News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

12 Little Clever Ways to Get More Out of Your Costco Membership

Take advantage of these extra perks that your Costco membership offers.

hand holding costco receipt with executive membership card at costco store
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Are you getting the most out of your Costco membership and maximizing how much money you can save?

Sure, you stock up on pantry staples or frozen items when you head to the warehouse retailer. But you may be overlooking some other money-saving perks of shopping at Costco.

So next time you head out to the warehouse, take advantage of these clever ways to maximize your membership.

Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.

New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!

If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.

Save on prescriptions

New Africa/Adobe colorful pills and capsules spilling out of medicine bottle

Costco has an excellent prescription drug program for its members. It allows them to get great prices on their medications at Costco and thousands of network pharmacies.

You also get other perks, such as mail delivery of your medication and automatic refills. These benefits add up and are some of the many smart shopping hacks at the warehouse retailer.

Costco can also save you money on prescriptions for your pets, so don’t forget to look for deals on medication for your furry friends.

Save on travel

Sondem/Adobe young woman wearing hat on rope bridge

Check out Costco Travel if you are planning a trip somewhere special. You can book hotel rooms, flights, and rental cars at a discount using your Costco membership.

Using the retailer’s travel site also can get you other perks, such as meal credits and 2% back on travel purchases if you're an Executive member.

Have a pizza waiting for you

Eric BVD/Adobe kirkland signature menu with food items

A popular Costco hack is its well-known food court. For example, a Costco constant is the hot-dog-and-a-drink deal, which costs only $1.50.

Next time you're at Costco and your house needs dinner, swing by the food court before you start shopping to put in an order for a Costco pizza. By the time you check out, the pizza will be hot and waiting for you.

Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1

Get Capital One Shopping now

Get discounted gift cards

dennizn/Adobe google play, apple store and amazon gift cards on a table

Gift cards can be great presents in a pinch, so check out the options at Costco. You can often pick up gift cards that are worth more than their price.

These discounted gift cards are also a great option if you're retired and living on a fixed income, or are simply trying to save money at any age.

Save on gas

Andriy Blokhin/Adobe people in cars waiting in long line queue lanes to fill up vehicles with gas

Gas prices are high right now, but Costco offers a great way to save on fuel.

The Costco gas station typically offers fuel that is a little cheaper per gallon than what you pay at other local gas stations. Over the course of a year, those savings can really add up.

Extend your warranties

mandritoiu/Adobe TV aisle in Costco

Costco has some great deals on electronics, and the retailer adds up to two years of extended warranties to your new purchases.

Costco’s extended warranties cover items such as televisions, computers, major appliances, and more. So check with the retailer to see what kind of coverage you can get.

Save on eyeglasses

Flamingo Images/Adobe young african american woman trying out a pair of glasses .

Do you wear glasses or contacts? You may be able to get a good deal on new eyewear through Costco. The retailer carries contacts and frames through Costco Optical.

Some Costco locations may also have doctors on site for vision screenings. Check out your local Costco for details.

Save on types of insurance

StockPhotoPro/Adobe businessmen reviewing some paperwork on a table

Costco may be a good option if you’re worried about rising costs for your homeowners or car insurance.

The warehouse retailer could get you a better price on these types of insurance coverage. Costco’s Executive members can also get additional benefits, such as roadside and home lockout assistance.

Get your next car with Costco

HBS/Adobe couple shaking hands with advisor

It can be frustrating to go to a dealership and haggle for the best price on a car. So talk to Costco instead and make your membership work for you.

The Costco Auto Program allows you to get the car you want from a local dealer without negotiating a price. Instead, check in with Costco and let the retailer lock in a price for you. Then, buy your car with less hassle.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Pick up a party cake

jfunk/Adobe birthday cake with sprinkles

You could spend a huge chunk of money buying a cake for your next event or celebration. Or you can pick up a cake from Costco.

The warehouse retailer has plenty of sheet cakes to choose from, and you might be able to get one decorated to your specifications for less than what you would pay at a typical bakery.

Stock up your bar

trongnguyen/Adobe wine in wooden boxes at costco store

Costco sells many products under its Kirkland Signature brand, including alcohol. The retailer also carries exclusive wines.

Costco’s wine and spirits have a reputation for being just as good as the name-brand versions of these drinks, and you may pay less for the Kirkland Signature versions.

Take advantage of the return policy

dennizn/Adobe holding costco wholesale receipt inside the store

If you buy an item that you end up not liking, Costco still has you covered.

The retailer’s generous return policy allows you to return most items — even without a receipt — for a refund.

The retailer allows you to try new things without worrying about not liking them.

Bottom line

Alfonsodetomas/Adobe costco wholesale store during day time

Costco is a great place to save money, especially if you know some of the best Costco hacks (including, but not limited to, those on this list).

Taking advantage of Costco perks is a fantastic way to get the items you need while sticking to your budget.

You might even find that your budget is in a better position by the end of the year if you take better advantage of perks like these.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details


Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.