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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.
Save on 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.
Save on travel
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.
Set up direct deposit - pocket up to $400
Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of up to $400.1 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps.
Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.40% APY2 <p>Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> on savings for up to six months on new accounts (3.30% APY standard + 1.10% APY boost; terms apply) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.1 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> That's way better than the measly 0.38% APY (as of 10/19/26)3 <p>Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 6/15/26.</p> national average savings accounts offer.
No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus
Save on prescriptions
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.
Get discounted gift cards
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.
Intro Offer
$100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
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