Costco Membership Fees: How Much Does a Costco Membership Cost?
Costco Wholesale Corporation is an American multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs. As of 2023, Costco has over 800 warehouses in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and Spain. Costco offers a variety of products, including groceries, electronics, furniture, clothing, and more. To shop at Costco, you must have a membership card.
There are two types of Costco memberships: Gold Star and Executive. The Gold Star membership costs $60 per year, while the Executive membership costs $120 per year. Both memberships include a free household card, which allows you to bring one other person with you when you shop at Costco. Executive members also receive a 2% annual reward on all of their Costco purchases, up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
In addition to the annual membership fee, Costco also charges a 5% surcharge on all purchases made with a non-Costco credit card. However, this surcharge is waived for Executive members.
Costco Membership Fees: 8 Important Points
Here are 8 important points about Costco membership fees:
- Two membership types: Gold Star and Executive
- Gold Star membership: $60 per year
- Executive membership: $120 per year
- Executive members: 2% annual reward on purchases
- Free household card: Included with both memberships
- 5% surcharge: For non-Costco credit cards
- Surcharge waived: For Executive members
- Membership required: To shop at Costco
In addition to these 8 points, it's important to note that Costco also offers a variety of other benefits to its members, such as discounts on travel, car rentals, and other services.
Two membership types: Gold Star and Executive
Costco offers two types of memberships: Gold Star and Executive. Both memberships include a free household card, which allows you to bring one other person with you when you shop at Costco. However, there are some key differences between the two memberships.
Gold Star membership
The Gold Star membership costs $60 per year. This membership gives you access to all of Costco's warehouses and online store. You'll also receive a free subscription to Costco's magazine, The Costco Connection. As a Gold Star member, you'll also be eligible for Costco's special sales and discounts.
Executive membership
The Executive membership costs $120 per year. This membership includes all of the benefits of the Gold Star membership, plus a few additional perks. Executive members receive a 2% annual reward on all of their Costco purchases, up to a maximum of $1,000 per year. They also get free shipping on Costco.com orders of $75 or more. Additionally, Executive members have access to Costco's concierge service, which can help you with things like travel planning and event tickets.
Which membership is right for you depends on your individual needs and shopping habits. If you're a frequent Costco shopper and you're looking for the best value, the Executive membership is a good option. However, if you're a more casual shopper, the Gold Star membership may be a better fit for you.
Gold Star membership: $60 per year
The Gold Star membership is Costco's basic membership option. It costs $60 per year and includes the following benefits:
- Access to all Costco warehouses and online store
As a Gold Star member, you'll have access to all of Costco's warehouses and online store. You'll be able to shop for groceries, electronics, furniture, clothing, and more.
- Free household card
Gold Star members receive a free household card, which allows them to bring one other person with them when they shop at Costco. This is a great benefit for families or couples who shop together.
- Free subscription to Costco's magazine, The Costco Connection
Gold Star members receive a free subscription to Costco's magazine, The Costco Connection. This magazine is full of articles about Costco products and services, as well as recipes, travel tips, and other interesting features.
- Eligibility for Costco's special sales and discounts
Gold Star members are eligible for Costco's special sales and discounts. These sales and discounts can save you a lot of money on your Costco purchases.
The Gold Star membership is a great value for Costco shoppers. For just $60 per year, you'll get access to all of Costco's products and services, as well as a number of valuable benefits. If you're a frequent Costco shopper, the Gold Star membership is definitely worth the cost.
Executive membership: $120 per year
The Executive membership is Costco's premium membership option. It costs $120 per year and includes all of the benefits of the Gold Star membership, plus the following additional perks:
2% annual reward on all Costco purchases
Executive members receive a 2% annual reward on all of their Costco purchases, up to a maximum of $1,000 per year. This reward is paid out in the form of a Costco gift card, which can be used to purchase anything at Costco.
Free shipping on Costco.com orders of $75 or more
Executive members receive free shipping on all Costco.com orders of $75 or more. This is a great benefit for members who live in areas where there is no Costco warehouse nearby.
Access to Costco's concierge service
Executive members have access to Costco's concierge service, which can help them with things like travel planning, event tickets, and restaurant reservations. The concierge service is available by phone or online.
The Executive membership is a great value for Costco shoppers who spend a lot of money at Costco each year. The 2% annual reward and the free shipping on Costco.com orders can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you're a frequent Costco shopper, the Executive membership is definitely worth the cost.
Executive members: 2% annual reward on purchases
One of the best benefits of the Costco Executive membership is the 2% annual reward on all purchases. This reward is paid out in the form of a Costco gift card, which can be used to purchase anything at Costco.
- How the reward works
The 2% annual reward is calculated on the total amount of your Costco purchases, excluding taxes and shipping. The reward is then paid out in the form of a Costco gift card once a year, typically in February or March.
- No limit on the amount of reward you can earn
There is no limit on the amount of reward you can earn each year. So, the more you shop at Costco, the more you'll save.
- Use your reward to purchase anything at Costco
You can use your Costco gift card to purchase anything at Costco, including groceries, electronics, furniture, clothing, and more. You can also use your gift card to pay for your Costco membership.
- Redeem your reward in-store or online
You can redeem your Costco gift card in-store or online. To redeem your gift card in-store, simply present it to the cashier at checkout. To redeem your gift card online, enter the gift card number and PIN at checkout.
The 2% annual reward is a great way to save money on your Costco purchases. If you're a frequent Costco shopper, the Executive membership is definitely worth the cost.
Free household card: Included with both memberships
Both the Gold Star and Executive Costco memberships come with a free household card. This card allows you to bring one other person with you when you shop at Costco. This is a great benefit for families or couples who shop together.
- Who can use the household card?
The household card can be used by any person who lives in the same household as the primary Costco member. This includes spouses, children, parents, siblings, and roommates.
- What are the benefits of the household card?
The household card gives the holder the same shopping privileges as the primary Costco member. This means that they can purchase anything at Costco, use Costco's gas stations, and access Costco's online store.
- How do I get a household card?
To get a household card, simply visit the membership counter at your local Costco warehouse. You will need to provide proof of residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill. You will also need to provide the name and birthdate of the person who will be using the household card.
- Can I have more than one household card?
Yes, you can have up to two household cards per primary Costco membership. However, only one household card can be used at a time.
The free household card is a great benefit for Costco members. It allows you to bring a friend or family member with you when you shop at Costco, and it gives them the same shopping privileges as you.
5% surcharge: For non-Costco credit cards
Costco charges a 5% surcharge on all purchases made with a non-Costco credit card. This surcharge is waived for Executive members.
- Why does Costco charge a surcharge?
Costco charges a surcharge on non-Costco credit cards to offset the processing fees that it pays to credit card companies. These fees can be as high as 3%, so the surcharge helps Costco to keep its membership fees low.
- Which credit cards are subject to the surcharge?
The surcharge applies to all credit cards that are not issued by Costco. This includes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
- How much is the surcharge?
The surcharge is 5% of the total purchase amount, excluding taxes and shipping.
- How can I avoid the surcharge?
There are two ways to avoid the surcharge:
- Use a Costco credit card to make your purchase.
- Become an Executive member. Executive members receive a waiver of the surcharge, regardless of the credit card they use.
The 5% surcharge on non-Costco credit cards is a significant fee. However, it is important to remember that Costco's membership fees are very low, and the surcharge is waived for Executive members. So, if you shop at Costco frequently, it is still worth it to get a Costco membership, even if you do not have a Costco credit card.
Surcharge waived: For Executive members
One of the benefits of the Costco Executive membership is that the 5% surcharge on non-Costco credit cards is waived. This means that Executive members can use any credit card they want to make purchases at Costco, without having to pay the surcharge.
This is a significant benefit, especially for Executive members who do not have a Costco credit card. Without the surcharge waiver, Executive members would have to pay an extra 5% on all of their Costco purchases made with a non-Costco credit card. This could add up to a significant amount of money over the course of a year.
In addition, the surcharge waiver is a valuable benefit for Executive members who travel frequently. When you travel, you may not always have access to your Costco credit card. With the surcharge waiver, you can use any credit card to make purchases at Costco, even if you don't have your Costco credit card with you.
Overall, the surcharge waiver is a valuable benefit for Executive members. It saves them money on their Costco purchases and gives them the flexibility to use any credit card they want.
Here are some additional details about the surcharge waiver for Executive members:
- The surcharge waiver applies to all purchases made at Costco, both in-store and online.
- The surcharge waiver is only available to Executive members. Gold Star members are not eligible for the surcharge waiver.
- The surcharge waiver is applied automatically at checkout. Executive members do not need to do anything special to receive the waiver.
Membership required: To shop at Costco
Costco is a membership-only warehouse club. This means that you must have a Costco membership card in order to shop at Costco. You can purchase a Costco membership online or at any Costco warehouse. Costco offers two types of memberships: Gold Star and Executive. The Gold Star membership costs $60 per year, while the Executive membership costs $120 per year. Both memberships include a free household card, which allows you to bring one other person with you when you shop at Costco.
There are a few reasons why Costco requires a membership. First, Costco is able to offer lower prices on its products because it does not have to pay for advertising. Second, the membership fee helps Costco to control the number of people who shop at its warehouses. This helps to create a more pleasant shopping experience for Costco members.
If you are not a Costco member, you can still shop at Costco as a guest. However, you will have to pay a 5% surcharge on all of your purchases. In addition, you will not be able to take advantage of Costco's special sales and discounts.
Overall, it is worth it to get a Costco membership if you shop at Costco frequently. The membership fee is relatively low, and you will save money on your purchases over time. In addition, you will have access to Costco's special sales and discounts.
Here are some additional details about Costco's membership requirement:
- You can purchase a Costco membership online or at any Costco warehouse.
- Costco offers two types of memberships: Gold Star and Executive.
- The Gold Star membership costs $60 per year, while the Executive membership costs $120 per year.
- Both memberships include a free household card.
- Non-members can shop at Costco as a guest, but they will have to pay a 5% surcharge on all of their purchases.
- Non-members will not be able to take advantage of Costco's special sales and discounts.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Costco membership:
Question 1: How much does a Costco membership cost?
Answer 1: Costco offers two types of memberships: Gold Star and Executive. The Gold Star membership costs $60 per year, while the Executive membership costs $120 per year.
Question 2: What are the benefits of a Costco membership?
Answer 2: Costco membership benefits include access to Costco's warehouses and online store, a free household card, special sales and discounts, and a 2% annual reward on all Costco purchases for Executive members.
Question 3: How do I get a Costco membership?
Answer 3: You can purchase a Costco membership online or at any Costco warehouse.
Question 4: Can I shop at Costco without a membership?
Answer 4: Yes, you can shop at Costco as a guest without a membership. However, you will have to pay a 5% surcharge on all of your purchases.
Question 5: Is it worth it to get a Costco membership?
Answer 5: Whether or not it is worth it to get a Costco membership depends on how often you shop at Costco and how much you spend on your purchases. If you shop at Costco frequently and spend a lot of money on your purchases, then it is likely worth it to get a Costco membership.
Question 6: What is the difference between a Gold Star membership and an Executive membership?
Answer 6: The main difference between a Gold Star membership and an Executive membership is that Executive members receive a 2% annual reward on all Costco purchases, up to a maximum of $1,000 per year. Executive members also receive free shipping on Costco.com orders of $75 or more and access to Costco's concierge service.
Question 7: How do I cancel my Costco membership?
Answer 7: You can cancel your Costco membership at any time by visiting the membership counter at your local Costco warehouse or by calling Costco's customer service department.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Costco membership. If you have any other questions, you can visit Costco's website or contact Costco's customer service department.
Now that you know more about Costco membership, you can decide if it is right for you. If you decide to get a Costco membership, be sure to take advantage of all the benefits that come with your membership.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Costco membership:
Tip 1: Make a list before you shop.
This will help you stay on track and avoid impulse purchases. Costco is a warehouse club, so it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the selection and end up buying things you don't need.
Tip 2: Shop in bulk.
Costco is a great place to buy items in bulk, such as groceries, household supplies, and electronics. This can save you money in the long run, especially if you have a large family or entertain frequently.
Tip 3: Take advantage of Costco's special sales and discounts.
Costco offers a variety of special sales and discounts throughout the year. Be sure to check the Costco website or app regularly to see what's on sale.
Tip 4: Use your Costco credit card.
Costco offers a credit card that gives you 2% cash back on all Costco purchases, up to a maximum of $1,000 per year. This is a great way to save even more money on your Costco purchases.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Costco membership and save money on your purchases.
Costco is a great place to shop for a variety of items, from groceries to electronics. If you're not already a member, consider getting a Costco membership. It's worth the cost, especially if you shop at Costco frequently.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the different types of Costco memberships, the benefits of a Costco membership, and how to get the most out of your Costco membership.
Summary of Main Points
- Costco offers two types of memberships: Gold Star and Executive.
- The Gold Star membership costs $60 per year and includes a free household card, special sales and discounts, and access to Costco's warehouses and online store.
- The Executive membership costs $120 per year and includes all of the benefits of the Gold Star membership, plus a 2% annual reward on all Costco purchases, up to a maximum of $1,000 per year, free shipping on Costco.com orders of $75 or more, and access to Costco's concierge service.
- Whether or not it is worth it to get a Costco membership depends on how often you shop at Costco and how much you spend on your purchases.
- To get the most out of your Costco membership, make a list before you shop, shop in bulk, take advantage of Costco's special sales and discounts, and use your Costco credit card.
Closing Message
Costco is a great place to shop for a variety of items, from groceries to electronics. If you're not already a member, consider getting a Costco membership. It's worth the cost, especially if you shop at Costco frequently. With a Costco membership, you'll have access to great products and services, and you'll save money on your purchases.
We hope this article has been helpful in answering your questions about Costco membership. If you have any other questions, you can visit Costco's website or contact Costco's customer service department.