Most Costco members know they can save money at the warehouse’s food court and gas pumps, but there are lesser-known perks that you should explore.
Costco membership comes with a fee. However, knowing the extra benefits can reduce your overall expenses and help you make the most of your money and membership.
How to maximize your Costco membership
Your Costco membership may come with far more benefits than you realize. The retailer is known for its discounts and deals on food, cleaning supplies, furniture and more. But digging into the lesser-known perks can help you maximize your membership.
Using all of the resources that the wholesaler provides can help ensure that your membership pays for itself — and that you stick to your shopping budget.
Here are five perks to explore.
1. Travel discounts
Costco offers deals on all sorts of travel. Whether you’re looking to book a hotel room, cruise, flight, rental car or a combination package, you may be able to save big by purchasing it via the wholesaler’s travel portal. You can often snag bookings that come with perks like resort credits to use once you’re on vacation, free breakfast, complimentary valet parking and more.
2. The business center
The Costco Business Center locations offer deals on bulk supplies. While many businesses visit these centers, individuals can also find furniture, food, beverages and kitchen equipment — and there are often more selections and larger quantities for sale than what you’ll find in the standard warehouses. The business centers are also open earlier than Costco’s regular operations: The business centers open at 7:00 a.m., while the rest of Costco’s stores open at 10:00 a.m. for regular members. There are more than 27 Costco Business Center locations around the U.S.
3. The pharmacy
Costco offers low or no-cost access to flu shots and other vaccines, depending on your health insurance (most major plans are accepted). The pharmacy also offers a wide range of medications, and you can pick them up at the warehouse when you shop or have them delivered to your doorstep.
4. 90-day return policy
Costco gives you extra peace of mind with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unhappy with a product, you can return it for refund within 90 days (with some exceptions).
5. Credit card perks
You can shop at Costco with any credit card, but Costco’s credit card — the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi — will get you extra perks.
You will get 5% cash back on Costco gas and 4% cash back on other eligible gas up to $7,000 per year (and 1% cash back after that). All Costco purchases both in the store and online qualify for 2% cashback, and you also receive 3% cashback on restaurants and travel. The Costco card does not have any annual fees for members, and your rewards are paid out yearly as a reward certificate.
