10+ Simple Tips to Maximize Your Costco Membership

Posted On 6 July 2023

Last updated on April 5th, 2024

Having a Costco membership can be a double-edged sword. We can get good deals on things and food, and we can also overspend. The trick is to learn how to maximize your Costco membership.

The following is a list of tips that I have compiled from shopping at Costco for many years.

1. Don’t Get One

How is this a way to get the most out of a Costco membership? A single, young adult probably wouldn’t buy enough for a membership to be worth it. They could have their own business or roommates that pay them back for purchases. I recommend sitting down and figuring out if you’ll save enough to offset the membership.

Now that you have figured out that a Costco membership is right for you, let’s get to work at getting the most out of it!

2. Costco Gas

The gas at Costco is usually a few cents cheaper than what you’d pay at other local gas stations. We usually fill up at Costco when there’s one in the area. You have to use your physical card at the pump, so remember to bring it with you.

Pro Tip: Fill up with gas before shopping in Costco so your frozen and refrigerated items stay at the correct temperature.

3. Use The App

Costco has an app that gives you some conveniences. Each person with a Costco card must have their own login. This login works for both the website and the app. Also, each person can only have one email account associated with their online account. If you try to set up an online account with a different email, it won’t work. Don’t worry, though, customer service can work their magic and get things working if you need help!

You can show your “card” on the app at the door and the cashier can scan your phone screen at the checkout. Except for gas, you don’t need to carry your physical card with you. Online ordering is available through the app. You can also renew your membership through the app or online.

4. Know Your Numbers

I previously wrote about benchmarking prices. Some things at Costco are a real deal, some things are not any cheaper than at other stores. We live over two hours away from the closest Costco, so we focus on maximizing our Costco membership.

Cold cereal is about the same price as at the local grocery store. Ok, not the same price, but twice the price for twice as much. Same difference! The thing is to know what’s a good deal, and what items you can only find at Costco.

5. Shop with A List

I’m a big fan of shopping with a list. I even keep a separate shopping list for Costco on my phone. When I shop without a list there are two common problems that I face. The first one is that I forget to get something we needed to get. The other problem is that we buy something that we (might?) need, only to get home and find that we already have enough of that item.

6. Practice Self-Control

Stores have items on sale all the time! I try to stay away from areas of the store where there are things we don’t need. Costco does have good deals on items such as Cutco knives, outdoor furniture, and kayaks.

The thing is that these purchases need to fit into your budget and plan. If you are looking to make a larger purchase, Costco can save you some money. The trick is to be intentional about your spending – don’t be the person that goes in for burger patties and comes out with a BBQ/smoker combo!

7. Don’t Get More Than You Can Use

In order for us to get a real value from buying in volume, we must be able to use that item before it expires. I believe in having a full pantry. For more info about that, you can read about my 1-Up System.

We need to know how much of an item we use. After we have figured out how much of an item we use, we can stay appropriately stocked up with that item. The trick is to figure out how to achieve that delicate balance between overstocked and not enough.

With perishable food items we need to pay attention to the “Best Before Date”. Some food can last longer than that date. The question is, “Do we want to eat food that is close to its expiration?” I say no.

8. Guilt-Free Samples

Giving away samples is a money maker! Here are some amazing stats from Inpira Marketing:

• 78% said the free sample prompted their purchase.
• 65% of consumers who tried the sample will purchase on the same trip.
• 58% said they would buy the product again.
• 24% said that the sample inspired them to replace a previously planned product purchase.

Just because they are giving out a free sample does not obligate you to purchasing that product. If that product is enjoyable and fits into your budget, get it. Just don’t feel that you HAVE to buy it.

9. Use a Rewards MasterCard

So, you’re shopping with a list, you know your price points, and you are not buying things you don’t Really need. This is where you not only maximize your Costco membership, but you can take your game to the next level.

Make sure that you use a rewards card! The Costco MasterCard will pay you up to 3% cash back (only 1% for in-store purchases!). Earn something while you are purchasing at a better price. It doesn’t matter what MasterCard you use, just make sure that you are getting rewarded for using that card.

10. The Snack Bar

From what I understand, the Costco hot dogs at the snack bar are a loss leader. In other words, Costco sells them for less than they pay for them. Costco can be a great place to eat when you are on the road. …Or if you just want to grab a quick bite.

The food, drinks, and treats at the snack bar are a genuine deal. Feel free to indulge yourself or simply have a cheap meal whenever you’re in the vicinity of a Costco.

11. Refer A Friend

Now that you are maximizing your Costco membership, share these tips with your friends. When you do, you and your friend can get a bonus! The Gold Star membership will get you both a $25 online voucher. You’ll both get a $50 online voucher if they sign up for an Executive membership.

In order for you and your friend to get the vouchers, you need to bring them into Costco. The person at the customer service desk will get your membership info and then get your friend set up with an account.

12. Purchasing Gas In The US

Your Costco membership works in both Canada and the US. The biggest difference is that in Canada they only accept MasterCard, while in the US they only accept Visa. Not sure why.

With that said, if you have a Costco membership, you can fill up with gas for the best price when you are travelling. For Canadians travelling to the US, you can use your credit card down there. Simply enter the numbers in your postal code followed by “00”. So, if your postal code is V0K 2E0, you would enter 02000 as your zip code.