What Are the Main Costco Benefits That Come with a Membership?
Costco, similar to BJ’s or Sam’s Club, provides its members with exclusive deals. As a wholesaler, they offer additional discounts for tons of brand-name products and bulk quantities. From groceries to prescriptions and even photo printing, Costco is your one-stop shop for all necessities. If you’re looking to check out all the Costco benefits that come with a membership, we’ve rounded up all the information you need to know before joining. Continue reading for all things Costco-membership-related!
Related: What Are the Best Days to Shop at Costco?
Do You Need a Membership to Shop at Costco?
To shop at Costco, you do need to have a membership. As a result, you can receive all of the exclusive Costco benefits offered, including shopping privileges, Costco travel, and more. That being said, certain locations allow non-members to access select services and Costco Shop Cards can be shared with non-members for shopping access.
How Much Is a Costco Membership?
There are three types of Costco memberships that you can become a part of. The first one is called the Gold Star Membership, where you pay $65 annually and receive one household card. The second membership option is a Business Membership, which is also $65 annually and is meant for businesses as purchases will not be charged sales tax. As a result, it requires a business license or three pieces of business ID.
Lastly, the highest-level Costco membership (for all those Costco fanatics out there) is called the Executive Membership, which costs $130 annually and has a few extra perks in addition to the one household card.
To read more about membership costs and the differences between them, check out our blog.
Related: Why a Costco Membership Increase Happened in 2024
1. Food and Grocery Discounts
In general, Costco sells its grocery items in bulk. For instance, you can buy a two-pack of 1.5 liter bottles of Listerine or a 120-pack of K Cup Coffee Pods. When you buy these products in bulk, you reap the rewards because the prices are discounted and you get a larger amount of the item. The real steals, however, come from Costco’s in-house brand, Kirkland Signature.
Many Costco shoppers prefer Costco’s signature brand when compared to name-brand foods. Not only does the quality compare or surpass name brands, but Kirkland products are often cheaper. Known for being high-quality and less expensive, Kirkland Signature may become your new best friend while shopping.
2. Gas Discounts
Similar to groceries, Costco has its own Kirkland brand of gas that you can buy at a lower price than other gas stations. Costco gas can be up to $0.25 cheaper! The Kirkland Signature Gasoline was designed with deposit control additives to help keep your car’s engine clean and running smoothly. In fact, even if you only use a Costco membership for the gas benefits, you can still save money.
The average American driver could save over $100 each year by fueling up at Costco, and with their quality gas, you can keep your car running for longer. What’s not to like?
3. Travel Discounts
Want to travel? A Costco membership can help with that, believe it or not. With an in-house travel agency, Costco can help book car rentals, vacation packages, cruises, hotel stays, and more. The best part is you can choose the limit on expenses, so the trip can be catered to your proposed budget. Costco books through their travel partners, so this service varies on a case-by-case basis, but is undoubtedly a benefit for members who love to travel.
4. Automotive Discounts
Also known as the Costco Auto Program, you can receive discounts from Costco on pre-owned or new vehicles. The Auto Program will connect you with pre-vetted dealers and make buying a car less hassle than ever before! If you already have a car but need things like tires or batteries, Costco sells both at discounted prices in their stores, and the tires will even come with a five-year Road Hazard Warranty.
In terms of services, Costco provides such as rotations, balances, nitrogen tire inflation, and more. Instead of wasting time at an agency, dealer, or shop, just bring your car to Costco while you shop.
Also Read: Costco Executive Membership Benefits: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
5. Pharmaceutical Discounts
This next benefit can be used by non-members too! Costco allows anyone to fill their prescriptions at a Costco Pharmacy, often at a much lower price than competitors. They also offer a Costco Membership Prescription Program to members at no additional charge, giving access to savings on prescriptions. It’s important to note that the Costco pharmacy program does not reimburse medications or pay for them as a form of health insurance.
By using Costco as your pharmacy, you can save hundreds of dollars annually. You can even save on pet medication, which is especially great for our furry friends.
6. Photo Printing Discounts
Are you a photo person? Like to send Christmas cards every year? Well, Costco has you covered. With your membership, you get access to their Shutterstock Photo Center where you can print posters, photo books, calendars, cards, and more. Another perk is you can access your photos and order them online, so no in-store shopping is needed!
Related: How to Get a Costco Membership
7. Costco VISA Card
Last, but certainly not least in terms of Costco benefits, is Costco’s Anywhere Visa card. This perk allows Costco members to have access to this credit card and its exclusive rewards. Some of the incredible rewards include 2% cash back on eligible purchases from Costco, 4% cash back on eligible gas up to $7,000/year, 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, and 1% cash back on everything else.
Rewards accumulated throughout the year can be used at Costco or exchanged at a warehouse for cash, making your amazing Costco membership even sweeter.
8. 2-Day/Same-Day Delivery
Costco offers 2-day and same-day delivery options if you cannot get to the wholesaler when you’re in desperate need for groceries. Two-day delivery applies to members living nationwide except for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. You can order cleaning supplies, non-perishables, coffee, bath tissue, snacks, and more through this service. It all gets boxed up and shipped to your house, with no separate delivery fee for orders over $75.
Same-day delivery applies to members in qualifying ZIP codes and allows them to order perishable groceries online, such as meats, produce, or seafood. These are delivered during a selected window for the member’s convenience through Instacart.
9. Membership Refund
If you’re unhappy with your Costco membership, don’t worry. One of the biggest Costco benefits is the ability to receive quality customer service support and even a membership refund. Costco is known for its 100% satisfaction guarantee, so this not only applies to its products but also to the membership itself. Regardless of when you ask to leave Costco due to an imperfect fit, Costco will refund the money spent.
10. .97 Sales
Last, but certainly not least, Costco is known for its frequent sales. We at Costco97 help you take advantage of local, discretionary deals. As you may or may not know, most of Costco’s price tags follow price codes and even indicate secret discounts. We, along with our fellow Costcoholics, find prices ending in .97 cents and post them to our Deals by Location page. This shares each store’s current markdowns, so we can see the kinds of products that end up on sale in each warehouse. Be sure to head over to your Costco quickly as these sales often fly off the shelves.
Read more: How Much Is a Costco Membership?
Costco Benefits for Families
Costco provides a wide variety of wholesale products and services that benefit families. First, its products available in bulk can help lower trips to the grocery store, and provide a variety of snack and meal options for all family members. Costco also holds several sales on clothing or school supplies, targeting kids and adults alike. Protect your family with Costco’s insurance policies, including life, pet, and home so you never have to worry about the things you love. In addition to insurance, you can fill prescriptions through your local warehouse, leaving more time to spend with your family.
What Are the Costco Membership Benefits Compared to Other Wholesalers?
Costco has often been compared to other wholesales like Sam’s Club or BJ’s, which also offer bulk buying and membership perks. While these wholesalers may excel in categories like gas or technology, no one can beat Costco’s customer service. There to help every step of the way, Costco’s customer service can aid you in inventory, travel options, or finding your new favorite food court item.
Check Out: 11 Best Costco Deals Right Now
What Is So Special About Costco?
Costco is a great option for savvy shoppers who love discounted prices and great deals on gas, prescriptions, travel, and auto expenses. If you spend over $250 a month on groceries and have a Costco near you, these membership benefits will pay you back in the long run. You never have to settle for high-priced items and long lines at more well-known retail stores. Instead, spend your time and money finding incredible steals from Costco!
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