Costco memberships offer enticing bulk savings and unique products, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Before committing, it’s important to understand the benefits and potential drawbacks to determine if a Costco membership is the right choice for you. So, before you spring for a membership, keep these five things in mind.
1. Membership Tiers Offer Varied Benefits
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Costco offers two main membership tiers: Gold Star and Executive. The Gold Star membership is ideal for everyday shoppers. It provides access to all Costco warehouses and online deals. These memberships cost $65 a year.
On the other hand, there is the Executive membership. While it’s priced higher ($130 per year), it gives you 2% cash back on eligible purchases, exclusive discounts, and additional savings on services like travel and insurance. Costco even has a calculator on their website to help you pinpoint how much cash back you could earn with the Executive card. You should choose the option that aligns with your shopping habits. If you think you’d visit Costco enough to benefit from the more expensive membership, go for it. Otherwise, the Gold Star membership may be the way to go.
2. Bulk Buying Can Save—But Only If You Use It All
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Costco can be a great way for large families to save money, as they can buy in bulk and take advantage of the discounts. However, it’s important to plan your trips carefully and only buy what you need. Remember wasted items will negate the savings. Buying in bulk only makes sense if you can use everything you purchase.
If you don’t have a larger family, it isn’t unheard of to have a few families contribute to a Costco run. You can buy several different things in bulk and then split them among your friends. Everyone pays their share of the bill. This can be a good way to reap the savings of buying in bulk without risking waste.
3. Non-Members Can Still Shop Certain Items
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Surprisingly, there are ways to shop at Costco without a membership. Non-members can purchase prescriptions, and alcohol (in select states). You can also shop with a Costco Cash Card without having a membership. This can be a great way to test out what Costco has to offer, even if you aren’t ready to commit to an annual membership.
4. The Food Court Is a Major Perk
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Costco’s food court is a popular destination for members. It features affordable and delicious meals like the iconic $1.50 hot dog combo. You can get a large slice of pizza for $1.99 or a whole pizza pie for $9.95. Other menu items include:
- Turkey Swiss Sandwich $6.99
- Soda $0.69 (and you can snag free refills)
- Ice Cream Sundae $2.49
- Ice Cream Cup $1.99
- Chocolate Chip Cookie $2.49
- Cold Brew Mocha Freeze $2.99
- Mango Smoothie $2.99
- Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad $6.99
- Chicken Bake $3.99
When members come into Costco, many don’t leave without a treat from the food court. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly option for shoppers looking for a quick bite.
5. Membership Pays for Itself Through Exclusive Savings
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Costco membership offers exclusive deals on a wide range of products and services beyond groceries, including electronics, appliances, travel packages, and auto services. You can even buy a car through Costco, with special incentives for specific brands like GM and Volvo. These deals can quickly offset the membership fee, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent shoppers or those needing big-ticket items. The savings available through Costco membership are unbeatable.
Getting the Most Out of Your Costco Membership
A Costco membership can be a game-changer for families and individuals looking to save on bulk purchases, exclusive deals, and everyday essentials. By understanding the membership tiers, knowing how to maximize savings, and being aware of unique perks, you can determine if Costco is the right fit for you. With thoughtful planning, your membership could pay for itself many times over.
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