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Is a Costco membership really worth the annual fee? While bulk groceries get the most attention, Costco’s savings can extend far beyond what ends up in your cart.
Costco membership price
Costco charges annual membership fees, which start at $65. In return, members get access to discounted prices on items.
Costco membership prices are based on a tiered structure, with different prices for the options. Costs may be subject to sales tax based on where you live:
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year.
- Business Membership: $65 per year.
- Executive Membership: $130 per year.
Are there free or discounted Costco memberships?
No. Costco doesn’t provide free memberships, but there are new-member promotions for certain groups. Teachers, college students, medical professionals, military personnel, government employees and first responders are eligible to receive a digital Costco gift card when they sign up.
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What is the difference between Costco memberships?
The Gold Star Membership is a personal membership. The business option is for business owners. Executive memberships are available for either personal or business use.
Two people can be on each membership — one primary member and a second household member who lives at the same residence and is over 16. If you’re a business or executive member, you can add more people to your membership for an additional fee.
Here are the benefits of a Costco membership:
Gold Star Membership
- Valid at all Costco locations worldwide and online at Costco.com.
- Two membership cards are included.
Business Membership
- Two membership cards are included.
- Add affiliate cardholders for $65 each.
- Valid at all Costco locations worldwide and online at Costco.com.
- Can purchase items for resale, pending appropriate resale information is provided.
Executive Membership
- Valid at all Costco locations worldwide and online at Costco.com.
- Two membership cards are included.
- Exclusive shopping hours. Stores open for Executive Members an hour earlier than for Gold Star members Sunday through Friday. On Saturdays, stores open 30 minutes earlier for Executive Members.
- Annual 2% reward, up to $1,250, on qualified Costco purchases. Rewards can be redeemed on eligible Costco merchandise.
- Extra benefits and savings on Costco Services, which include auto and home insurance, pet insurance, home improvement and more.
- Extra benefits on select Costco Travel products.
Is Costco worth it?
Lots of people seem to think so. Costco boasted more than 145 million members in 2025 and has a U.S. renewal rate of over 90%.
Nerdy Perspective
I’ve been a Costco member since the year 2000; 25 years later I am still using up a giant variety pack of really nice paper clips I got on a screaming deal back then.
Over the years Costco has helped me save on car rentals; eyeglasses and contacts; tires; Pokémon cards; 800-thread-count sheets; diapers for my babies; two Dyson vacuums; countless photo calendars and Christmas cards; sleds; houseplants; appliances and electronics; giant slabs of wild king salmon; big ol’ jugs of Canadian maple syrup; and hunks of Gruyere. I use the home delivery service more than often than I shop in-person, because, as any longtime fan knows, you don’t decide what you’re going home with from Costco: Costco decides for you!
Over the years Costco has helped me save on car rentals; eyeglasses and contacts; tires; Pokémon cards; 800-thread-count sheets; diapers for my babies; two Dyson vacuums; countless photo calendars and Christmas cards; sleds; houseplants; appliances and electronics; giant slabs of wild king salmon; big ol’ jugs of Canadian maple syrup; and hunks of Gruyere. I use the home delivery service more than often than I shop in-person, because, as any longtime fan knows, you don’t decide what you’re going home with from Costco: Costco decides for you!
Whether it's worth it for you depends on your living situation.
If you have a family or roommates and want to save on groceries, a Costco membership definitely could be worth it. Buying food in bulk at discounted rates could help you save over the long term.
However, with the cheapest Costco membership costing $65 a year, it may not be worth it if you don’t plan to shop at Costco often or use its services, and if buying in bulk isn’t practical for your home.
You might be able to earn more money back with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. Compare that credit card with other cash-back cards you may already carry.
Costco membership perks beyond the warehouse
There are many more deals to be found outside the Costco warehouse and gas pumps, if you know where to look. Here’s a list of other benefits that members might not know about:
- Travel deals: Members can visit Costco’s travel website to book vacation packages, hotels, cruises and rental cars. There are even theme park deals.
- Pharmacy: Members can get discounts on their prescriptions, schedule immunizations and pick up pet medications at lower prices. You might be trading some convenience (no drive-thru window here), but there’s a mail order option.
- Shutterfly: Members save 51% on every Shutterfly order and free economy shipping if they spend more than $20. The discount is added right to your cart (no coupon code needed). Just be sure to add your membership to your Shutterfly account to take advantage of the deal.
- Sesame: Members can schedule virtual primary care visits for $29, pay $79 for virtual therapy, get weight loss medications for $99 a month and more — including subscriptions for mental health, women’s health and prescription skincare.
- Home appliances: There are some benefits to buying appliances from Costco. Delivery and installation is included in the price, and Costco will haul away your old model. There’s a two-year warranty included and you can earn up to 4% in rewards.
- Auto program: You might already know you can get car repairs done at Costco, and even new tires. But Costco sells cars, too. They have new and used vehicles and better deals for Executive members. Plug in your ZIP code to get a list of participating Costco dealers and local incentives.
How do you pay for purchases at Costco?
Visa credit cards are the only credit card type accepted at brick-and-mortar Costco stores in the U.S. Costco also accepts debit/ATM cards, cash, checks and traveler's checks, EBT cards and mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Costco.com accepts MasterCard in addition to Visa credit cards.
Costco allows members to bring up to two guests to shop at a warehouse. Only members can make purchases.
If you need to make a return, Costco will refund your purchase price on most items, with a few exceptions.
How do you sign up for a Costco membership?
To sign up, visit the membership desk at any location. You can also sign up online or by calling 1-800-774-2678.
You’ll be asked for your name, date of birth, address, email address and phone number. If you sign up online, you’ll also need the confirmation email you get from Costco and a valid government-issued photo ID to receive your membership card in store.
You will receive a membership card that you will need to scan at the front door each time you enter a Costco warehouse. You’ll also show your membership card at the register when checking out.
Costco has an option to cancel your membership and receive a refund if you're dissatisfied.
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- 1. Costco. Costco Wholesale 2025 Annual Report. Accessed Jan 23, 2026.
