How Much Does a Costco Membership Cost?

Costco offers two membership plans worth $60, one for businesses and one for personal use, and an executive level membership worth $120.

When you’re going out shopping for household items or even basic groceries, it is very important to spend your money as wisely as possible, especially now, when things look rather grim. This is why, whenever possible, you should buy in bulk, as a more convenient and cost-effective way of purchasing items instead of each one individually.

Although pretty obvious, here are some of the most important benefits of buying in bulk:

• Less money that you spend on items that you use the most or at least very frequently. Bulk packages may have a higher upfront cost initially, but can be cheaper over time than buying smaller single items at a larger markup.
• Less waste caused by packaging the goods
• Fewer online orders or even better, less frequent shopping trips.
• Fewer impulse buy opportunities, which usually run up your bill the most.

Costco membership cost

Costco membership costs $60 or $120 per year, depending on the exact membership you’re getting. These memberships follow a tiered structure. There are different prices for different options, but regardless of the option you’re going for, the prices are subject to change, as well as sales taxes, depending on where you live.

The difference between Costco memberships

Both the Gold Star membership and the Executive one are considered personal membership options. Business membership is the only option available for business owners.

Aside from the primary member, there can be another individual on the Gold Star or Executive membership, but they have to be living in the same residence and be over the age of 16.

Business members, on the other hand, can add multiple persons to their membership, each for an extra fee.

Below, you will find the benefits of all Costco memberships:

Business Membership

• You can purchase items that are for sale. Pending appropriate resale information is provided.
• It is valid not only in physical locations but online at Costco.com as well. Valid in all Costco locations.
• Affiliate cardholders can be added for an additional $60 each.
• You will get a free household card.

Gold Star Membership

• You will get a free household card.
• It is valid not only in physical locations but online at Costco.com as well. Valid in all Costco locations.

Costco Executive Membership

• A lot of savings and benefits to Costco Services. These can include anything from photo printing to pet insurance, home insurance, auto insurance, and more.
• Qualified Costco purchases give you a 2% annual reward, of up to $1,000. You can redeem rewards on eligible Costco merchandise only.
• You will get a free household card.
• It is valid not only in physical locations but online at Costco.com as well. Valid in all Costco locations.

Free or discounted Costco memberships

Costco offers several new-member promotions for several groups of people although, at this point at least, the chain doesn’t offer any free memberships. If you’re either a first responder, a government employee, military personnel, a medical professional, a college student, or a teacher, you might be eligible for a $30 digital Costco gift card at signup.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Walmart Plus, Costco Eye Exams, and the prices of Costco Food Court.

Is a Costco membership worth it?

If you like to purchase items in bulk so that you save on home goods and groceries and you have a multiperson household, then the Costco membership might be great for you.

Among the most important benefits of owning one of the Costco memberships are discounts on medications (at least in most states), travel deals, gas, and only some business-related expenses as long as you have a Business membership.

Keep in mind that even with the cheapest Costco membership, which is worth $60 a year, it might not be worth it for you, if you’re not a regular Costco shopper and don’t use its services a lot. If you’re not the type to buy in bulk due to your personal situation, then those $60 might be spent in vain.

Citi Bank also offers a Costco Anywhere Visa® Card. This might help you earn more money back than your current credit cards, so make sure you check out this option and compare it to cash-back cards that you already have.

What is Costco?

Costco is one of the most popular retail chains in the US. This retailer is great, especially for people looking for discounted prices on items and bulk buys. An annual membership fee is all you need to access the Costco warehouse.

How do you sign up for a Costco membership?

You can sign up to become a Costco member by visiting the membership desk at any location. You can also try to call Costco using their Member service line at 1-800-774-2678 or sign up online directly.

You have to submit your name, phone number, email address, and date of birth for registration. If you’re going through this process online, you will receive a confirmation email from Costco. You will also be required to come into one of the Costco stores with a valid government-issued photo ID to receive the membership card.

How do you pay for purchases at Costco?

In physical US Costco stores, you will only be able to pay using a Visa credit card. You also have the option to pay using a mobile payment method such as Google Pay or Apple Pay. as well as other methods, like EBT cards, traveler’s checks, checks, cash, and debit/ATM cards.

Shopping online on Costco.com will enable you to use many other credit card types.