Buzz
While it’s no secret that a Costco membership can help you save on groceries and household essentials, there’s much more to it than just that. The deals are hard to miss! But did you know that budget-friendly household shopping is just the beginning of the Costco perks that can stretch your dollars even further? The most experienced Costco shoppers know that the advantages extend far beyond just filling your pantry.
If you're not yet familiar with all the hidden benefits that come with your membership, let’s take a closer look at how Costco can save you more money and, in some cases, simplify your life in big ways.
1. Costco Travel
One of the standout Costco perks is Costco Travel. In fact, this single benefit convinced Linda Chavez, founder and CEO of Seniors Life Insurance Finder, to sign up for a Costco membership. "I travel a lot, and believe it or not, I book all my vacations through Costco and end up saving a significant amount," says Chavez.
Costco Travel allows members to book trips, hotels, and cruises directly through the club. What's even better is that Costco leverages its enormous buying power to negotiate fantastic deals, which they pass on to their members.
For Chavez, utilizing Costco’s travel benefit regularly leads to significant savings. "My husband and I paid $1,775 per person for seven nights at an all-inclusive resort in the Maldives in February," she recalls. "That price covered flights, airport transfers, and all-inclusive accommodations. When we checked American Express, the same package cost $1,950 per person. The $350 we saved by booking through Costco went toward a dolphin cruise, and we had an amazing time," she adds.
2. Costco Direct
Costco members can take advantage of exclusive savings through the Costco Direct online program. The more qualifying items you purchase, the greater your savings, with discounts ranging from $100 to $400 off.
This offer applies to high-ticket items like appliances and outdoor furniture, available while supplies last. Each membership can redeem the offer twice, with all purchases needing to be checked out together and shipped to the same address to qualify. Don’t forget to explore Costco Next for additional exclusive deals.
3. Costco Optical
For those without vision insurance, routine eye exams and eyeglasses can become quite expensive. This was the experience of Carter Seuthe, VP of Content at Credit Summit, who relied on Costco's optical services for relief. "Your Costco membership grants you discounts at their in-store clinic as well as substantial savings on glasses and contact lenses," Seuthe shares.
Costco Optical offers vision services to members, whether or not they have vision insurance (although it does accept most major insurance plans).
4. Discounted Gift Cards
Even something as simple as buying gift cards can save you money with your Costco membership, according to Chavez. "Costco offers deals like two $50 gift cards for $79.99 or four $15 gift cards for $44.99," Chavez explains. "These offers make it easy to stock up on gift cards for Christmas, birthdays, or other special occasions. You can also find gift cards for movie theaters, theme parks, performances, activities, and more."
5. Costco Insurance Agency
Costco, in partnership with American Family Insurance via CONNECT, offers members an opportunity to access discounted car insurance. Brian Dechesare, the founder of Breaking Into Wall Street, recommends getting a quote from Costco to compare rates with your current insurer. He explains, "With its buying and influential power, a massive business like Costco can negotiate inexpensive group rates and pass those savings down to their customers."
6. Costco Fuel Stations
If you reside near a Costco, you’ve probably noticed the long queues at their gas stations. One of the major advantages of fueling up at Costco is the discounted price. Additionally, Costco highlights the performance and environmental benefits of its gas, claiming that it helps clean engines and restores fuel efficiency by encouraging cleaner engine operation. The Kirkland-branded gas is also touted to reduce tailpipe emissions caused by clogged fuel injectors and intake valve buildup.
"The fuel is top tier, meaning it meets high standards and includes detergents to keep your engine running clean," says Chavez.
7. Author Meet-and-Greet Events
A lesser-known benefit of Costco membership is the opportunity to grab books at discounted prices and even meet their authors. In past events, the warehouse club has hosted book signings, as mentioned by Chavez.
8. Extended Warranties
Through Costco Concierge Services, members automatically receive extended warranties of up to two years for a variety of purchases. This coverage applies to items such as televisions, projectors, computers, and major appliances.
"Costco offers the best extended warranty in the electronics market. For instance, if you buy an iPhone from Costco, it comes with an additional one-year warranty on top of the manufacturer's warranty," says Scotty Kilmer of Car Windshields. "Buying the same phone from Best Buy or any other major retailer means you won't get this extra warranty and will have to pay an additional fee if you want it."
9. Affordable Office Furniture for Entrepreneurs
While Costco may not offer a large selection of office furniture in its physical stores, the online store features budget-friendly desks, office chairs, printers, computers, and other essentials for budding entrepreneurs, says Andrey Doichev, the Texas-based founder of Inc and Go, a website designed for start-ups.
"You can have items delivered directly to your door, and most products come with a warranty for your protection," explains Doichev. "I ordered my workstation from Costco to be shipped directly to my home office... the convenience was a big deal since my days are packed with consulting and developing Inc and Go. I compared prices and ended up saving 10 to 15 percent on office furnishings."
10. Business and Personal Checks
If you're looking to order new checks, Costco offers a wide range of designs for both business and personal checks, as well as related accessories like forms, envelopes, ink stamps, and address labels. These products are typically sold at an average of 50 percent less than standard bank prices.
11. Bottled Water Delivery
Purified, distilled, and artesian water are offered for delivery to both homes and offices. Members can enjoy exclusive rates starting at just $6.99 per bottle, with discounted dispenser rental prices available as well.
12. Technical Assistance
Bought that new TV but not sure how to get it up and running? Don't worry! You can access free technical support over the phone for any major appliance bought at Costco, whether it's a flat-screen TV or an exercise machine.
13. Prescription Savings
If you lack prescription drug coverage, you can enroll in Costco's Member Prescription Program and enjoy lower prices on a wide range of medications. Discounts of up to 40% are available, and even pet prescriptions are included.
14. Costco Membership Is Recognized Worldwide
A great benefit for globetrotters to note for future trips: Costco membership is accepted globally, which means you can grab necessities no matter where you go, says Alexa Frazier Blay, the cook and photographer behind the popular website Key To My Lime. "This perk is particularly useful when you're staying in an Airbnb that lets you cook," Frazier Blay shares. "While you're picking up groceries, don't forget to check out the local gift certificates on offer for nearby restaurants and theaters."
