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Looking for a Costco membership deal or wondering if it's worth the cost? Check out the latest membership deals and find out how to save!
Costco Membership Deals
If you've been considering signing up for a Costco membership but wondering about the cost, benefits, and whether it's worth it or not, you've come to the right place! We're sharing everything you need to know, as well as the best Costco membership deals right now.
Current Costco Promotions
Through March 31st, 2023, new Costco members can get a free $10-$20 Shop Card with the purchase of a new Costco membership – just enter the code CJPROMO at checkout!
Here are your options:
Gold Star Membership – Enter code CJPROMO at checkout for FREE $10 Digital Shop Card
Executive Membership – Enter code CJPROMO at checkout for FREE $20 Digital Shop Card
If you've been considering a membership, this is like getting free money to spend on items online or in-club (gas stations, too!). Keep reading for all the best perks that come with a Costco membership.
How much is a Costco membership?
You may be wondering if there's a Costco membership fee and how much it is?
The annual Costco membership price starts at $60 for a Gold Star or Business membership or $120 for an Executive membership. If you're an occasional Costco shopper, a Gold Star plan will work fine for you.
However, if you shop at Costco for all of your groceries or use their services for travel, consider getting an Executive membership where you'll earn rewards back for your purchases. If you own a business and want to resale items that you buy in bulk, the Business membership plan is the best option for you.
Gold Star Membership:
- Includes a free Household Card
- Valid at all Costco locations worldwide
- $60 Annual membership fee
Business Membership:
- Includes a free Household Card
- Add Affiliate Cardholders for $60 each
- Valid at all Costco locations worldwide
- Purchase for resale
- Business Members must provide Costco with the appropriate resale information
- $60 Annual membership fee
Executive Membership:
- Includes a free Household Card
- Valid at all Costco locations worldwide
- Annual 2% Reward on qualified Costco purchases (up to $1,000)
- Additional benefits and greater savings on Costco Services
- Extra benefits on select Costco Travel products
- $120 Annual membership fee ($60 membership fee, plus $60 upgrade fee)
Other Costco membership offers:
- Costco student membership: If you're a college student, you can get a $20 Costco Shop Card with a new membership! A Costco student membership cost is well worth it if you're away from home.
- Costco military membership: If you're a military member or veteran, you can get a $30 Costco Shop Card with a new membership! This offer is available for all members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
Is there a free Costco membership?
Unfortunately, there isn't a free Costco membership promotion, guest pass, day pass, or Costco trial membership currently available that allows you to start shopping without a membership.
However, in the past, (and once again!) both Groupon and LivingSocial have offered Costco membership coupons, promotions, and promo codes, such as a discounted membership fee or a fantastic package deal. If a deal isn’t available right now, hopefully it will likely come back in the future (we'll be sure to post about it when it does!).
However, you can enjoy the following Costco services and perks without needing a membership!
- Get an eye exam at Costco Optical without a membership.
- Fill prescriptions and get a flu shot at the Costco Pharmacy without a membership (you can even get your prescriptions filled online and have them delivered to your home).
- Get a free health screening without a membership (currently, these screenings are currently cancelled due to COVID-19).
- Enjoy food from the food court without a membership (this only applies if it is an outdoor food court like in Hawaii and non-members must pay with cash).
- Buy alcohol without a membership (select states have laws in place that say it’s illegal to require membership for alcohol purchases).
- Purchase deals from Costco.com without a membership (however, non-members will pay a 5% surcharge).
- Shop in-club using a Shop Card without a membership (however, members can only purchase Shop Cards, so you'll have to ask a member to buy one for you).
Costco membership benefits
As a Costco member, you'll get access to exclusive warehouse prices on thousands of products and services at more than 750 locations worldwide. Plus, Costco offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on both your membership and merchandise, so you can shop with confidence!
Check out just a few member benefits:
- Enjoy 25-35% off gift cards and tickets (in-store and online)
- Fill up with Costco's premium gasoline
- Book exclusive travel deals with Costco Travel (save on vacation packages, rental cars, & more!)
- Get discounted prescriptions at Costco Pharmacy (starting at under $8!)
- Book free hearing tests & follow-up exams at the Costco Hearing Aid Center
- Save 50% on custom checks with free delivery (Executive members save additional 20%!)
- Get discounts on tires and auto services
- and more!
Is a Costco membership worth it?
If you're an occasional Costco shopper, I think spending $5 per month for your Gold Star membership is a pretty good deal to be able to shop their sales. Even if you just take advantage of their gift card savings (usually a 25-30% discount!), you should be able to make up the cost of your membership each month.
Now if you spend more than $500 every month at Costco (that's $6,000 a year), you'll definitely get the most bang for your buck with an Executive membership since you'll get back at least $120 with the annual 2% reward. Plus, you'll have the ability to book rental cars and hotel stays for less with Costco Travel.
So, is a Costco membership worth it? In the end, I think it will vary based on your situation. Consider asking yourself these questions to determine if a membership is worth it for you and your family:
- Is there money in the budget for a Costco membership?
- Do I have a Costco location within 10 miles of my home?
- Will I use the membership to book vacations, rental cars, etc?
If you answered YES to these questions, consider getting a Costco membership today!
(You can also get more info about their memberships here or here)
