Photo by Natalia S
When people think of Costco, they often picture giant carts overflowing with bulk groceries, free samples and the occasional impulse purchase of a kayak or giant teddy bear. Yet, beyond the obvious perks, a Costco membership comes with a variety of hidden benefits that can save you money and time.
If you’re on the fence about joining—or just want to make the most of your existing membership—check out these lesser-known advantages.
Choosing a Costco Membership
First, let’s cover your membership options:
Gold Star Membership: This is the basic membership available for $65 per year. It gives you access to in-store and online shopping with two membership cards.
Executive Membership: This membership is $130 per year. In addition to store access and two memberships, get a 2% reward up to $1,250 spent on eligible Costco and Costco Travel purchases along with additional benefits and discounts on select Costco services.
You can also buy business memberships for the same price with the same perks. Also, the Costco Anywhere Card by Citi offers additional rewards by shopping at Costco and other businesses.
How to Spot Deals Every Day
While picking up your $4.99 rotisserie chicken, be on the lookout for price tags ending in .97. That means to product price is marked down. Also, asterisks on price signs means the item is not going to be replenished once it is sold out. Combine that with the discount price and you’re getting the best deal on the item.
Now, let’s dive into the hidden benefits so you can make the most of your Costco membership.
Hidden Benefits of a Costco Membership
1. Discounted Travel and Vacation Packages
Did you know Costco has its own travel service? With Costco Travel, members get exclusive deals on vacation packages, rental cars, hotels and even cruises. Costco negotiates lower rates and often throws in extras like resort credits or free upgrades.
I booked a trip to Hawaii that included airfare, hotel and car rental for cheaper than booking each one separately. Plus, there were special perks at the hotel, including credit to the restaurant, waived resort fee and daily drinks.
Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway or a road trip, their travel deals are worth checking out.
2. Affordable Prescription Medications and Eye Care
Costco’s pharmacy and optical prices are often significantly lower than those of other drugstores. Plus, you have the option to have certain medications and eye care products sent right to your house. If your pet is on medication, you may also get it refilled for cheaper at Costco.
When I was quoted more than $250 for contacts at my optometrist, I decided to research other options. On Costco’s website, I easily found my preferred brand for $50 less, then uploaded my prescription and had them delivered to my home.
3. Cheap Gas at Costco Fuel Stations
Gas prices are unpredictable, but Costco consistently offers some of the lowest rates. Costco gas prices can be as much as 20 cents cheaper than other gas stations.
Also, the long hoses let you fill your car’s tank on either side making it easy to choose the shortest line. Consider visiting the gas stations during off peak hours. I usually go on my lunch break for much shorter wait times.
4. Exclusive Deals on Cars and Auto Services
Through the Costco Auto Program, members can get prearranged pricing on new and used cars from participating dealerships. This program removes the haggling process, saving you both time and money.
Costco also offers discounts on tires, select parts, service and accessories, and even car insurance.
5. High-Quality Kirkland Signature Products
Costco’s in-house Kirkland Signature brand is known for its exceptional quality at a lower price than name brands. Many Kirkland products are made by well-known manufacturers. For example, some Kirkland coffee is roasted by Starbucks and batteries are made by Duracell.
From groceries to clothing to wine, you can find great products at unbeatable prices.
6. Free Tech Support and Extended Warranties
Buying electronics at Costco comes with more than just competitive prices. Costco extends the manufacturer’s warranty on televisions, projectors, computers and major appliances for up to 2 years from the date of warehouse purchase or date of delivery if the item was purchased online.
Also, Costco offers free tech support for items like TVs, laptops and major appliances.
7. Low-Cost Health Screenings
Many Costco locations offer affordable health services, including:
- Optical centers offer discounted eye exams.
- Hearing aid centers have free hearing tests, free follow-up appointments and free hearing aid cleanings and checkups.
- Seasonal flu shots can be billed to your insurance and other vaccines, including whooping cough, shingles and pneumonia, at lower prices.
8. Discount Stamps
Costco sells forever stamps in bulk at a discount compared to post office prices, making it a smart choice for businesses, holiday card senders or anyone who regularly needs stamps.
Also, forever stamps don’t lose value even if postal rates go up.
10. Concierge Services for Home and Auto Insurance
Costco partners with insurers to provide discounted home and auto insurance rates. Members can often secure lower premiums and better coverage compared to traditional insurance providers.
There are also additional perks for each coverage type, such as windshield repair, accident travel expense coverage, fraud protection, refrigerator property coverage and more.
Is a Costco Membership Worth It?
If you take advantage of just a few of these hidden perks, your Costco membership can easily pay for itself. Whether it’s saving on travel, gas, prescriptions or big-ticket items, Costco offers value beyond just bulk groceries.
Next time you visit, explore beyond the warehouse shelves—you might discover even more ways to make the most of your membership.
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