Thinking about joining Costco? A membership usually pays for itself through solid savings, yet plenty of perks and promotional quirks slip by unnoticed, so you might miss out on real value. We’re here to bridge that gap. Check out these 10 need-to-know facts about your card—each one can reshape how you navigate the aisles and stretch your grocery budget.
Executive Membership
An executive membership costs more, but it’s worth it in the long run because you get 2% cash back on most of the items you buy throughout the year. While there are a few exceptions, it’s particularly beneficial for people who buy in bulk, as the annual rewards will easily offset the membership cost.
Upgrade Anytime
If you start with a basic membership and later decide you want to take advantage of additional benefits by upgrading to an executive membership, you can do so at any time. You can upgrade mid-year and still receive the 2% rewards. They will apply the rewards retroactively from the beginning of your term. All you need to do is ask at the service desk.
Business
If you have a Costco business account, you can add up to six other people as cardholders per year. This setup is ideal for businesses that require multiple shoppers. Each member will receive their own card, and all purchases made—regardless of which business member makes them—will contribute to the account’s total reward program.
Members Only
One thing that people may not realize is that only the member can pay the bill. If your name is not on the card, then you aren’t supposed to pay. It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping with family or friends; it’s still prohibited. This rule prevents misuse and ensures that everyone uses the card correctly.
Membership Card
To enter a store, you need a valid and unaltered membership card. If it doesn’t have a photo, be prepared to show a matching photo ID. If you don’t have one, they won’t let you in. The staff checks closely at the entrance, so if you forget your photo ID, you won’t be able to shop until you get it. It may seem extreme, but the store wants to ensure fairness and safety for everyone.
Return Policy
The return policy is reasonably good, as long as you don’t abuse it. It covers most products, although some high-end items—such as diamonds and electronics—are excluded. If you return a few items for legitimate reasons, they won’t mind. However, if the returns become excessive or suspicious, they may suspend and restrict your account to prevent abuse.
Renewal
Memberships expire exactly twelve months from the month you joined, regardless of when you last shopped. If you let it lapse, they may backcharge you or reset your eligibility for rewards. Renewing early helps avoid any interruptions, drama, or trouble.
Two Cards
Every primary member can add one household member over the age of 18 to be a cardholder at no additional cost, provided you live at the same address. The second person will receive their own card and can shop independently. This is an excellent option for those with different schedules who prefer to shop alone.
Non-Members
Without a membership, you’ll pay a 5% surcharge when shopping online on most items. Additionally, member-only deals and limited-time offers remain locked behind a paywall. While a guest checkout option is available, the extra costs you incur are significantly higher than the membership fees.
Gift Cards
If you don’t have a membership but have a gift card, you can still shop at Costco. A member will need to purchase the gift card for you, but once you have it, you can enjoy shopping in the superstore. It’s a good way to get a taste of what you’d experience with a full membership.
Come Shopping
Costco is a great place to shop when you want to get the most bang for your buck. With our list, you can see that while the regular membership is excellent, the executive membership is even better! Start earning the points you need and get those household cards so you can begin saving the money you deserve.
