Membership Hacks
26 Tips to Make the Most of Your Costco Membership
For Gold Star, Business and Executive Members, there are many membership benefits to explore. Here are some tips to make the most of your membership.
- Now that you’re a Costco member, you have access to the Costco Savings booklet! Each booklet contains savings on a variety of items – from chips and dip, to laundry detergent. The perk? No coupon clipping required. Savings are applied directly at checkout. You can also find the savings on Costco.com or on the Costco app.
- Before your next trip to Costco, download the Costco app to access your Digital Membership Card. Simply sign up for a Costco.com account, verify your identity and your card will be linked to your membership.
- Each Costco location carries around 4,000 items – compared to other retailers that carry over 20,000 items. By limiting our selection, we can buy large quantities, which brings the cost down for our members. On top of all the goodies at your local Costco, Costco.com has an expanded inventory.
- From the first day you sign up as an Executive Member, you are automatically enrolled to start earning toward your annual 2% Reward. Executive Members can earn up to $1,250 every year on qualified Costco, Costco.com and Costco Travel purchases.* See Executive Membership Terms to learn more.
- Refueling is made easier. With the Costco app, you can also check Costco Gas Station prices on your phone. You’ll also find your local warehouse to see the hours of operation, warehouse details and more.
- Speaking of the gas station, did you know that you can fuel up from any pump? Costco Gas Station is designed with long hoses to fill your car’s tank on either side. Whether your gas tank is on the left or right side of your car, you can choose the shortest line.
- When you are in the checkout line, leave bulky items in your cart. There’s no need to move them onto the conveyor belt – the cashier can scan heavy items for you. If you need help loading something into your car, just ask for assistance at the exit door.
- A $4.99 rotisserie chicken? Count us in! We’re well-known for this Costco item, which is available in our deli. After all, it’s a great ingredient for so many dishes, from sandwiches to salads.
- Have you ever noticed an asterisk on price signs in the warehouse? They’re usually in the top left- or right-hand corner. The asterisk typically means the item is not going to be replenished once it is sold through. It’s a good sign to buy now – it may not be there later.
- Savings are located everywhere – even online. Because Costco.com offers even more products, there are opportunities for more savings, too. Check Costco.com regularly to spot online-only savings.
- Enjoy a memorable vacation with Costco Travel. Costco members have access to exciting vacations at an exceptional value, including packages, cruises, rental cars, guided vacations, hotel stays and more.
- Before you travel, check Costco and Costco.com first. Costco sells gift cards for a variety of activities, from theme park tickets to city exploration passes.
- Your Costco membership card is an all-access pass to shop at any Costco worldwide.
- Drive to your next travel destination with the help of Costco Travel’s rental car program.
- In many states, Costco has a great selection of fine wine, beer and spirits, carefully selected by our knowledgeable buyers. At many locations, you also may find products from local breweries and wineries.
- Planning a wedding? You might be surprised to learn that Costco has a variety of wedding must-haves, from wedding bands to wedding floral to cake. There’s plenty of room for creativity.
- Stocking up on your favorite foods means plenty of leftovers. If you’re buying food at Costco, take a moment before your Costco trip to meal plan. Choose one main ingredient that fits well into your daily menu – such as spinach – and stow away the ingredients for the weeks ahead. See three ways to use spinach.
- Prepared meals from the deli are good for on-the-go families. Pick up a street taco kit, chicken enchiladas, croissant sandwiches and more. Family of two? These meals make great leftovers throughout the week.
- Looking for a quick meal? On your Costco run, drop by the Costco Food Court. The food court menu includes the infamous $1.50 hot dog and soda. You can even munch on a slice of pizza and enjoy a delicious chicken bake.
- Mmm, pizza. Running short on time? Call the Costco Food Court and order a pizza ahead of time. Or, order your pizza when you arrive at the warehouse at the Food Court kiosk (usually located inside the warehouse). Your pizza will be ready when you are.
- When you walk around Costco, look for Kirkland Signature™ products! What is Kirkland Signature? It is Costco’s own brand, ranging from heavy-duty garbage bags to men’s dress shirts. Each product is meticulously designed to be of high quality and have a great value for our members. The name Kirkland Signature came from the city where Costco was headquartered in the 1990s: Kirkland, Wash. One of our best-selling items? Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue.
- Free samples are well-known at Costco, feel free to try them all.
- We dare you to explore. If you’ve ever spotted an item at Costco you wanted to try, go ahead and buy it. If you don't like it, you can return it. Our return policy is well-known among Costco members. Product-specific limitations apply. See the membership counter for details.
- Going to the movies doesn’t need to be expensive. Movie tickets are available at select Costco locations and Costco.com. They are available at a member-only price, so it’s easy to save on the next big blockbuster.
- Savvy Costco shoppers know they’ll need a cardboard box at the register. As you’re wandering through Costco, grab any empty cardboard boxes you’d like to use at checkout.
- Transporting your Costco purchases back to your home can be a heavy-duty job, especially if you live in an apartment complex. Our tip is to buy your own "Costco wagon."
*Terms, conditions and exclusions apply to the 2% Reward. See the membership counter for details. For Travel: Reward on qualified Costco Travel purchases will be credited after travel is completed; reward certificate is sent at membership renewal. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply; see the membership counter or Costco.com. Maximum annual Executive Member Reward is $1,250.