Advertisement
U.S. markets open in 7 hours 38 minutes
  • S&P Futures

    5,209.00
    -5.75 (-0.11%)
     
  • Dow Futures

    39,210.00
    -13.00 (-0.03%)
     
  • Nasdaq Futures

    18,185.75
    -45.75 (-0.25%)
     
  • Russell 2000 Futures

    2,047.50
    -2.30 (-0.11%)
     
  • Crude Oil

    82.51
    -0.21 (-0.25%)
     
  • Gold

    2,161.30
    -3.00 (-0.14%)
     
  • Silver

    25.18
    -0.08 (-0.32%)
     
  • EUR/USD

    1.0867
    -0.0009 (-0.09%)
     
  • 10-Yr Bond

    4.3400
    0.0000 (0.00%)
     
  • Vix

    14.33
    -0.08 (-0.56%)
     
  • GBP/USD

    1.2710
    -0.0019 (-0.15%)
     
  • USD/JPY

    150.3190
    +1.2210 (+0.82%)
     
  • Bitcoin USD

    64,969.21
    -3,643.43 (-5.31%)
     
  • CMC Crypto 200

    885.54
    0.00 (0.00%)
     
  • FTSE 100

    7,722.55
    -4.87 (-0.06%)
     
  • Nikkei 225

    39,929.62
    +189.22 (+0.48%)
     

24 Ways to Get the Most From Your Costco Membership

A Costco store as seen from the parking lot.
A Costco store as seen from the parking lot.

Source: Costco

1 of

Use it or lose it

In many ways, joining Costco (Nasdaq: COST) is like buying a gym membership. For some people, just joining is enough. They rarely (or never) take advantage of what they paid for because just joining felt like a step in the right direction.

That, of course, is silly. If you don't go the gym you won't get in shape. The same is true of Costco. If you don't use the warehouse club you won't actually save money.

Previous

Next

A woman pumping gas into her car at a gas station.
A woman pumping gas into her car at a gas station.

Source: Getty Images

2 of

Buy gas

Costco generally has some of the best, if not the best, gas prices around. Its gas stations, however, are generally a bit difficult to use. They require swiping your membership card first and then paying via credit card only. In addition, they generally have traffic that only moves in one direction.

Despite those minor annoyances, the prices make shopping for gas one of the best perks you can get from joining the warehouse club, Make sure you fill up or even top off every time you go and the savings will pile up.

Previous

Next

A shopper in a Costco store.
A shopper in a Costco store.

Source: Getty Images

3 of

Make a plan

Costco can be a mine field where you end up buying a lot of stuff you don't need. To avoid that go in with a shopping list and a wish list of stuff you may not need, but would buy at the right price.

Don't deviate from that list. Even if you see something that seems like a great deal but it's not on your list take a day or two before going back to get it. Sometimes, time and not being in the store lets you see that a purchase would be a mistake.

ALSO READ: 45 Pretty Easy Ways to Save Money

Previous

Next

A travel airplane in a cappuccino on top of a map,tickets, and passport book.
A travel airplane in a cappuccino on top of a map,tickets, and passport book.

Source: Getty Images

4 of

Book a trip

Joining Costco also gives you access to its website and the site's travel section. Sometimes the deals offered there can be substantial especially when you book a full vacation package including airfare, hotels, rental cars, and more.

Pay particular attention to packages involving the Florida theme parks. Costco often has great deals for packages that include airfare, hotels, and theme park tickets. The warehouse club has deals on vacations and all-inclusive resorts as well.

Previous

Next

A man shops in a warehouse store with a cart.
A man shops in a warehouse store with a cart.

Source: Getty Images

5 of

Prepare portions

Many items at Costco are sold in bulk. That's fine if you're buying toilet paper or other things that never expire, but it's not great with food. If you plan, however, you can use your freezer space to get a good deal.

Meat or chicken generally gets cheaper at the warehouse chain when you buy more. Purchase the best deal and when you get home portion it out into how much you will cook for one meal in freezer-safe bags.

You can freeze what you won't use right away, but this type of shopping takes planning. It's important to make sure you have the freezer space you need before you end up with a huge quantity of food you have no space for.

Previous

Next

A cocktail is being poured
A cocktail is being poured

Source: Getty Images

6 of

Buy liquor

Most Costco warehouses have an attached liquor store. The prices in these are generally good, but the best prices are often on house brand booze. These are made by top-tier producers for the warehouse club and because they don't have name branding, they sell for very good prices.

ALSO READ: Drown Your Market Volatility Blues With These Alcohol Stock Dividends

Previous

Next

A glamorous woman in sunglasses.
A glamorous woman in sunglasses.

Source: Getty Images

7 of

Get glasses

Costco warehouses sell prescription eyeglasses and offer eye exams. In general, the glasses sold at the chain are much cheaper (in price, not quality) than what you would purchase from the traditional mall chains. There might not be as much choice as you can get elsewhere, but what is offered will be a good deal.

Previous

Next

bottles of prescription medicine sitting on shelves in cabinet
bottles of prescription medicine sitting on shelves in cabinet

Source: Getty Images

8 of

Fill your prescriptions

The pharmacy at Costco is usually a pretty drab affair. It's as nondescript as the rest of the warehouse club but behind the drab counter can be some tremendous savings. The best deals tend to be on generic drugs, but pricing can often be below traditional drugstore chains across the board.

Previous

Next

A price tag with three dollar signs.
A price tag with three dollar signs.

Source: Getty Images

9 of

Price check

Use your phone to make sure you are getting the best price possible. Check against Amazon if you are a Prime member. This is especially important when it comes to larger items.

Remember to factor in your time. Saving a few cents may not be worth placing even an online order when you are already in a store.

Price checking will uncover that while Costco often has the best price, it is sometimes beat. Checking will save you money, even if it means going elsewhere.

ALSO READ: Better Buy: Costco Wholesale Corporation vs. Amazon

Previous

Next

Two hot dogs are shown with mustard
Two hot dogs are shown with mustard

Source: Getty Images

10 of

Have a meal

Costco has offered a hot dog and a drink for $1.50 since the 1980s. It also has inexpensive pizza, chicken, and all sorts of snacks. It's generally cheaper to grab a meal at the warehouse club than it is to go to a fast food chain and some would argue that the food is better.

Previous

Next

A plate of food samples
A plate of food samples

Source: Getty Images

11 of

Make it an outing

Costco is a fun place just to walk around and look at the merchandise. In addition, the chain often has multiple stations where people are handing out free food. You don't have to buy anything to have fun at the warehouse club. Sometimes just window shopping and grazing on free food is more than enough.

Previous

Next

A woman holding about 10 credit cards in her hand and choosing one.
A woman holding about 10 credit cards in her hand and choosing one.

Source: Getty Images.

12 of

Buy gift cards

Sometimes Costco has deals on gift cards where you spend less than the face value of the cards. If the chain is offering that type of deal for a place where you shop, it's essentially offering free money.

ALSO READ: Why You Should Be Extra-Wary of Gift Cards This Holiday Season

Previous

Next

A paper insurance claim form.
A paper insurance claim form.

Source: Getty Images

13 of

Get an insurance quote

The Costco website offers both home and auto insurance through a partner. There's no guarantee that this will be the cheapest price you can get, but it's very possible that it is.

Previous

Next

The exterior of a Costco.
The exterior of a Costco.

Source: Costco

14 of

Become an executive member

A regular Gold Star Costco membership costs $60 a year. If you upgrade to an Executive membership its costs $120, but you get 2% cash back on most purchases up to $1,000. If you spend enough money at the warehouse club, that 2% can pay off the cost of joining. Of course, being an Executive member is only a good deal if you stick to your budget and only buy things you actually need.

Previous

Next

A man and a woman negotiate at a car dealer
A man and a woman negotiate at a car dealer

Source: Getty Images

15 of

Get a car

You can't actually buy cars at Costco, but you can use the chain's Auto Program to get a good deal on one. The company works with partner dealers to arrange for "low, prearranged pricing on many makes and models," according to the warehouse club's website.

ALSO READ: Warning: Don't Do This When Buying a New Car

Previous

Next

person holding credit card and typing on laptop computer
person holding credit card and typing on laptop computer

Source: Visa

16 of

Get the credit card

In addition to getting 2% back with an Executive membership, Costco members can save even more with the Costco Anywhere Visa card. Cardholders get an additional 2% back on any purchases (there are some exceptions) made at the chain's warehouses or on its website.

In addition, cardholders also get 4% back on eligible gas purchases (Costco gas is included), 3% on eligible restaurant and travel purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Previous

Next

Two women shopping for clothes
Two women shopping for clothes

Source: Getty Images

17 of

Shop with a buddy

Many of the items on Costco's shelves are sold in bulk. One way to still get the deal, but not be stuck with a dozen tooth brushes is to hit the warehouse club with a friend who has similar shopping needs. Ideally, you'll want to plan a little bit before hitting the store in order to make sure you can end up making purchases that both shoppers need.

Previous

Next

Woman reading emails on a computer screen.
Woman reading emails on a computer screen.

Source: Getty Images

18 of

Check your email

Costco has been trying to build up its digital business and one tactic it's using is sending special deals via email. These may be limited-time offers at very good prices designed to get members more comfortable with its website.

Previous

Next

A bouquet of roses
A bouquet of roses

Source: Getty Images

19 of

Buy flowers

Costco sells some flowers in its warehouses (more around certain holidays) and even more on its website. The selection may not be as good as your local florist, but the price is likely to be a lot lower.

ALSO READ: 8 Mistakes You Can Make Shopping at Costco

Previous

Next

Coupons criss crossed on a surface.
Coupons criss crossed on a surface.

Source: Getty Images

20 of

Don't forget about coupons

Because its prices are already low, Costco does not accept traditional coupons. It does, however, have its own coupon page on its website where it offers deals. These can be on nearly anything in the store.

Some deals are only offered to people with the Costco credit card. Others are available for all members. Also, some offers can only be used online or in store while others can be used in either.

Previous

Next

A coffin
A coffin

Source: Getty Images

21 of

Buy a coffin

In most cases, you need a coffin if you bury someone. Your funeral home will happily sell you one, but likely for a lot more money than Costco charges. The warehouse club has coffins for under $1,000, which could be a big savings if you're burying someone, a vampire, or just have really weird taste in home furnishings.

Previous

Next

A stand-up monthly desk calendar with fluttering pages.
A stand-up monthly desk calendar with fluttering pages.

Source: Getty Images

22 of

Have a schedule

You may not need to go to Costco once a week or even once a month. You should, however, make a schedule that allows you to go often enough to replenish the bulk items that are usually the chain's best deals.

Even if you go every other month and stock up on water, toilet paper, K-cups, and whatever else you buy in bulk, your savings can pile up. The key is visiting Costco often enough to avoid having to buy these items at higher prices to fill holes between warehouse club visits.

ALSO READ: The Secret to Costco's Future Success

Previous

Next

Mattresses are shown in a store.
Mattresses are shown in a store.

Source: Getty Images

23 of

Buy a mattress

Costco has deals on mattresses, but it's not set up well to sell them. The chain often has mattresses stacked vertically making it impossible to test them out.

Still, if you're buying a mattress for a guest bedroom or someplace where you aren't that picky, you might be able to score a good deal.

Previous

Next

A woman floats on a raft in a swimming pool.
A woman floats on a raft in a swimming pool.

Source: Getty Images

24 of

Shop seasonal items

You may not be able to buy a kayak or pool accessories (or an actual pool) in a northern Costco in winter, but all of those items will be in stock as the weather warms up. Check your warehouse for these items as seasons change and ask if the company plans to stock them. (Employees may not know on every item, but sometimes they might).

Previous

Next

A selection of auto parts accessories.
A selection of auto parts accessories.

Source: Getty Images

25 of

Get new tires (and other auto accessories)

Many Costco locations have an auto section with bays to replace tires. This is an easy thing to forget when you need accessories for your car or to replace your tires.

The warehouse club's tire prices can be better than the cost for the same item at a traditional tire center or auto repair shop. Again, check your prices, but be confident that Costco has well-trained technicians to handle swapping out your tires for you if the chain's price makes sense.

ALSO READ: Sam's Club Testing a New, Smaller Format

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Daniel B. Kline has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Previous

Next

Advertisement