Costco Membership Cost: Gold Star, Business and Executive Memberships
Costco offers two $65 plans, one personal and one for businesses, as well as a $130 executive level.
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It's important to make the most of your money when shopping for groceries and household items. And sometimes buying in bulk can be more cost effective and convenient than purchasing items one at a time.
A wholesale club like Costco can be a good option if you’re interested in getting discounted prices on items. You can access Costco by paying an annual membership fee, which starts at $65.
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?
While Costco doesn’t provide free memberships, there are new-member promotions for certain groups of people. 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.
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.
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.
Is a Costco membership worth it?
A Costco membership may be worth it if you live in a multiperson household and want to purchase items in bulk and potentially save on groceries and home goods. A benefit of Costco memberships is savings on gas, travel deals, medications (in some states) and certain business-related expenses (if you opt for the business membership).
Costco also has an option to cancel your membership and receive a refund if you're dissatisfied. For product returns, Costco will refund your purchase price on most items, with a few exceptions.
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 living situation.
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.
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