Is a Costco Membership Worth It? Membership Types, Prices, & Day Passes
There’s something magical about Costco.
As far as warehouse stores go, Costco is on a whole other level. If you’ve ever thought about purchasing a membership for yourself, we’re here to give you all the details.
No matter what your question, we (probably) have the answer. Here’s everything you’ll need to know about signing up for a Costco membership. 👇
- Do You Have To Have A Membership At Costco?
- Which Costco Membership Is Best?
- How Much Does A Costco Membership Cost?
- How To Get A Costco Membership
- How To Downgrade A Costco Membership
- How To Cancel A Costco Membership
- How Many People Can Be On A Costco Membership Card?
- How To Add Someone To A Costco Membership
- Is Costco Worth It For One Person?
- How To Shop At Costco Without A Membership
- Does Costco Offer A Student Membership?
Do You Have To Have A Membership At Costco?
If you’re planning on making a purchase at Costco, a membership is required. However, if you just want to browse the store and see what kinds of things it has to offer, you’re more than welcome to do so.
While there are greeters at the door, you’re only required to present your membership card at the checkout line upon making a purchase.
Which Costco Membership Is Best?
It depends on what you’re wanting to get out of your membership. For most people, the Gold Star Membership will likely be the right decision. It costs only $60 per year, and you can shop at any Costco store worldwide.
But if you’re planning on making some serious purchases or getting some more expensive items, then the Executive Membership at Costco might be worth it. You’ll get an annual 2% reward on qualified Costco purchases, which could add up quickly.
How Much Does A Costco Membership Cost?
Costco currently offers two different kinds of memberships, each at a different price. Each membership also has different benefits. They are listed as follows:
- Executive Membership: $120.00 per year
- Gold Star Membership: $60.00 per year
How Much Is A Costco Executive Membership?
As we stated above, the Costco Executive Membership will set you back $120.00 per year.
While both the Executive and Gold Star Membership offer a free Household Card and are valid at all Costco locations worldwide, the Executive Membership does have some additional perks:
- Annual 2% Reward on qualified Costco purchases
- Additional benefits and greater savings on Costco Services
- Extra benefits on select Costco Travel products
Costco Executive Membership Hours
While Costco used to offer extended and exclusive hours for Executive Membership holders, that’s not the case anymore. The Executive Membership hours were done away with in June of 2022.
Most Costco hours are the same across the country, allowing all members to shop from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How To Get A Costco Membership
Getting a Costco membership is an easy and straightforward process. All you have to do is go to the Costco website, select the type of membership you want, and complete your purchase online.
Once you do that, you can head to your nearest Costco store to get your membership card. Just remember to bring a valid photo ID.
And remember, you can get a free $20 when you sign up for a Costco membership with Student Beans!
How To Downgrade A Costco Membership
If you decide to get the Executive Membership and wind up not needing it, it’s easy to downgrade. Simply visit your nearest Costco and head over to the membership counter. You can also call Member Services at 1-800-774-2678.
How To Cancel A Costco Membership
The same rules apply if you’re trying to cancel your Costco Membership. Head to your warehouse and talk to someone at the membership counter, or call Member Services at 1-800-774-2678.
You’ll also receive a full refund on your membership since Costco has a 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy.
How Many People Can Be On A Costco Membership Card?
Both the regular Gold Star Membership and Executive Membership allow a maximum of two people per membership card. One is the Primary Member, and the other can be someone within your household who is over 18 years old.
How To Add Someone To A Costco Membership
Adding your second member to your Costco membership is easy. Here are the steps you’ll need to take (assuming you’re the primary member):
- Sign into your Costco account on the Costco website
- Head over to Account Details
- Add the name of the person you wish to add to your account
Once that person is added, they can head over to Costco to pick up their membership card, no problem.
Is Costco Worth It For One Person?
That depends on how much shopping you plan on doing there. For people who like to buy in bulk and plan on doing all of their shopping at Costco (groceries, home goods, even auto services), the membership will quickly pay for itself.
However, if you only plan on going there every couple of weeks to grab a few odds and ends, a Costco membership might not be the most economical option. But considering it’s only $60 per year, that’s still a pretty good bargain.
How To Shop At Costco Without A Membership
The only way to shop at Costco without a membership is to shop online. Costco.com is open to everyone, although there is a downside to shopping with them online if you’re not a member.
Non-members will be charged a 5% surcharge for any purchases they make online. So if you’re planning on shopping at Costco online without a membership, tread carefully! You don’t want your bill to skyrocket.
Does Costco Offer Day Passes Or Visitor Passes?
Unfortunately Costco does not over day passes, visitor passes, or shopping passes. If you plan on making a purchase when at a Costco warehouse, you must have a membership or be on someone else’s membership plan.
How To Gift Someone A Costco Membership
Did you know you can give the gift of a Costco membership? There’s two ways you can do this:
- Go to your local Costco warehouse at simply purchase the membership at the register
- Purchase it online
The recipient will need to bring their Gift of Membership gift card to their local Costco to redeem it. The membership starts once the recipient redeems it (not from the purchase date).
Does Costco Offer A Student Membership?
While Costco doesn’t have a discounted membership price for students, they do offer deals for new members who are college students. When you purchase your membership through Student Beans, you’ll get a free $20 shop card when you sign up!
Ready to do some shopping? We can’t wait to see what you end up finding!
Get a free $20 shop card when you sign up for a Costco membership with Student Beans
Ready to shop? Check out these 15 items that are always cheaper when you buy them at Costco!
