I’m a Costco superfan. I love writing about Costco and giving tips to warehouse shoppers based on what I’ve learned.
But to be honest, I don’t always follow my own rules. Sure, I have my favorite Costco shopping hacks, but some would only save me money if I actually followed them.
Want to know my secrets? Here is what I’ve learned over hundreds of Costco trips.
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 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% 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.
Change your shopping habits based on your needs
As I started to write this article, I realized I've made hundreds of successful shopping trips to Costco, so I almost have to share the wisdom I've acquired to help you save money on groceries.
I started as a Costco member when I was single and living in a studio apartment in New York City, and I’m a Costco member now in a house with my family.
Some things on my list have changed, like the Goldfish crackers I added when I had kids. But some things have stayed the same, like that pack of toilet paper. I’m not kidding when I say it’s been a staple in my Costco cart for decades.
Stock up on staples
As I said, Costco is a great place to pick up non-perishable staples like paper goods, pantry items, frozen foods, and more.
Despite my changing needs over the years, I’ve always kept the bottom of my cart clear to have room for a pack of toilet paper. It’s my staple of staples at Costco.
Pasta and pasta sauce have also been on my list for years because they’re the perfect kitchen staples for dinner after a long day.
Buy Kirkland Signature
You may be surprised to find that Costco’s in-store brand is just as good as its name-brand competition and better in some cases.
For example, I’m still working through a box of Kirkland Signature trash bags that were cheaper than the name-brand version, and I’ve never had an issue with the quality.
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 <p>Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the browser extension using the links we provided.</p>
Don't get gift cards
Gift cards are a great pick-up at Costco if you’re trying to save money. Costco carries a variety of cards, and you can sometimes pay less than the face value of the card. For example, if you’re a Krispy Kreme fan, you can buy $60 worth of cards for $44.99.
But I either don’t have a restaurant nearby that is covered by Costco’s gift cards, or I do but always forget to bring the cards.
If you're like me, feel free to skip the gift cards. There’s nothing wrong with passing up a deal if you won’t be taking advantage of it.
Return clothing
I used to get so frustrated with Costco’s lack of dressing rooms. The store would have cute seasonal shirts or new workout gear, but I would never buy any because I couldn’t try it on. I’ve now embraced buying clothes and trying them on at home.
One of the great things about Costco is its generous return policy. So if I take something home and it doesn’t fit, it’s no big deal. I just store it until I’m ready to go back to Costco and return it then.
And I don’t have to worry about how far in the future that may be. Costco will take items back without a receipt after any amount of time in most cases.
Trending Stories
Skip books and DVDs
One of my goals for this year is to bring less stuff into my house. There’s so much clutter that I’m trying to sort through and either donate or sell.
One of my favorite spots at Costco used to be the books and movies section. But I skip that section now in favor of using my library card.
My local library has a great selection of books and DVDs, making it easy to avoid spending money on them. Plus, I return them to the library when I’m done so I don’t add to the clutter in my house.
Watch the Costco sales flyer
Costco’s monthly flyers can have some great deals. Sometimes, a deal is so good that I’ll add an item to my list that I would normally skip.
For example, last month, I broke my rule of choosing the Kirkland Signature brand when possible because the name brand was on sale and more affordable. I also stocked up on toothpaste even though we’re still working on our previous pack from Costco.
Also, I like to try new snacks (or snacks I haven’t picked up in a while) if I see a deal on them that can save some extra cash.
Buy produce
One piece of advice I often give is to think twice about buying any produce in bulk. That's because, unlike pantry items, it’s easy to buy a bulk version of a produce item and find it goes bad before you finish it.
But my family loves eating apples, pears, strawberries, and blueberries. So yes, I do buy produce in bulk at Costco. And yes, it gets finished way before the expiration date, so I rarely, if ever, have to throw out rotting produce.
Don't fill up your gas tank
If you’re trying to save money on gas, Costco’s gas stations can be a great solution to help you keep cash in your pocket.
But my Costco regularly has lines at its gas station, and I dread sitting there waiting to fill up after a long shopping trip with frozen items defrosting in my trunk.
I also don’t live that close to a Costco, so it’s out of my way to fill up there, negating any savings I may get by driving there for gas. This may be the case for you, too.
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.
The hot dog isn’t worth staying for
One of Costco’s most famous deals is the $1.50 hot-dog-and-drink combo at the food court. In fact, it’s so famous that Costco’s CEO had to promise his predecessor he wouldn’t increase the price of the deal.
But after pushing a heavy cart through the aisles of Costco, I just want to get that stuff in my car and head home, so I rarely take advantage of that deal.
Sometimes I consider it or think a quick stop for a churro wouldn’t be a bad idea, but my desire to go home usually wins out.
Skip good deals occasionally
There have been times when I’ve bought a bulk version of something at Costco and it took up space in my pantry for a year before I finally pitched it. Other times, it took way too long to use up the bulk version of an item.
So I’ve learned to accept that just because Costco has a good deal doesn’t mean it’s a good deal for me. There’s nothing wrong with walking by and leaving something on the shelf.
Always make room for a rotisserie chicken
I may have plenty of dinner options in my cart, like the Kirkland Signature Atlantic Farmed Atlantic Salmon or the four-pack of frozen cheese pizzas to which we add our favorite toppings at home.
But even with all those options, I still grab a rotisserie chicken. It’s cheap and can be an easy dinner option for that night or another night.
I’ve also taken the rotisserie chicken apart at home to use as an ingredient in other dishes, like my homemade chicken salad recipe.
Browse Costco’s wine selection
Costco is great for wine shoppers like me. The store has a wide selection of wine, and I don’t mind taking a chance sometimes because of Costco’s affordable options.
I don’t have an expensive and extensive wine collection. I know which types I like, and I like bottles that cost less than $15.
I’ve even picked up a few of the retailer’s Kirkland Signature wines. I enjoy them and look for them every time I’m at the store.
Stick with the Gold Star card
Costco has two membership options: A Gold Star card for $65 annually or an Executive card for $130 annually.
The Executive card has some additional benefits, with the biggest being the 2% annual reward.
There were a few years when I took advantage of the extra savings, like when buying diapers for my kids. But then there were a few years when I spent less than $3,000 annually at Costco, so the benefit didn’t balance out compared to the extra cost of the card.
It was a good reminder to double-check my Costco spending and remember that the upgrade isn’t always better when I consider my annual spending.
Bottom line
The great thing about Costco is there are plenty of ways to avoid wasting money, so tailor these tips and tricks to what fits into your spending habits and budget.
You may want to test them out the next time you head to the warehouse retailer or perhaps review your Costco run while enjoying the $1.50 hot-dog-and-drink deal to figure out where to save next time.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.