does Costco check receipts anyway? We’re here to answer all your burning questions.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What do the different color Costco receipts mean?

While you might be used to the usual white receipt when you go to Costco, you could end up with yellow, blue, or green receipts, too. What do the different colors mean? Costco enthusiasts have been discussing this for ages, but generally speaking:

  • A white Costco receipt means you went to the main cashier checkout.
  • A green Costco receipt means you made a return.
  • A blue Costco receipt is for self-checkout or the food court kiosk.
  • A yellow Costco receipt is for the food court, optical center, pharmacy, tire center, or photo center.
Recommended Videos

(And yes. We have gone to Costco and gotten all four colors in one day on occasion.)

dennizn / Shutterstock

Why does Costco check receipts anyway?

Do you ever wonder why Costco checks your receipts at the door? While the most common answer from Costco shoppers is “to prevent theft,” that’s not the whole answer. (And let’s be honest: We all buy so much stuff that if Costco workers were checking every item, we’d be stuck standing there for hours.)

According to the company’s website, it’s to make sure that your items were correctly processed by the cashiers. “It’s our most effective method of maintaining accuracy in inventory control, and it’s also a good way to ensure that our members have been charged properly for their purchases,” the website states.

Costco employees elaborated to Business Insider that they’re looking for a code on the receipt that changes every day to ensure the receipt was printed that day; the item count to check for under or over charges; high-end items (which require a supervisor’s initials); and that large items like tissues and water (aka the stuff you dump underneath the cart to avoid filling the basket too quickly) weren’t overlooked.

costco store exterior shot
Juan Llauro / Shutterstock

Do you need a receipt to return at Costco?

You get home from your shopping trip, unload your bags, and realize you’ve bought the wrong laundry detergent or the shirt you picked up didn’t fit. But by the time you go to return the items, you can’t find your receipt anywhere. Do you really need it?

While it’s helpful to have the receipt handy to speed up the process, it’s not always necessary, according to Costco. The nice thing about a membership-based store is that all of your purchases are linked to your membership, making it easy for store employees to look up your past orders. And if the purchase was made within the last two years, you can look it up and print the receipt yourself using your Costco.com account. (Bear in mind, of course, that while Costco has a pretty liberal return policy, there are exceptions and limitations.)

So there you have it: The next time you’re leaving your local Costco, staring at your receipt, you’ll have all your questions answered.

Go beyond mowing the lawn with these 10 inexpensive landscaping ideas
You don't need to break the bank to have a gorgeous outdoor space
Landscaping stacked flower beds

A pristine outdoor space makes the perfect backdrop for entertaining guests or just relaxing with the family. Even if you maintain your lawn well, various factors such as weather, animal activity, and soil acidity can lead to a yard that's drab, bare, or otherwise less-than-beautiful. The good news is that you don't have to hire a professional or spend a fortune to upgrade your outdoor space. You can beautify your yard with just a few cheap, simple front yard landscaping ideas that are DIY-friendly and won't break the bank.
1. Create a pathway through your yard

If your backyard is an unadorned, wide-open lawn, consider breaking it up with a pathway. You can install large stone steps, wooden planks, or even a gravel path lined with larger rocks to create a whimsical lane through the greenery. Whichever type you choose, a pathway upscales your yard, making it look a bit more organized and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Upgrade your lighting

Read more
This is how much a tankless water heater will cost you
Gas vs. electric and condensing vs. non-condensing - here's everything to know about tankless water heater costs
Tankless water heater next to a shower

Tankless water heaters are gaining popularity among homeowners. Because of their compact and often energy-saving technology, many households are using these systems to help save money on their utility bills. However, you may be asking yourself, "How much does a tankless water heater really cost to install?"

Today, we'll discuss everything you need to know about tankless water heater costs to help you make the right decision for your home.
Types of tankless water heaters

Read more
Get rid of gross washing machine smells with these simple tips
Keep your washing machine clean with these quick tricks
Laundry room next to mudroom

So you’ve completed the first part of your laundry routine: You’ve separated and organized your laundry after giving it a good wash and dry. But your clothing is only part of the cleaning that needs to happen. If you don't keep up with cleaning your washing machine, funky smells can creep in. Washing machines can accrue some strange smells over time, which can put a damper on laundry day.

Luckily, getting your washer back in top shape isn’t too difficult with the right hacks. If you’ve had the misfortune of opening your washer only to think, “My washing machine stinks,” you’re not alone. Here’s how to get rid of that gross washing machine smell for good.
Why does my washing machine smell?

Read more