Costco Gas Stations
Frequently Asked
Questions

A: The fuel station is open to Costco members only. There is an exception: Costco Shop Card customers do not need to be Costco members.

A: Costco's approach to fuel is the same as inside the warehouse - high volume and low prices. One-way traffic makes it easier to get in and out of our stations quickly. Our extra-long hoses allow fueling from either side of the vehicle, so there is no need to be concerned with which lane to choose.

A: The fuel station is entirely self-serve, with pay-at-the-pump technology. We accept Visa®, most PIN debit cards and Costco Shop Cards. (Exceptions: Oregon and New Jersey are full-service per law).

A: Costco Shop Cards are available for purchase with cash or check inside the warehouse. Costco Shop Cards may only be purchased or recharged by members, but with assistance from an attendant to first authorize the pump, anyone can use a Costco Shop Card to pay for fuel.

A: When a customer inserts a membership card the system reads the membership number on the card and confirms the membership is active.

A: When fuel is purchased with a PIN debit card or Visa card, Costco requests a "pre-authorization" from the card issuer before beginning the fueling process. This is a temporary hold that assures Costco will be paid for fuel dispensed. The "pre-authorized" amount is approved by the card issuer and may be up to $150. After fuel is dispensed, Costco IMMEDIATELY sends a "completion transaction" message to the card issuer with the actual purchase amount. It is the responsibility of the card issuer to remove the "pre-authorization" amount promptly. Please call the bank customer service number on the back of your card if you have questions or concerns.

A: There are two main aspects of fuel quality dependent on brand and the individual retailer: deposit control additives and station maintenance.

Deposit control additives - Gasoline
Since 1995, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that all gasoline sold in the U.S. must include an EPA- approved deposit control additive. These additives are designed to minimize engine deposits that can affect vehicle performance and emissions. The various proprietary deposit control additive formulations are the main difference between brands of gasoline. All gasoline at Costco contains deposit control additives. Since March of 2014, Kirkland Signature™ Gasoline has been certified to meet the TOP TIER™ performance standards: www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/ and we are proud to offer our high quality product to our members.

Deposit control additives - Diesel
Our Kirkland Signature™ Diesel includes additional detergent additives to keep the fuel injectors clean and added lubricity to lessen friction which helps reduce harmful wear. The decision to include additional additives at all our locations that offer diesel was easy. We're confident that our Kirkland Signature™ Diesel provides the best possible quality and value our members trust us to provide. Since August 2017, Kirkland Signature™ Diesel has been certified to meet the Top Tier performance standards: www.toptiergas.com/diesel-licensed-brands/.

Station Maintenance Good station operation and maintenance means the fuel is filtered and that contaminants, such as sediment and water, do not find their way into our members' vehicles. Costco fuel stations are well-maintained by our capable attendants so you may be confident that the fuel going into your vehicle is clean.

• Costco uses fuel filters to catch particles or debris larger than 10 microns in diameter. For comparison, the average human hair is seventy microns thick.
• Our attendants check the nozzle flow rate frequently to assure that our filters are fresh. When the flow rate falls below 8 gallons per minute, we change the filter.
• Costco uses ethanol-compatible filters designed to catch sediment, water, or phase-separated ethanol and water mixtures.
• Costco's electronic sensors continuously monitor our underground storage tanks for water.
• We physically inspect and take chemical samples of our tanks at least weekly to confirm there is no contamination.

A: Regular and ​p​remium ​gasoline, and ​d​iesel at select locations. Gasoline ​octane can vary by state, but at Costco, it's typically 87 octane for Regular and 91 octane for Premium Gasoline.

A: Costco buys fuel from major refineries and distributors in each area. All Kirkland Signature™ Fuel is guaranteed, just like the merchandise we sell inside the warehouse.

A: Octane is a particular hydrocarbon that is part of all gasoline. The precise amount is determined at the refinery. Octane is not an additive to the fuel. Octane levels are the only difference between regular and premium unleaded gasoline sold at Costco.

The amount of octane controls how the fuel burns in your engine. Too little octane can cause knocking or pinging, which over time can harm your engine. Knocking and pinging results when the fuel pre-ignites in the cylinder, ahead of the spark plug ignition. Higher octane controls this pre-ignition.

• Costco advises that you use the octane rating specified in your owner's manual. If you are using the specified fuel, and you are experiencing engine knock, please consult your auto care professional for a diagnosis of the problem.

A: The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the Renewable Fuels Standard, which required that a certain amount of ethanol be used in the nations' fuel supply. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 increased this amount. Kirkland Signature™ Gasoline complies with this law, and an ethanol content label can be found on the pump.

A: Kirkland Signature™ Diesel only contains biodiesel where required by law, with the exception of Melrose, IL which is B11 due to market availability. However, up to 5% biodiesel may be found in CA, CO and OR. In California, biodiesel and regular petroleum are transported in the same pipelines and tankers.

A: Kirkland Signature™ Diesel is ultra-low sulfur, and complies with the federal regulations limiting sulfur content to no more than 15 parts per million.

A: The cetane rating is a number used to measure the ignition properties of diesel fuel. Higher cetane ratings have shorter ignition delays than lower cetane ratings. The minimum cetane number in U.S. diesel fuel is 40, although diesel fuels supplied in different areas of the country are often higher than 40.

A: Costco is aware of the benefits of renewable diesel. This is a fairly recently introduced product to the market, and we are able to provide renewable biomass-based diesel at a select few of our gas stations, primarily in California. When availability of supply increases, we hope to offer more renewable diesel. We have both 5%-20% or up to 99% renewable biomass-based products. Look for the orange & black product spec label near the nozzle cradle.

A: Costco gas stations have an outstanding safety record. Our safety-certified fuel station attendants work outside on the fuel islands, so they are always available to respond to any emergency. Every Costco station is equipped with automatic shut-off mechanisms both above and below ground. All our stations have a phone for emergencies, conventional fire extinguishers on every fuel island, and automatic extinguishers below ground. Eye wash is always available as well. Gasoline is highly flammable, and we ask for our members to comply with all applicable laws and signage regarding safe refueling.

A: No. Children should not pump fuel or get out of the car during the refueling process. Costco fuel stations are very busy, and children are often below the level of drivers' mirrors. Only licensed drivers should pump fuel. Costco gas station attendants are available to assist anyone who requires additional help in filling their tank.

A: Because it's the law. The national fire code prohibits any potential ignition source, including cigarettes and running engines, while refueling. The national fire code is adopted and enforced by local fire marshals around the country. To comply, all Costco fuel stations feature prominent signage advising our members of these rules. All Costco attendants are instructed to enforce the fire code at our fuel stations.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) code 30A contains the following:

Sources of Ignition Section 9.2.5.1

Smoking materials, including matches and lighters, shall not be used within 20 feet (6 meters) of areas used for fueling, or receiving or dispensing of Class I liquids. The motors of all equipment being fueled shall be shut off during the fueling operation.

A:Yes, there is a small but real risk of static electricity sparking a gasoline vapor fire at any gas station. A static charge can accumulate from your clothing or vehicle upholstery. To prevent a static discharge from igniting gasoline vapor, always touch your vehicle or some other metal surface, away from the fill point, with your bare hand, each time you exit your vehicle during refueling. The shock you feel is your protection!

Static electricity can also accumulate on portable containers transported by a moving vehicle. Accordingly, only approved containers can be filled with fuel, and they must always be removed from the vehicle and placed on the ground before filling. This "grounds" the container and eliminates the static risk.

A: No. Cell phones do not produce sufficient voltage to start a gasoline vapor fire. Despite unsubstantiated reports and confusion surrounding this subject, there have been zero confirmed fires caused by cell phones anywhere in the world.

While the use of a cell phone will not cause a fire, there is a very real concern that talking on a cell phone at a gas station can cause an unrelated accident if you are inattentive to the fueling operation. For your own safety and the safety of those around you, outside the use as a payment method, please refrain from using your cell phone while refueling at Costco gas stations.

A: Costco attendants are instructed to enforce all provisions of the International Fire Code (IFC) regarding filling portable containers:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2019 Edition

2304.4.1 Approved containers required

Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall not be dispensed into a portable container unless such container does not exceed a 6-gallon (22.7L) capacity, is listed or of approved material and construction, and has a tight closure with a screwed or spring loaded cover so designed that the contents can be dispensed without spilling. Liquids shall not be dispensed into portable cargo tanks.

2304.4.2 Nozzle operation

A hose nozzle valve used for dispensing Class I liquids into a portable container shall be in compliance with section 2306.7.6 and be manually held open during the dispensing operation.

2304.4.3 Location of containers being filled

Portable containers shall not be filled while located inside the trunk, passenger compartment or truck bed of a vehicle.

A: In most states, Costco has transitioned to a new, safer “drip less” nozzle that features an interlock boot on the nozzle spout. The new nozzles will only dispense fuel if the boot is securely seated on the vehicle fuel port. This feature improves both safety and the environment, which is why we’ve made the change. The nozzle also prevents spills, drips, and “burps” that can release gas into the environment. Or worse, onto our members.

The new nozzles make it more difficult to “top off,” or continuing to pump after the nozzle automatically shuts off. Topping off is prohibited in most states because it is a primary cause of gas station spills.

Our attendants are always available to provide assistance, so if needed, please ask for their help to refuel your particular vehicle. Although the nozzle boot may take some time to get used to for some members, we believe the added safety and environmental benefit makes the new nozzles a significant improvement in gas station technology.

A: Costco has been aware of skimming devices for many years and has a very specific policy for each and every location. Costco relies on member trust. We will continue working at every level to maintain that trust and protect the interests of our members.

First, we comply with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards set by the major card processors. The standards for security consist of 12 significant requirements and multiple sub-requirements, all of which are checked by an independent auditor. In addition to the PCI standards, Costco has led the nation in taking security to a higher level by using unique locks at each gas dispenser, tamper-proof seals inside and outside each dispenser, cameras focused on each fueling point, and multiple daily inspections. There are also additional security procedures that we do not advertise.