The Costco food court is its own amazing stop for many shoppers. This handy area is great for a quick, affordable lunch before or after shopping. You can even take pizzas home for a bargain.
But now, Costco is cracking down on non-members joining in on the fun, so this “free” perk won’t be the same for long.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
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Why Costco's food court is so popular
So, what do people love about Costco’s food court? This affordable spot for lunch or a quick snack offers seriously unbeatable prices on classics, like hot dogs, pizza, and freshly baked cookies. They even offer super-sized servings, and customers love that they can buy their groceries in bulk while grabbing a meal here. But now, it looks as though this won’t be available to just anyone.
The "new" rule
If you’re not a Costco member, you may be out of luck soon. This superstore is starting to enforce the unspoken rule that only members can enjoy the food court and all of its perks.
Is this a new rule, though? Or are stores just cracking down on non-members enjoying membership prices? Either way, many stores are starting to put up signs stating the food court will be restricted to members only starting April 7.
What members think
Costco lovers on the Internet are divided, but it seems members agree that this is only fair since they’re paying for these types of deals each year.
A Costco membership is around $5/month and some members think the food court access alone makes the monthly fee worth it. And others agree this might help keep the food court lines down for an even easier time.
Bottom line
If you haven’t yet invested in a Costco membership, now might be the time, especially if you want to visit the food court. At $60/year, it can pay for itself in just one visit and a cart full of bargain-priced bulk purchases.
If you're a member already, you can soon look forward to the added benefit of shorter lines for your $1.50 hotdog.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
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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. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.
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