Costco Membership Math

2025 prices

• Gold Star — $65/year. Two cards (you + spouse).
• Executive — $130/year. Same access + 2% cash back on purchases (capped at $1,250/year).
• Executive break-even: spend $3,250/year at Costco. Below that, Gold Star wins.

Worth it if you spend regularly on...

• Gas — usually $0.20-0.40/gallon cheaper than nearby. $200+/year savings for typical driver.
• Prescriptions — Costco Pharmacy is one of the cheapest in the US. No membership needed for pharmacy by federal law, but members get pricing.
• Hearing aids — Kirkland brand 30-50% less than competitors. $1,500-2,000 savings.
• Tires — installation, lifetime rotation, road hazard included. Saves $100+ vs Discount Tire.
• Eyeglasses — frames + lenses ~$70-150 vs $300+ elsewhere.
• Travel — Costco Travel often beats Expedia for cruises, rentals, hotels.
• Bulk groceries — meat, eggs, paper goods, vitamins.
• Rotisserie chicken — $5 (subsidized).

NOT worth it if...

• You live alone, eat little, no freezer space.
• Drive an EV (no gas savings).
• No Costco within 30 minutes.
• Buy mostly fresh produce in small amounts.
• Already use BJ's or Sam's Club.

Underused perks

• Hearing test — FREE (members) at any Hearing Aid Center.
• Photo conversion — VHS to digital, photo prints, books.
• Auto Buying Program — pre-negotiated car prices. Often $1-3K below MSRP.
• Concierge tech support — free for major electronics. 90-day return on most electronics.
• Identity theft monitoring — free with Executive membership (CitizensGo).
• Free price adjustments — bring receipt within 30 days, get refund of difference.
• Fuel station saves up to $0.40/gallon.

100% money-back guarantee

If you decide Costco isn't for you, ask for a full membership refund — even at end of year. They'll refund 100%. No fine print. Try it for a year, get money back if it didn't pay off.