Everyone knows you can buy bulk foods and delicious rotisserie chicken at Costco — products they are famous for selling at great prices. And somehow, they even keep the hot dog combo priced at $1.50, an impressive feat in any economy.
But groceries aren't the only thing you can save money on at Costco. Did you know that it’s super smart to buy your next set of AirPods at the big box juggernaut rather than at the Apple Store? And no, you don’t have to buy 100 pairs at once, either.
Here’s why you should skip the Apple Store in favor of Costco.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.
New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Costco sells quality tech products
One of Costco's hallmarks is its commitment to selling high-quality products across all categories, including electronics. You don’t have to worry about getting knock-offs.
When you buy your AirPods at Costco, you can trust that you're getting a genuine, top-of-the-line product backed by Costco's solid reputation. They’re also a certified Apple Reseller.
AirPods have simple specs
Unlike some tech products that require in-depth research on all the bells and whistles you can get, like smartphones and laptops, AirPods have relatively simple specs.
That’s not to say they aren’t extremely innovative and high-quality, but across the board, they’re uniform with each generation. They’re the same product no matter where you buy them, giving you a reason to comparison shop.
You'll likely save money
While prices may vary depending on the specific model and any promotions, you may find that AirPods are cheaper at Costco than they are at the Apple Store.
Some customers said they saw a price difference of $50 off AirPods Pro and $70 off AirPods Max at Costco — in both cases, that’s a really good deal!
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You can get the latest release
Costco stays up-to-date with the latest releases in pretty much everything, including tech, like new generations of Apple products.
So whenever Apple drops a new version of AirPods, you can find them at Costco. This allows you to get your hands on the newest tech without having to wait in line at the Apple Store.
Costco has ample inventory and a good selection
One of the frustrations of shopping for tech products is dealing with limited inventory and selection. The Apple Store only has so many in stock, sometimes making it difficult to keep up with demand.
However, Costco’s inventory model is second to none. They manage everything they stock extremely effectively, including AirPods.
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You can get AppleCare
AppleCare, Apple's extended warranty and support service, gives you protection (depending on how much you spring for) and peace of mind for your AirPods. After all, who hasn’t lost an AirPod at least once?
Costco sells AppleCare for AirPods as well, so you don’t have to buy them at the Apple Store to enjoy the same benefits.
Costco's return policy is generous
Costco is known for its (sometimes too) generous return policy, which allows you to return electronics for a full refund within 90 days of purchase. This policy applies to AirPods, too, so any issues that pop up within that time won’t be an issue.
Note that all Apple products have to be fully restored to factory reset mode.
You have an Executive Membership
There are two types of Costco memberships available: Gold Star and Executive. Members of the latter earn back 2% of the money they spend there every year. The more you spend, the more you get back (up to $1,000).
That means the cash you spend on AirPods goes toward your year-end refund, saving you even more money when you deposit that cash at year’s end.
You can buy more than just AirPods
While AirPods may be at the top of your shopping list, Costco sells a bunch of other products (and services) that you can score while you're in the warehouse.
Like AirPods, you can count on anything you buy at Costco to be high-quality and reasonably priced. A stop at the food court is worth it, too — you can’t get a hotdog at the Apple Store!
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Bottom line
Listen, we’re not trying to throw any shade at the Apple Store; they sell great products that have revolutionized the way we live.
There are just too many advantages to picking up your next set of AirPods at Costco, from saving you money to customer service perks. Plus, it’s a chance to buy all your Costco favorites, making it a one-stop shop for everything you need and saving you big bucks on everyday essentials.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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