Costco Membership Cost: Gold Star, Business and Executive Memberships

Costco offers two $65 plans, one personal and one business, as well as a $130 executive level.

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

Updated · 3 min read
Profile photo of Tiffany Curtis
Written by Tiffany Curtis
Lead Writer
Profile photo of Pamela de la Fuente
Managing Editor
Profile photo of Lauren Schwahn
Co-written by Lauren Schwahn
Lead Writer & Content Strategist

If you're trying to save money amid rising grocery prices, buying in bulk from a wholesale club like Costco might be a good option.

Costco charges annual membership fees, which start at $65. In return, members get access to discounted prices on items.

Costco membership price

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.

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.

  • 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 boasts 133 million members and has a renewal rate above 90%

.

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.

The cost of food at home, aka groceries, has gone up for the past two months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Consumer Price Index Summary. Accessed Apr 23, 2025.
. Buying food in bulk at discounted rates could help you save over the long term.

Costco memberships also offer savings on gas, travel deals, medications (in some states) and certain business-related expenses (if you opt for the business membership).

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.

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. They also accept 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.

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.

Costco has an option to cancel your membership and receive a refund if you're dissatisfied.

ON THIS PAGE

    ON THIS PAGE