Before we dive into the details of Costco membership costs, we’d like to take a moment to thank you for joining us on this journey. At Costco, we value our members and strive to provide them with exceptional value and quality products and services. Whether you’re a new member or have been with us for years, we hope this blog helps you make informed decisions about your membership.
Why it’s important to know how much a Costco membership costs
As a savvy shopper, you want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. That’s why it’s important to know how much a Costco membership costs and what benefits come with it. Costco memberships come in three different levels: Gold star, Business, and Executive. Each level comes with its own set of perks and rewards, and it’s essential to understand what you get with each level to decide which membership is best for you.
Now let’s take a closer look at the cost and benefits of each membership level.
Gold Star Membership
The Gold Star membership is the most basic membership level offered by Costco. The annual membership fee for Gold Star membership is $60. With the Gold Star membership, you’ll receive:
- A free Household Card
- Access to all Costco locations worldwide
- The ability to purchase goods and services for personal use
- The double guarantee applies to all membership levels (meaning we guarantee both your membership and our products)
If you’re looking for a no-frills membership that gives you access to Costco’s unbeatable prices and quality products, the Gold Star membership might be the perfect fit for you.
Business Membership
If you own a business and want to take advantage of the savings and benefits of shopping at Costco, the Business Membership might be the way to go. The annual membership fee for this level is also $60. With the Business membership, you’ll receive:
- A free Household Card
- The ability to add Affiliate Cardholders for $60 each
- The ability to purchase goods and services for resale
- The double guarantee applies to all membership levels (meaning we guarantee both your membership and our products)
If you’re in the resale business or want to purchase supplies for your business, the Business Membership could help you save big on your overhead costs.
Executive Membership
The Executive Membership is the most prestigious membership level offered by Costco. The annual membership fee for Executive Membership is $120. With the Executive Membership, you’ll receive all the perks of the Gold Star and Business Membership along with these additional benefits:
- An annual 2% reward on qualified Costco purchases (up to $1,000)
- Extra benefits on select Costco Travel products
- The ability to purchase products and services for personal and business use
If you’re a frequent shopper at Costco and want to maximize your savings, the Executive Membership could be the perfect fit for you.
Conclusion
Now that you know how much a Costco membership costs and what benefits come with each level, you can make an informed decision about which membership is right for you. Remember, at Costco, the double guarantee applies to all membership levels, meaning we stand behind both your membership and our products. So, sign up today and start enjoying the incredible savings and quality products that only Costco can offer.[1][2]Types of Membership
At Costco, there are three types of memberships available for customers worldwide – Gold Star, Executive, and Business. All memberships give access to all Costco locations worldwide.
Gold Star Membership
Gold Star Membership is the most basic and cheapest option for customers who aren’t affiliated with a business. The annual membership fee is $60, plus applicable sales tax. This membership allows members to shop at any Costco location worldwide and comes with a free Household Card. Non-members can shop on Costco’s website but have access to only select deals, and online prices are often higher than in-store.
Executive Membership
The Executive Membership costs $120 annually and includes a free Household Card. The membership fee includes a $60 upgrade fee and is valid at all Costco locations worldwide. Executive members earn a 2% reward on most of Costco’s products and services, excluding gasoline, in-store promotions, and special events. Members can earn up to $1,000 in rewards annually.
Business Membership
The Business Membership is available for business owners and costs $60 annually per affiliate. Business members must provide Costco with appropriate resale information. Similar to the Executive Membership, Business Members can shop at all Costco locations worldwide and can purchase for resale. They also have the option to add Affiliate Cardholders for $60 each.
It is important to note that the Costco double guarantee applies to all membership levels. This means that Costco guarantees your membership and products with a refund if they don’t meet your satisfaction. Costco members also have the option to shop online or in-store for a wide range of products and services.
In conclusion, Costco offers three types of memberships, Gold Star, Executive, and Business, all of which provide access to every Costco location worldwide. Each membership has its own benefits and caters to different types of customers. Before choosing a membership, determine your needs and budget to make the best choice for you.[1][2]
Executive Membership
Costco’s Executive Membership is a premium option for customers who shop frequently and want to earn rewards on their purchases. The Executive Membership gives access to all Costco locations worldwide and online at Costco.com.
Cost of Costco Executive Membership
The Executive Membership costs $120 annually, which includes a $60 upgrade fee and a $60 membership fee. The membership is valid for one year and comes with a free Household Card. Sales tax may apply depending on your location.
It is important to note that the Executive Membership costs more than the Gold Star Membership, but it also provides more benefits, including the potential to earn rewards on most of Costco’s products and services.
Benefits of Costco Executive Membership
Executive Members earn a 2% reward on most of Costco’s products and services, excluding gasoline, in-store promotions, and special events. The reward can be redeemed at any Costco location worldwide and is calculated on the amount spent annually.
Additionally, Executive Members receive extra benefits, such as exclusive access to certain services and events, including Costco Travel, Auto, and Home Insurance, and Costco Connection magazine subscription.
Furthermore, the Executive Membership provides extended warranty benefits for their purchases. Members receive an extra year on top of the manufacturer’s warranty on purchases for eligible products, including electronics and appliances.
In conclusion, paying for an Executive Membership can be worthwhile for customers who shop at Costco frequently and want to earn rewards on their purchases. The extra benefits and rewards that come with this membership can make up for the higher cost of the annual fee. However, customers should weigh the cost and benefits of different memberships before making a decision.[3][4]
Business Membership
Cost of Costco Business Membership
For business owners, Costco offers a Business Membership for $60 per year per affiliate. To become a Business Member, you must show a business license or three types of business ID. In order to purchase for resale or business use, you will need to provide appropriate resale information.
The Business Membership is a cost-effective way to buy products for your business, with access to all Costco locations worldwide. You also have the option to add Affiliate Cardholders for $60 each.
Benefits of Costco Business Membership
The benefits of a Costco Business Membership include access to all Costco locations worldwide, exclusive discounts on select Costco Travel packages, and greater savings on services such as payroll and merchant services.
One of the biggest benefits of the Business Membership is the ability to purchase for resale. This means that you can save money by buying products in bulk and then selling them in your own business. Business Members can also earn up to 2% back on qualified purchases made with their Executive Membership.
Another advantage of the Business Membership is the added convenience of having additional Affiliate Cardholders. This allows multiple employees in your business to have their own membership card.
It’s important to note that the Costco double guarantee applies to all membership levels including the Business Membership. This means that Costco guarantees your satisfaction on both the membership and the products or services purchased with it.
In conclusion, the Costco Business Membership is an excellent option for business owners who want exclusive discounts on select Costco Travel packages, greater savings on services, the ability to purchase products for resale, and access to all Costco locations worldwide.[3][4]
Adding Household Cardholder
Cost of adding a Household Cardholder
As a regular Costco member, you can add a household cardholder to your account without paying any additional membership fee. This secondary member will have the same card as the primary member but with their name and photo on it. This will allow them to shop at Costco without paying any extra membership fee.
However, if you want to add more than two cardholders per membership, you will need to sign up for a Business Membership, which costs $60 per year. This will allow the primary user to assign an “affiliate cardholder” to the account and that affiliate can then sign up a household member for a secondary account if they wish.
Benefits of adding a Household Cardholder
Adding a household cardholder to your Costco membership can be very beneficial. It not only allows your family members to shop at Costco for free, but it also gives you an opportunity to earn rewards. If you have an Executive Membership, you can earn up to 2% cashback on qualified purchases made by your household cardholders.
In addition, the secondary member can avail of the same great savings deals, discounts, and benefits as the primary member. They can also purchase gas, prescriptions, and other services at Costco. The household cardholder can also shop at any Costco location without any additional membership fee charge.
Moreover, adding a household cardholder can be very convenient for families. It saves money on additional membership fees and allows your family members to enjoy the same great Costco savings and discounts as you. It also gives them an opportunity to shop for bulk items while you focus on other household errands.
In conclusion, adding a household cardholder to your regular Costco membership can provide you with a great deal of benefits, especially if you have an Executive Membership. It is also very cost-effective as there is no additional membership fee charge. So, if you have not already done so, consider adding a family member to your Costco membership today![5][6]
Ways to join Costco
Join Online
If you prefer the convenience of signing up from the comfort of your own home, you can join Costco online. Simply visit their website and follow the prompts to become a member. You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, address, email address, and phone number. To receive your membership card in-store, you will also need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID, as well as the confirmation email you receive from Costco.
Keep in mind that when you sign up online, you will not have access to any physical Costco locations until you receive your membership card. You will only be able to access Costco’s online store until then.
Join In-Store
Joining Costco in-store is as easy as visiting any Costco location and heading to the membership desk. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, email address, and phone number. Additionally, you will need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID in order to receive your membership card.
If you are interested in signing up for a Business Membership, make sure to bring a business license or three types of business ID. You can also add Affiliate Cardholders for $60 each.
In order to purchase products for resale or business use, you will need to provide appropriate resale information.
No matter which way you choose to sign up, you will enjoy the benefits of being a Costco member. This includes access to all Costco locations worldwide, as well as the ability to earn up to 2% back on qualified purchases. Additionally, you will have access to exclusive discounts on a variety of services, including auto and home insurance, pet insurance, photo printing, and more.
In conclusion, whether you choose to join online or in-store, becoming a Costco member is a wise investment. With the ability to save money on a variety of products and services, as well as the convenience of shopping at one of the world’s largest retailers, Costco is a membership well worth having.[5][6]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of a Costco membership?
There are three types of Costco memberships: Gold Star, Executive, and Business. The cost of a Gold Star Membership is $60 per year, while the cost of an Executive Membership is $120 per year ($60 membership fee plus a $60 upgrade fee). The cost of a Business Membership is also $60 per year, with the option to add Affiliate Cardholders for $60 each.
Can non-members get into Costco?
In general, non-members are not allowed to shop in Costco. However, there are a few exceptions. Non-members can accompany a Costco member into the store, but they will not be able to purchase anything unless they have a Costco Cash Card or a member makes the purchase for them. Additionally, certain Costco services, such as the pharmacy and food court, are open to non-members.
How many people can use my Costco membership?
With a standard Costco membership, you are allowed to bring up to two guests into the store per visit. However, only members are allowed to make purchases. If you have a Business Membership, you can add Affiliate Cardholders who can make purchases on behalf of the business. A Household Card is also included with all membership types, which allows another person in your household to shop with your membership.[7][8][9]
Ways to Join Costco
Join Online
If you prefer convenience, you can join Costco online from the comfort of your own home. By visiting their website, you can follow simple prompts to become a member. Keep in mind; you will need to provide standard information such as name, birth date, address, email address, phone number, government-issued photo ID, and confirmation email from Costco.
Online membership allows you to shop only at Costco’s online store until you receive your membership card by mail.
Join In-Store
Joining in-store is straightforward; just visit any Costco location and head to the membership desk. You will need to provide the same information as online registration. Additionally, you will need a valid government-issued photo ID to receive your membership card.
If you’re interested in a Business Membership, be sure to bring your license or three types of business ID. You can also add Affiliate Cardholders for $60 each. In order to purchase for resale or business use, you will need to provide appropriate resale information.
By signing up either online or in-store, you will get exclusive discounts on a variety of services, including auto and home insurance, pet insurance, photo printing, and more. Also, you can earn up to 2% back on qualified purchases.
Summarizing the key points
Costco membership relies solely on repeat shoppers who buy and renew their memberships. By selling memberships, Costco can offer products at deep discounts, barely covering costs. However, membership revenue continues to grow and contributes significantly to Costco’s business model. Customers can save up to $20 per visit compared to what they spend in other stores. The basic Gold Star membership is $60 annually, while the Executive membership is $120 per year, offering additional savings and cashback on eligible purchases.
Encouraging readers to join Costco
Regardless of whether you join online or in-store, becoming a Costco member is a wise investment. The convenience of shopping at one of the world’s largest retailers where you can save money on a variety of products and services, making it well worth consideration. With their membership prices, it will take only a few visits to save more than the cost of the membership, making it an excellent investment for any shopper. By joining Costco, you can access all their locations worldwide, benefit from their exclusive discounts, and enjoy their large selection of quality products.[7][8]
Ways to Join Costco
Join Online
If you want to join Costco from the comfort of your own home, you can do so easily by visiting their website. All you need to do is provide standard information such as your name, birth date, address, email address, phone number, government-issued photo ID, and confirmation email from Costco. With online membership, you can shop only at Costco’s online store until you receive your membership card by mail.
Join In-Store
Joining Costco in-store is just as simple. Just visit any Costco location and go to the membership desk. Provide the same information as online registration and a valid government-issued photo ID to receive your membership card. If you’re interested in a Business Membership, make sure to bring your license or three types of business ID. You can also add Affiliate Cardholders for $60 each. In order to purchase for resale or business use, you will need to provide appropriate resale information.
By signing up online or in-store, you can get exclusive discounts on a variety of services, including auto and home insurance, pet insurance, photo printing, and more. You can also earn up to 2% back on qualified purchases.
Summarizing the Key Points
Costco relies solely on repeat shoppers who buy and renew their memberships. By selling memberships, Costco can offer products at deep discounts, barely covering costs. Membership revenue continues to grow and contributes significantly to Costco’s business model. The basic Gold Star membership costs $60 annually, while the Executive membership costs $120 per year and offers additional savings and cashback on eligible purchases. Customers can save up to $20 per visit compared to what they spend in other stores.
Sources
List of Sources Used in the Article
– Costco website: https://www.costco.com/
– NerdWallet: https://www.nerdwallet.com/
– Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/
– CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/
– Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/
Regardless of whether you join online or in-store, becoming a Costco member is a wise investment. With their membership prices, you only need to make a few visits to save more than the cost of the membership. By joining Costco, you can access all their locations worldwide, benefit from their exclusive discounts, and enjoy their large selection of quality products. Join Costco today to start saving on your purchases.[9]
