A Costco membership offers value beyond the warehouse walls. Not only do you save money on everyday essentials, gifts, and jewelry, but it also provides significant savings on fuel.
With your $65 annual membership, you could save hundreds of dollars by fueling your vehicle at Costco instead of your local gas station.
To help you maximize these benefits, here are some quick hacks you can use today to set aside more money for tomorrow.
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!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable).
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Check multiple Costcos in your area for the best deal
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The U.S. Energy Information Administration found that factors, including supply distance and retail competition, cause gas prices to fluctuate even within the same neighborhoods. Download the Costco app to check the day's fuel prices. Then, compare the prices with those from other Costco gas stations. This is the most effective way to secure the greatest savings.
Earn cash back with the Costco Anywhere Visa Card
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If you're a Costco Anywhere Visa cardholder, there's an added perk to filling up at Costco gas stations. Not only can you enjoy competitive fuel prices, but you'll also earn cash back on your fuel purchases, just like you do inside the warehouse.
It's a convenient way to get more value every time you fill your tank.
Check fuel prices before you pump
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Costco is typically more affordable than most stores, and its gas prices tend to be lower than those at most fuel stations. However, it's always wise to check local gas prices with Waze or GasBuddy before heading to your local Costco.
This way, you can ensure you're getting the best deal and saving the most.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
Fill up on Mondays or Tuesdays
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Filling up at Costco on the weekend is like heading to Best Buy during Black Friday. The lines are long, pumps are more likely to run out of gas, and there are lots of aggressive people in a hurry. Fortunately, Monday and Tuesday mornings are usually much quieter, and there's an added benefit. Filling up on those days is generally cheaper.
Get cash back with an Executive Reward membership
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If you're an Executive Rewards cardholder, you can save money while earning 2% cash back each time you fuel up at a Costco station. Although the savings might seem small, they add up.
If you spend $3,252 per year on fuel for your vehicle, you can recover the cost of your membership. Now that's real savings!
Use Costco as your premium fuel supplier and save hundreds
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Costco's premium gas is conveniently priced anywhere between 20 and 40 cents a gallon more than regular. Traditional gas stations may price premium as high as 60 cents to a dollar more than regular.
If you drive frequently and pump your premium gas at Costco, you can save anywhere from $300 to $500 per year.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Bring gas cans on your next trip to refuel
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Avoid making a special trip to Costco to fuel up if it's not in the neighborhood. The amount of gas you'll spend making a round trip could negate your savings. If you don't have a local Costco, bring gas cans along with you on your next Costco trip and fill them to fully benefit from these savings.
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.
Use Costco fuel on road trips
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Before heading out on your next road trip, check Costco's website for locations along your route. Fueling at Costco stations can save you the hassle of finding convenient fueling stops and help you avoid paying inflated highway gas prices. This means more savings for your vacation. Not to mention, you can grab a hot dog or other snacks from the food court when you swing by.
Fuel up using a Shop Card
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If you don't shop at Costco regularly or need large quantities of your favorite products, a membership might not be worth it. Luckily, you can still access the same affordable fuel at Costco stations without a membership by using a Costco Shop Card.
Any Costco member can purchase this card on your behalf, loading it with the amount you need. Since all Costco locations accept it, you can refuel at any nearby station.
Fuel all your vehicles at Costco
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If you have multiple vehicles, consider having a family member drive your second vehicle to the pump to maximize your savings. They can pay using your membership card, or you can provide them with an additional card to enhance the benefits. This approach ensures both vehicles enjoy the same affordable, high-quality fuel.
Top up your fuel when you can
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Instead of waiting for your fuel indicator to flash empty, top off your gas whenever you're near a Costco. This keeps your tank full and locks in lower prices as they pop up. Not to mention, paying with a rewards card each time can really rack up the cash back rewards.
Bottom line
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One of the smartest car owner money moves is to purchase Costco fuel. Using these tips can save you time and money while also prolonging the life of your vehicle. Costco supplies Top Tier gas, which contains five times the detergents required, helping your engine stay cleaner and maximizing your fuel efficiency.
Still on the fence? Use Costco's online Get Rewards calculator to see how much you could save. If you haven't already, this might encourage you to apply for the Costco card and start fueling up regularly.
2025 award winner
Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card
Benefits Card Details on Wells Fargo’s secure website Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card could be a good option for you. Cardmembers can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.
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.
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