As everyday prices continue to rise, more shoppers are looking for ways to trim their spending. One option is joining a Costco warehouse club to shop for the best deals.
But you must pay a membership fee to have the privilege of shopping here. The retailer has two membership types: a Gold Star membership and the pricier Executive membership, which offers more benefits like 2% back on most purchases.
Before investing in an Executive membership, consider whether you’ll use the extra membership perks. Here are a few lesser-known benefits of a Costco Executive membership.
1. Save more money when you order checks
If you need to order checks, an Executive Membership can help you save even more money. Costco partners with Harland Clarke to provide check-printing services to its members. As a bonus, all check orders include free, trackable standard delivery.
2. Access additional travel benefits
You’ll also get access to additional travel perks as an Executive member. All members get access to the same travel booking rates. But Executive members can get additional extras on select Costco Travel bookings.
This may include complimentary room upgrades, food and drink credits, and spa credits. These additional amenities can improve your vacation experience and give you more value from your membership.
Executive members earn 2% rewards on their Costco spending. You can earn up to $1,000 in rewards yearly when you make eligible Costco purchases, including Costco Travel purchases. For frequent travelers, this membership upgrade can be well worth it.
3. Get extra insurance benefits
As a Cosco Executive member, you also qualify for additional insurance perks when you purchase insurance policies through Costco’s insurance partners.
One example is an enrollment fee waiver for pet insurance policies purchased through Figo. Another example is free roadside assistance included with auto insurance policies purchased through CONNECT. Executive members who buy a homeowners insurance policy through CONNECT qualify for up to $100 lockout services per occurrence. Up to two claims can be made within any consecutive 12-month period.
Executive members also qualify for glass repair reimbursement if their home is broken into and they report a claim. These additional insurance perks add value to your membership.
Consider your needs and goals
If you’re planning on joining Costco and are comparing membership types, take some time to consider your needs and goals. What are you looking to get out of your membership? Can you benefit from the additional perks of a Costco Executive membership?
You should also review your finances. You’ll pay $120 annually to become an Executive member. However, a Gold Star membership only costs $60 a year.
Earn rewards when you shop at Costco
In addition to saving money when you shop at Costco, you can also earn rewards. Our No. 1 strategy for saving money at Costco is to use a rewards credit card to pay for your purchases. For regular shoppers, the rewards can add up fast. Check out our list of the best credit cards for Costco to learn more about each credit card’s features.
Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
If you’re shopping with a debit card, you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. These versatile credit cards offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco, and are rated the best cards of 2024 by our experts because they offer hefty sign-up bonuses and outstanding cash rewards. Plus, you’ll save on credit card interest because all of these recommendations include a competitive 0% interest period.
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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
3 Little-Known Perks of a Costco Executive Membership was originally published by The Motley Fool
