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Is getting a Costco membership worth it? I share how you can maximize your discounts with Costco and come out ahead with your money!
Warehouse club memberships are usually presented as a frugal choice for everyone. Joining Costco, Sam's or BJ's is always the smart choice, but is it really?
Can you save money with it? Can everyone find it worthwhile for their budget?
Is Costco Really Worth The Cost?
I decided to share my take on our Costco membership and how it has worked out for us. Maybe it can help you to decide if a warehouse club is the right choice for you.
Types of Membership
One of the first things you have to decide with Costco is the which membership you want to sign up for.
Being a member of Costco is a bit more expensive than other clubs.
The upfront cost is just one factor in deciding what to get.
It's more important to look at the overall value of what you're getting.
- Gold Star Member ship ($60/year)
- Business Membership ($60/year)
- Executive Gold Star Membership ($120/year)
Each one has its pros and cons. We definitely didn't fit into the business membership, so we were left to choose either the basic Gold Star or the Executive Gold Star.
We decided to sign up for the Executive membership to take advantage of the cash back option.
After the first year, we saved enough that it paid for itself several times over.
Gas Savings: Money Back in Our Wallets
Costco’s gasoline has been considerably cents cheaper per gallon than other gas stations on my side of town. I've noticed a difference of 10-15 cents, which is a nice bit of savings.
Whenever I'm near Costco, I try to fill up. Not only am I getting a discount on my gasoline, but I'm also earning 2% with our Executive Membership.
Shopping Deals at C
As many people are aware, you can get some great deals shopping at Costco.
When looking at flat-screen TVs, my husband was able to get one much cheaper than what we were seeing at other stores like Best Buy.
If you're looking for good warranties, Costco has some of the best. Unlike some retailers, they have a generous return policy.
Costco's pharmacy offer some wonderful deals on prescriptions. You may also want to check if there is an optometrist at your local store. Take advantage of any deals they have.
Even though they typically have lower prices for great quality products and items, you should still price check.
Saving Money From Costco Member Deals
There are added benefits to Costco membership including discounts on certain services. These deals can give you some significant savings.
Car Insurance – We've managed to cut our insurance bill by switching to Amerprise through Costco. Our bill used to be almost $120/month and now it's $80/month for more coverage.
That's a savings of $480/year!
Towing/ Roadside Assistance – Executive members have towing and assistance included for free with their insurance policy.
If you're replacing your AAA membership, you can save around $59/year.
Some other deals Costco offers that we haven't taken advantage of are:
- Event Tickets
- Sharebuilder Bonus
- Travel Deals
However, if are things you could use, that's some extra money you get to keep in your pocket.
Getting a Costco Membership at a Discount
While still affordable considering the value you get from it, you should still try and see if you qualify for a discount on your membership fee.
How? Here are a few ways:
- Professional Associations: You may be able to get a lower membership fee if you're a part of an association.
- Web Deals – Survey sites, like MyPoints, can sometimes
- Costco Direct Deals: If you check on the web, you can sometimes find a deal on their memberships.
If you have any other ways to get a discount, please leave a tip in the comments.
Thoughts on Saving with a Warehouse Club Membership
I shared my experience, I'd love to hear your take on warehouse clubs.
Have you been able to recoup your membership costs? Is your warehouse club a great deal for you?
Photo Credit: greenwenvy08