11 Weird Little Hacks Costco Shoppers Should Know

Member-Only Benefits You Might Not Know About

1. Costco members can now get their favorite items delivered through Uber Eats in all 47 states where Costco operates, with on-demand or scheduled delivery and member pricing. Eligible members can also get 50% off an annual Uber One membership for the first year.
2. Prefer DoorDash? Costco members can now link their membership in the DoorDash app and order groceries, household items, and electronics from any U.S. Costco.
3. Costco is entering health insurance. Starting in 2027, members in parts of California and Nevada can choose a Costco-branded Medicare Advantage plan from SCAN Health Plan, with allowances to spend on over-the-counter items and health food at Costco.
4. Executive members can shop before everyone else. Warehouses open at 9:00 a.m. for Executive members, an hour before other members Sunday through Friday (9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) and 30 minutes earlier on Saturday (9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.).
5. Save on your next vacation with Costco Travel. Members get member-only prices on vacation packages, cruises, hotels, rental cars, and theme park trips.
6. Buy tires at Costco and get free maintenance for the life of the tires: rotations, balancing, inflation checks, and flat repairs. Costco also fills your tires with nitrogen at no extra cost and includes a 5-year road hazard warranty.
7. Moving? Costco members get 25% off Budget Truck rentals.

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 $50 or $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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;<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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;<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

See if you qualify for this free service helping homeowners in Ohio get gutter guards installed

Your gutters are your home's first line of defense against water damage. But if they overflow with rain or snow, clog with leaves, or need cleaning every season, it might be time for gutter guards. And gutter guards do a lot more than just keep leaves out. They can also:

• Help increase your home's value and protect your roof and foundation from overflow and water damage
• Keep out leaves, pine needles, seed pods, sticks, and insects, since a fine stainless steel micromesh blocks common debris
• Stand up to heavy downpours and resist rust and decay
• Possibly save you thousands on new gutters, since the guards install right on top of your existing ones

Get started today - it only takes a few minutes: 1) Click the link below and select your approximate home square footage and click "estimate LeafFilter cost." 2) Complete the short questionnaire about your home. 3) Enter your name, email, and phone number to submit your request.

It's that simple! Complete the short questionnaire here to start the process

Ohio Homeowner? Cancel your home insurance

Before you renew your current home insurance policy, you owe it to yourself to see what else is out there. Many homeowners stick with the same provider for years without checking if they could pay less … and that's exactly how you end up missing opportunities to save.

This free tool can help you compare options in just a few clicks, and the results could surprise you. A recent study shows the average cost of home insurance in the U.S. is over $200 a month!⁴ <p class=""><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/homeowners/learn/average-homeowners-insurance-cost" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source</a></p> I figured that was as good as it gets, so why bother looking? Big mistake.

I used this tool and now I'm able to pay just $51 a month for my home.⁵ <p>Actual savings and coverage options vary based on factors such as your home’s location, age, and condition, your claims history, and insurer policies. The rates shown in this example may not reflect what every user will qualify for.</p> That's real money back in my pocket every single month.

If you want to see if you could be paying less, here's what to do:

1. Click the link below and enter your zip code, email, and phone number.
2. Answer a few quick questions about your home to get matched with top-rated providers.
3. Pick the option that works for you, and if you find a better rate, switch your policy and start saving.

Compare your options now and see if you could pay less for the same coverage.

Don't forget to cancel your old policy once your new one is active so you're not paying double. I can't believe I waited as long as I did. The whole process of getting matched with providers took me about 3 minutes.

Earn a $200 bonus with this incredible cash back card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^®(Rates and fees) lets you earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. 

In addition to this welcome offer, this card lets you earn cash back on everything you buy. Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

And it gets better (really): This card also gives you 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. That means you could finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt for over a year. After the intro period, the APR is 18.49% - 27.99% Variable. Oh, and the annual fee is $0. 

It's almost a no-brainer to apply. 

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

You could be overpaying for your retirement planning

Fees matter. High fees can cut into your returns and affect your overall nest egg. But the ways fees are levied vary. Some are "fee only," charging a flat rate regardless of usage. Others take a percentage of all assets under management. Some earn commissions directly from mutual funds or other financial products, which presents a significant conflict of interest.

This free matching quiz helps Americans get matched with fiduciary advisors who serve their area, so they can compare and decide which advisor to work with.

Get up to $300,000 in life insurance from just $46/month, 100% online

Getting life insurance sounds like a hassle to many people. A doctor's appointment, weeks of waiting on bloodwork, and a sales call you didn't ask for. It doesn't have to work that way.

With Ethos, you just answer a few health questions online. Many applicants could get a decision the same day, with no medical exams or blood draws required. And it's more affordable than you think. For a 55-year-old non-smoking female in good health, $300,000 in coverage could run around just $46/month on a 10-year term.⁶ <p>Sample rate: 10-year term policy for 55,60 and 65 y/o healthy, non-smoking females. Products not available in all states. Trustpilot rating as of 08/01/2026.</p>

Plus, most policies from Ethos come with access to estate planning tools like a will, trust, power of attorney, and more at no additional cost (up to $898 in value)!⁷ <p>Estate planning tools are provided through Ethos Estate Planning, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, which is not a law firm and does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice; $898 value refers to a will and trust for the policyholder and spouse; complimentary will and trust services are not available in WA, SD, AK, or LA. Ethos Technologies Inc. offers policies issued by its partner carriers. Products may not be available in all states. Finance Buzz may receive compensation if you purchase through links on this page.</p>

• Skip the doctor's office (just answer a few health questions online)
• Apply entirely online (an agent is available if you want one, but never required)
• Coverage from $15K to $3M with terms from 10–40 years
• 4.9/5 star rating on Trustpilot and an A+ BBB rating⁸ <p class="">BBB A+ rating as of 10/2025</p>
• 30-day money-back guarantee

If you're looking to help cover a mortgage, set aside money for future tuition costs, or just give your family a safety net, Ethos lets you build a policy around your life and your budget. Now's the time to help protect your family's future.

Under 70 years old? Get your estimate now →

Make Sure You’re Always Getting The Best Deals at Costco

1. If you see an asterisk on a price sign at a Costco warehouse, that typically means the item will not be replenished once it’s sold out. If the item caught your eye, you’ll probably want to snag it now while you can.
2. Each Costco warehouse carries around 4,000 items, allowing them to buy in large quantities and passing the savings down to you. But you can find even more items at Costco.com, which also offers online-only savings.
3. All members have access to the Costco Savings booklet, which contains savings on a large variety of items. The best part? There is no coupon clipping required — savings are applied directly at checkout.
4. Pay attention to prices! Prices ending in .79 typically have been marked down from regular-priced items, which end in .99. Odd pricing, such as .79, .49, or .89 could indicate items Costco got a deal on from the manufacturer. Prices ending in .88 or .00 typically mean managers have reduced the price to clear out inventory. This could also mean the item is discontinued or won’t be restocked.

Don’t pay a CENT to contractors for home repairs until you do this

Sounds crazy. And maybe you’re not even sure if this is real. But … you’re probably curious anyway. Choice Home Warranty makes it so you might be able to save $100s in home repairs!

They’ve been around since 2008 (so you know they’re legit) and they offer affordable plans to cover appliances and systems in your home that could break down from routine wear and tear.

Think of it like this: Say your water heater breaks down during a winter storm. Instead of paying $1,200 for repairs, you may only need to pay a $100 service fee with Choice Home Warranty, and their techs come and fix it ASAP. This could save you $1,100 almost instantly!

Choose a plan here and you can still lock in their ultra-low 2026 rates (for a limited time). Then, whenever a covered system in your home breaks down, all you have to do is make your claim online or give them a call. Their team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.⁹ <p>CHW reserves the right to offer cash back in lieu of repair or replacement in the amount of CHW's actual cost (which at times may be less than retail) to repair or replace any covered system, component or appliance. In the event that CHW makes such payment, CHW will provide written notification of the basis for the amount of the payment. First Month Free with purchase of any single payment home warranty plan. The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.</p>

Choose a plan from Choice Home Warranty here and lock in 2026 rates

P.S. Use the links above and you’ll get $50 off and 1 month free. We don’t know how long this will last, so take advantage of it today before it disappears.

Save potentially $1,000 or more on home insurance in Columbus

We have some unfortunate news: You might be throwing away $1,000s on expensive home insurance for no reason.

If you want better or more affordable home insurance, there is ONE thing you should never skip in the process of finding a policy: Getting multiple options from a variety of home insurance providers with our new home savings tool. 

Too many homeowners skip this step — not realizing that they could save potentially $1,000s over the lifetime of owning their house just by switching. And yes, you can switch your home insurance at any time starting today. 

The best part is it's free to check!  Just answer a few questions and enter your zip, email, and phone number to see if a lower rate is in your future. 

Enter your zip code to see if paying too much

Ohio homeowners, get the best price on new windows

Old windows drive up your home's electric bill. But if you live in Ohio and your windows are 5+ years old, you could save.

Modernize connects homeowners with top local pros who install high-quality, energy-efficient windows that could help reduce energy bills and improve comfort.

They make it easy to compare quotes and find the best price on your window replacement. The entire process is hassle free.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:

1. You own your home.
2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
3. You live in an available ZIP code.

Get your free quote to get started

Tap the equity in your home without adding another monthly payment (home must be worth at least $200,000)

If you own the home you live in but don't want to touch your mortgage rate or go for a traditional HELOC, a Home Equity Investment Product, or HEI, could be perfect.

How it works: A HEI bets that your home's value will go up. They give you cash now, and when you sell, refinance, or pay back in cash, you give them a small portion based on how much your home is worth then.

(By the way, if your home value decreases, the value of the percentage home equity investor is entitled to also decreases. That could be a lot safer for you.)

They work with single family homes, condos, townhomes, and 2- to 4-unit properties. No mobile or manufactured homes. Use the money however you like. Pay off debt, renovate, invest … all without worrying about additional monthly payments OR touching your current mortgage.

Why choose a HEI?

• Cash Payment Now: You can qualify to get between $15,000 to $500,000 in one lump-sum cash payment.
• Have a home worth at least $200,000.
• No income requirements.
• Don’t want to affect your current mortgage.
• Don’t want monthly payments.

Answer a few questions here to see if you pre-qualify in less than 2 minutes (see how much you can get)

Ask this company to help pay off your credit card debt

If you have a lot of debt, getting rid of it can feel stressful (and nearly impossible). Here’s the problem: the longer you put off tackling it, the harder it may get to fix. If you don’t take control of it early on, it can add undue stress to your life for years. But what if there was a way to get rid of unsecured debt?

Freedom Debt Relief could help. If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their certified debt specialists may be able to help you resolve your debt for less than you owe — with one affordable monthly deposit.

Best of all? There are zero upfront settlement fees, and you could reduce debt in as little as 24-48 months¹⁰ <p>Freedom Debt Relief (FDR) enrolls only unsecured debts, such as unsecured loans and credit cards. Any claims including 'debt-free' statements are only referring to enrolled debt. FDR is not a loan and does not provide relief for federally backed student loans or secured debt, such as auto loans or mortgages. All estimates for FDR's services are based on prior results, which will vary depending on your specific enrolled creditors and your individual program terms, including your ability to maintain your program deposits. FDR's services are estimated to resolve your debt faster and for a lower amount than your current monthly minimum payments. Not all FDR clients are able to complete their program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. FDR does not guarantee that your debts will be resolved for a specific amount or percentage or within a specific period of time. FDR is not a lender, creditor, or debt collector and is not a credit repair organization and does not provide or offer services or advice to repair, modify, or improve your credit. FDR does not assume your debts, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice. FDR's services are not available in all states and some programs may be offered through a law firm for legal services. FDR's fees may vary from state to state. Please contact a tax professional to discuss potential tax consequences of less than full balance debt resolution. The use of FDR services will likely adversely affect your creditworthiness, may result in you being subject to collections or being sued by creditors or collectors and may increase the outstanding balances of your enrolled accounts due to the accrual of fees and interest. However, negotiated settlements FDR obtains on your behalf resolve the entire account, including all accrued fees and interest. It is expected that you read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment.</p> <p>This guarantee takes effect when you graduate the program—or even if you leave before graduating. When you exit the program, we’ll use the combined total of all the debts you enrolled and settled and the fees you paid to us to calculate your eligibility for a refund. C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S.12-03825.</p> . To get started, just answer a few simple questions and get connected with a Certified Debt Consultant. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify, and the consultation is completely free!

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for Freedom Debt Relief

Diversify your hard-earned retirement savings with gold

GoldTrustGuide is actively helping Americans find greater retirement security with precious metal investments like gold. In fact, from 2005 to 2020, the price of gold increased by 330%. And during the stock market crash of 2008, the value of gold increased by 25%.¹¹ <p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/01/28/gold-price-surpasses-record-5300-amid-weakening-dollar-fed-independence-concerns/">Source</a></p> They match you with top-rated providers offering physical gold and silver IRAs with a proven track record during unstable markets.¹² <p>Investments carry risk, including loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.</p>

Protect your savings today in 3 easy steps:

1. Answer 4 quick questions on your goals and timeline.
2. Get matched instantly with a top-rated provider suited to your goals.
3. Speak to a specialist for a free, no-obligation consultation.

They hold a Top Rated designation from the Business Consumer Alliance and earn a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot and 4.8 stars on Google. Get your free Gold IRA match today.

Help protect your home for a fraction of what a break-in costs (perfect for Ohio residents)

Studies suggest a break-in happens about every 26 seconds in the U.S., and one average costs homeowners around $2,661.¹³ <p>Average break-in cost around $2,661: FBI 2019 burglary data (figure is dated, confirm current). Break-in about every 26 seconds: The Zebra. $100 gift card and free installation: subject to SafeStreets / Visa Reward Card terms (new customers, 36-month monitoring agreement).</p> But if you live in Ohio you could help protect it for a fraction of that cost.

SafeStreets is actively helping homeowners protect what matters most. Their security experts install a custom system with 24/7 monitoring that can help deter break-ins and give you peace of mind day and night.

Cut the cost of protecting your home by tapping into SafeStreets’ extremely low cost starting at just $49.99/month¹⁴ <p>$99-$299.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required starting at $49.99 per month ($1,799.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required per month for California ($1,199.76). Minimum $199 installation charge required for California. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Early termination fees apply. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Provider customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer.</p> with free professional installation, around-the-clock monitoring, and maintenance and extended warranty fully included.

Complete this short form to get a free quote

Get up to 77% off weight loss meds for life

If you're finally ready to start losing weight, a $300+ monthly price tag shouldn't be what stops you. GLP-1s — like Semaglutide & Tirzepatide — burn fat fast.¹⁵ <p>Based on the average weight loss in three 68-week clinical trials of patients without diabetes who reached and maintained a dose of 2.4 mg/week of GLP-1 treatment, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Results may vary based on starting weight and program adherence.</p> <p>Safety info: GLP-1 medications are used to treat obesity or overweight (with weight-related problems), along with diet and exercise. They may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2.</p> <p>These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.</p> <p>+ Semaglutide is for type 2 diabetes treatment but may be prescribed for weight loss. All trademarks and brand names belong to their respective owners.</p> <p>Medical treatment is provided and approved by a licensed medical professional.</p> But they also come with an average monthly cost that ranges up to $300 with insurance and $1,000+ without.¹⁶ <p class=""><a href="https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/glp-1-costs/">Source&nbsp;</a></p>

DirectMeds gets you compounded GLP-1s for as low as $69/month. For life.

It might sound crazy, but DirectMeds operates on a cash-only basis and does not accept insurance. This is how they keep pricing simple and transparent with no hidden fees and no monthly membership.

Skip the surgeries, diets, and expensive costs of weight loss. Plus, get one on one medical support from a dedicated nursing team when you go through Direct Meds. You could get pre-approved in as little as 2 minutes.

Limited Time Offer: Right now you can get $228 off per month for life!

Take the quiz to get up to 77% off weight loss medications starting at $69/month ($2.50/day)

Pay no interest into 2028 with this no annual fee card

If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to pause credit card interest into 2028 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.  

Discover it^® Cash Back (Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. (Then APR is 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable); Balance transfer fee applies.) That's right — you can now finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.

But it doesn't end there. The Discover it^® Cash Back card also lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. You can also receive a $200 statement credit when you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months of account opening. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year (terms apply). 

Apply now for the Discover it^® Cash Back card