Costco is well-known for its wholesale savings, which help members save money on groceries and other items — but members also get benefits beyond the low prices on the shelves. Now it just got even easier to maximize your membership.
Recently, Costco updated its app to include a new feature that allows members to see items in stock at specific stores, making the shopping experience even more convenient.
A Reddit user notes that the latest version of the store's app says: “In this release, app users get a redesigned Warehouse tab with a new Inventory on Hand search feature allowing members to search for inventory of products at the warehouse.”
Sounds like a great way to make the most of your membership. Here are nine more free perks that you'll want to take advantage of to unlock the true value of the membership, whether you're shopping in a store or online.
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.
You get free eyeglass cleaner refills
Using eyeglass cleaner and a microfiber cloth keeps your glasses clean without damaging them. Costco Optical will refill bottles of Kirkland’s eyeglass cleaner, available for purchase as part of a glasses cleaning kit at any Costco warehouse.
Rules may vary from store to store, so be sure to ask about this service. Then capitalize on free refills to extend the life of your already cheap glasses even further.
Also, remember that along with brand-name eyeglass frames at low-level prices, Costco also sells even cheaper frames under its generic in-house label, Kirkland Signature.
Almost every item can be returned for free
Costco’s return policy is more generous than most: Almost every product can be returned for a 100% guaranteed refund.
Even better, one of the best Costco hacks is knowing that when you return a product you purchased online, Costco will refund the shipping and handling as well.
Just remember some items must be returned within 90 days for a full refund.
Most electronics and appliances have an extended warranty
When you buy certain high-priced products at Costco — including large electronics and water heaters — you’re automatically enrolled in a two-year extended warranty through Costco Concierge.
Depending on the device, two years is sometimes even longer than the manufacturer’s warranty.
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.
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Many items come with free tech support
As a Costco member, you don’t necessarily need to go through a product manufacturer’s customer service line to get technical support.
You can call Costco Concierge for free tech support on TVs, computers, cameras (including security cameras), and other major electronic devices.
You can get the same level of support for major household appliances such as freezers, refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
Costco’s tech support includes step-by-step guidance through setting up a new device, troubleshooting help, and instructions on general product use.
You can get a free hearing test online or in stores
Costco sells high-quality hearing aids from top brands such as Philips and offers free hearing tests through its website and at most warehouse locations.
If you order hearing aids through Costco, you’ll also receive free, remote follow-up consultations where a professional can help you adjust your hearing aids via an internet-enabled device.
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Tire purchases include free lifetime maintenance
After you buy tires at Costco, you won't have to worry about visiting another tire shop for the rest of your driving life, which could really help you cut car costs.
All Costco tires have lifetime warranties and can be installed at a Costco tire center, which also performs free flat tire fixes, rotation, balancing, and air-pressure checks.
Costco also fills tires with nitrogen, not compressed air. The retailer says that helps maintain the proper tire pressure longer.
You’ll enjoy plenty of free samples
Unlike most smaller grocery stores, Costco offers samples every day of the week. That way you don’t have to shop over the weekend to try the newest tasty treat to hit Costco’s shelves.
Costco’s samples are apparently unlimited, so you can hit the same sample table over and over again.
Of course, if you like the sample enough to try it that many times, we recommend buying it instead of hanging around the sample table all day.
Top Tier gas is available
You rarely have to pay as much for Costco gas as you would at most other gas stations in the area. And as Costco members already know, saving money doesn’t mean sacrificing quality.
One great free perk of filling up at Costco is that the retailer’s Kirkland Signature gas is designated as Top Tier. That means it has a higher level of detergent that cleans your car’s engine more effectively.
If your order is $75 or more, you get two-day shipping
Costco members get free two-day delivery when they spend $75.
Remember, if you’re dissatisfied with your purchase, you can always send it back and get reimbursed for shipping and handling, even if your items cost less than $75.
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.
Bottom line
Costco’s deals don’t start or end with the products you toss in your grocery cart. If you’re already a member, make sure you’re taking advantage of these nine extra perks that take your membership savings to the next level.
You can also add to your savings by using one of the top credit cards for Costco shoppers that will reward you for your purchases.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
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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.
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