Some people are reluctant to pay for a Costco membership. They wonder if they will save enough to make the membership cost worthwhile.
It’s true that a Gold Star membership costs $60, while an Executive membership costs $120. However, the savings you get could actually help you keep more money in your wallet.
Check out these reasons why paying for a Costco membership could result in feeling like the retailer is paying you to shop.
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.
Discounts on gift cards
One of the best Costco hacks when shopping at the warehouse retailer is that you can grab discounted gift cards that save you cash on meals or treats.
The retailer sells gift cards at less than face value. For example, $60 worth of Krispy Kreme gift cards will only cost you $44.99.
And remember that you don’t have to “gift” your gift cards, so go ahead and buy them for yourself.
Cheaper gas
Costco locations typically have gas stations, so check your local gas stations and see how the gas price compares to your favorite Costco.
In many cases, fueling up at Costco will save you a few cents less per gallon. Those savings add up, especially if you have a vehicle with a large gas tank.
Extended warrantes
Buying electronics and other items from Costco can give you additional protection in case something goes wrong with the product.
Costco will automatically enroll you in a two-year extended warranty on applicable items. Check with Costco when you buy a product to see if it qualifies for extended warranty coverage.
Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1
Travel discounts
Costco Travel allows you to book vacations and trips at a discount. You can also qualify for additional benefits when you book a vacation through Costco, including waived resort fees, resort credits, and other perks.
Check the Costco Travel website or call Costco’s travel office to learn more.
Affordable Food Court meals
Costco’s CEO is on record saying the retailer has no plans to raise the cost of Costco’s hot dog and drink combo deal, which has remained at $1.50 for years.
The Food Court also has plenty of other fare that sells for affordable prices. A meal or treat here can be a great deal.
If you are looking for a great Costco hack, stop by the Food Court before you start shopping and order a pizza. Then, pick up your hot pizza on the way out the door.
Trending Stories
Kirkland Signature products
Like other retailers, Costco has its own store brand: Kirkland Signature.
Kirkland Signature items are often cheaper than name-brand versions of the same product, and the quality is typically just as good or better than the better-known products.
Lower prices on prescription drugs
Shopping at Costco can help you save money on prescription drugs. The Costco Member Prescription Program offers deals on common prescriptions at participating pharmacies.
And don’t forget your furry friends, as your membership can also get you discounts on medication for your pets.
Free technical support
Costco has some great deals on electronics, and you can get additional technical support on these products with your Costco membership.
This includes free concierge services for technical support on products such as computers, televisions, cameras, printers, and more.
Affordable wine and liquor
You may be surprised to find well-known wine and liquor brands on sale at Costco for an affordable price.
Check your local Costco regularly, as items go on sale at different times.
You may still have the option to buy alcohol at Costco even if you don’t have a membership. Several states prohibit retailers from restricting alcohol sales to members only. In these places, you can buy liquor at Costco without a membership.
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.
Bulk discounts
When you compare the per-unit cost of some items, you might find that they cost less when you buy them in bulk at Costco than if you bought them elsewhere.
Buying in bulk can be particularly helpful if you’re stocking up on staples such as canned goods, pasta, and other pantry staples. Paper goods such as toilet paper and paper towels also can be a good deal.
Pre-made meals
When it comes to meals, Costco can save you both time and money. The retailer has all kinds of pre-made meals that you can pick up to make easy, affordable dinners.
Costco is also well-known for its cheap rotisserie chicken, which can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in other recipes.
Bottom line
Yes, you have to pay for a membership at Costco. But the savings can be so significant that shopping here can actually provide a boost to your bank account.
So, make sure you compare prices to those of other retailers. You might find that shopping at Costco is like putting money back into your wallet.
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.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.