16 Costco Membership Benefits You May Not Know About (And How They Could Save You $1,000+)

Financial Perks: Cashback and Credits That Add Up Fast

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These are the benefits that make Executive membership a genuine money-maker for frequent shoppers.

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2% Cashback on All Qualified Purchases (Up to $1,250)

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This is the flagship Executive benefit, and it's more valuable than it appears:

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• Earn 2% back on most warehouse purchases, Costco.com orders, and Costco Travel bookings
• Maximum annual reward: $1,250 (requires $62,500 in annual spending)
• Reward certificate mailed about two months before your membership renewal
• Never expires as long as your membership remains active
• Can be used for merchandise or applied toward membership renewal

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Tracking your rewards: Every Costco receipt shows your year-to-date reward accumulation. You can also check online through your Costco.com account under "My Account" → "Membership Details."

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5% Cashback on Costco Gas (Plus 4% Everywhere Else)

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The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi significantly boosted its gas rewards in 2025:

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• 5% cashback at Costco gas stations
• 4% cashback at all other gas stations, EV charging stations
• Combined cap: $7,000 annually in gas purchases (then drops to 1%)
• Additional rewards: 3% on restaurants and eligible travel, 2% at Costco warehouses, 1% everywhere else
• No annual fee (requires active Costco membership)

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The math on gas savings: If you fill up weekly at Costco ($60/week average), that's $3,120 annually in gas purchases—earning you $156 in cashback. Add the 4% on non-Costco gas, and heavy drivers can max out the $7,000 cap, earning $333 from gas alone.

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Stacking rewards: Executive members using the Costco Anywhere Visa earn 2% Executive rewards PLUS 2% credit card rewards on warehouse purchases = 4% total cashback. On gas at Costco, you're earning 2% (Executive) + 5% (credit card) = 7% total cashback.

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$10 Monthly Instacart Credit for Executive Members

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Added in late 2025, this benefit has quickly become one of the most valuable for busy families:

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• $10 credit per month on orders $150+ through Instacart or SameDay.Costco.com
• $120 annual value (nearly covers the entire $65 Executive upgrade fee)
• Discounted Instacart+ membership: $79/year for Costco members (vs. $99 regular price)
• Potential item savings: Up to 7% on select items by linking Costco and Instacart accounts
• Free delivery on orders $35+ with Instacart+ membership

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How to activate: Link your Costco membership to your Instacart account through the Costco app or Instacart website. The $10 credit automatically applies to qualifying orders each month (use it or lose it—doesn't roll over).

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Real value calculation: $120 in monthly credits + $20 Instacart+ discount = $140 annual benefit that alone justifies most of the Executive upgrade fee.

Exclusive Shopping Perks and Early Access

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These benefits improve your actual Costco shopping experience beyond just pricing.

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Executive Early Shopping Hours

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Rolled out nationwide in 2025, this is the perk Executive members consistently praise most:

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• Monday-Friday: 9:00am - 10:00am (one hour early)
• Saturday: 9:00am - 9:30am (30 minutes early)
• Sunday: 9:00am - 10:00am (one hour early)

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Why it matters: Members report 20-30 minute shopping trips during early hours versus 60-90 minutes during peak times. You get first pick of high-demand items (rotisserie chickens, fresh bakery items, weekend roadshow deals), no checkout lines, and you can actually navigate aisles without playing bumper carts.

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For parents with young children or anyone who values time efficiency, this benefit alone can justify the Executive upgrade.

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Extended Warranties on Electronics

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Costco automatically extends manufacturer warranties on most electronics:

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• Most electronics: Additional 1 year beyond manufacturer warranty
• Televisions: Additional 2 years (total of 3 years minimum coverage)
• Major appliances: Additional 1 year plus access to Costco's extended warranty program
• Computers and tablets: 1 additional year

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Free Concierge Technical Support: Costco provides free lifetime technical support for electronics purchased at Costco through their Concierge Service (1-866-861-0450). This eliminates the need for expensive manufacturer support plans or Geek Squad services.

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Savings example: A $1,500 TV at Best Buy with a 2-year extended warranty costs $279.99 extra. At Costco, you automatically get 3 years of coverage at no additional cost.

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Discounted Gift Cards (Save 10-30% Instantly)

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This is one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget without changing spending habits:

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• Restaurant gift cards: Often $79.99 for $100 value (20% off)
• Movie theater tickets: $40-45 for 4-packs that cost $50-60 elsewhere
• Retail gift cards: Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Starbucks at 10-20% discounts
• Streaming services: Occasional discounted subscription cards

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Strategy: Buy gift cards for places you already shop regularly. It's essentially an instant discount on future purchases. Annual savings for strategic gift card buyers: $150-300.

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Bonus tip: Executive members earn 2% cashback on gift card purchases, effectively stacking discounts.

Costco Travel: Vacation Deals with Hidden Value

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Costco Travel deserves its own section because it operates differently than Expedia, Booking.com, or direct booking—and understanding the difference is crucial.

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How Costco Travel Actually Works

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Costco doesn't just aggregate hotel prices—they negotiate packages with added value:

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• Resort credits ($200-500 value) included with many packages
• Room upgrades when available
• Airport transportation included on select packages
• Complimentary breakfast or resort amenities
• Executive members earn 2% cashback on all travel bookings

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Real example (February 2026):

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• 7-night Maui resort package: $3,200 through Costco Travel
  • Includes: $400 resort credit, airport transfers, daily breakfast, room upgrade to ocean view
  • Same hotel direct booking: $3,500 with no extras
  • Total value advantage: $900+

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Best Travel Categories for Costco Members

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Cruises: Costco often includes onboard credits ($50-300 depending on cruise length) and occasionally cabin upgrades. They work with major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney Cruise Line, and Celebrity.

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All-inclusive resorts: Mexico and Caribbean packages frequently include the best value-adds, particularly at higher-end resorts.

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Theme parks: Disney World, Disneyland, Universal packages bundle hotel + tickets + sometimes dining plans at competitive pricing with good flexibility.

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Rental cars: Pre-negotiated rates with Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise often beat direct booking, especially for longer rentals (7+ days).

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When Costco Travel Isn't the Best Deal

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International flights: Costco Travel focuses on packages, not standalone flights. Use Google Flights or Hopper for flight-only bookings.

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Last-minute bookings: Costco Travel shines for advance planning (30+ days out). Last-minute deals are better found on HotelTonight or Priceline.

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Boutique hotels: The inventory skews toward chain hotels and major resorts. For unique, independent properties, Booking.com has better selection.

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Pro tip: Always compare Costco Travel's package price against booking components separately. Factor in the value of credits and perks, not just base pricing.

Auto Program and Insurance Savings

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These are the "big ticket" benefits that can deliver $1,000+ in value from a single transaction.

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Pre-Arranged Car Pricing (Save $1,000-4,000 Per Purchase)

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The Costco Auto Program eliminates the worst part of car buying—dealer negotiation:

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• Pre-negotiated, no-haggle pricing with authorized dealerships
• Average savings: $1,000+ off average market transaction prices
• Transparent pricing before you visit the dealership
• Covers new and certified pre-owned vehicles
• Most major manufacturers participate (excludes direct-sales brands like Tesla and Rivian)

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How it actually works:

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1. Research vehicles on Costco's Auto Program website
2. Get the Costco member price for your chosen vehicle
3. Contact the authorized dealer (Costco provides the contact)
4. Show your membership card and reference the Costco price
5. Complete the purchase at the pre-negotiated price

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Additional auto benefits:

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• 15% off parts, service, and accessories at participating service centers (up to $500 per visit)
• Discounts on extended warranties and service contracts
• RV discounts through Camping World partnership

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Real member savings: One Executive member reported saving $4,000 on a new SUV purchase compared to dealer's "best offer"—that's 30 years of Gold Star membership fees covered in one transaction.

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What about the 15% service discount? It applies to routine maintenance at participating service centers. A $200 service (oil change, tire rotation, inspection) becomes $170—saving $30 per visit. Members using this benefit 4-6 times yearly save $120-180 annually.

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Insurance Discounts Through Multiple Providers

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Costco partners with several insurance providers offering member-exclusive rates:

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Home and Auto Insurance (via American Family Insurance/CONNECT):

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• Bundled discounts for home + auto policies
• Typical savings: $200-400 annually compared to direct insurer rates
• No-obligation quotes available online or by phone
• Coverage available in most states

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Life Insurance (via Protective Life):

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• Lower premiums in the first 5 years
• Term periods from 10-30 years
• Simplified application process

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Pet Insurance:

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• 10-15% member discounts on comprehensive pet insurance
• Coverage for accidents, illnesses, and sometimes wellness care

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Savings reality check: Insurance pricing is highly individual based on location, driving record, coverage needs, etc. However, members consistently report competitive quotes that often beat their current rates by 10-25%. The no-obligation quote process makes comparison risk-free.

Home Services and Specialty Benefits Most Members Miss

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These services extend Costco's value beyond the warehouse into your home and daily life.

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Major Appliance Delivery and Installation

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When you buy major appliances at Costco:

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• Free basic delivery and installation (refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges)
• Free haul-away of old appliances
• Two-year Costco warranty (doubles manufacturer warranty in most cases)
• Coordinated delivery scheduling through Costco's logistics partners

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Savings vs. traditional retailers: Home Depot charges $99-149 for delivery + $25-50 for haul-away + $100+ for installation. Costco includes all of this, saving $200-300 per appliance purchase.

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Home Improvement and Contractor Services

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Costco vets and partners with contractors for major home projects:

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• Window and door installation
• Flooring installation (carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile)
• HVAC services (installation, repair, maintenance)
• Water heater installation
• Kitchen and bathroom remodeling

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The value proposition: Pre-negotiated pricing with vetted contractors, plus Costco's satisfaction guarantee backing the work. While pricing varies by region and project scope, members report competitive quotes with added peace of mind.

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Water Delivery to Home or Office

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Costco partners with water delivery services offering:

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• Discounted rates on 5-gallon bottles or dispensers
• Home or office delivery on regular schedules
• No long-term contracts required

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Costco Next: The Extended Online Catalog

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Costco Next (accessible through Costco.com) offers products not available in warehouses:

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• Camping and outdoor gear (tents, backpacks, hiking equipment)
• Patio furniture and outdoor living (grills, fire pits, gazebos)
• Specialty home goods (storage solutions, organizational systems)
• Office furniture and equipment
• Even caskets (30-50% less than funeral home pricing)

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The online platform extends your buying power beyond the warehouse's ~4,000-item selection to include thousands of additional products.

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Shutterfly 51% Off Member Discount

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Costco members receive an exclusive 51% discount on regularly priced Shutterfly orders:

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• Photo books for preserving memories
• Holiday cards and invitations
• Calendars, prints, and wall art
• Free shipping on orders $30+ (often lower than Shutterfly's general threshold)

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Annual savings for active users: Families creating annual photo books and holiday cards save $50-100+ yearly compared to retail Shutterfly pricing.

Maximizing Your Costco Benefits with the Right Credit Cards

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Strategic credit card pairing can amplify your Costco membership benefits significantly. Here's how to stack rewards across your spending.

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The Essential Foundation: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "751", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Costco Members and Shoppers", "headerHint": "Generous Rewards"} ]]

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For Frequent Travelers: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Luxurious Travel Benefits" } ]]

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For Dining and Grocery Flexibility: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Travel Value"} ]]

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For Grocery and Dining Rewards: American Express® Gold Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "118", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Generous Travel Rewards"} ]]

Hidden Benefits That Save Money in Unexpected Ways

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These are the benefits that don't fit neatly into other categories but deliver real value.

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Free Samples (The Unsung Hero)

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While not exactly "hidden," free samples deliver underestimated value:

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• Try before you buy reduces food waste from bulk purchases you don't like
• Meal supplementation (strategic weekend shopping during lunch can include 3-5 samples)
• Product discovery introduces you to items you wouldn't otherwise try

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Conservative annual value: $100-150 in avoided bad bulk purchases + occasional lunch supplementation.

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Generous Return Policy

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Costco's return policy is industry-leading:

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• Most items: Full refund at any time if you're dissatisfied
• Electronics: 90-day return window (formerly no time limit, changed in 2007)
• Diamonds: Lifetime return policy
• Membership itself: Full refund any time if you're dissatisfied

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Risk reduction value: This policy eliminates buyer's remorse on large purchases. You can try bulk items, big-ticket electronics, or even clothing with zero risk.

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Price Adjustment Policy

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If an item you purchased goes on sale within 30 days, Costco will refund the difference:

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• 30-day window from purchase date
• Bring your receipt to the membership desk
• Automatic adjustment for Costco.com purchases (price drop refunded automatically)

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Pro tip: Take photos of receipts for big purchases so you can easily monitor for price drops during the 30-day window.

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Business Checks and Office Supplies

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Costco offers business checks at 50-70% below bank pricing:

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• 250 checks: $20-30 at Costco vs. $80-100 at banks
• Office supplies: Paper, ink, toner at bulk discounts
• Business-specific items available with Business membership

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For small business owners or those working from home, office supply savings alone can justify membership.

Common Questions About Costco Membership Benefits

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Can I use the pharmacy and optical services without a membership?

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In most states, yes—federal law requires pharmacies to serve non-members, and some states extend this to optical services. However, Costco charges non-members slightly higher prices (typically 10-20% more). The membership price advantage makes joining worthwhile if you use these services regularly.

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Do the Costco Anywhere Visa rewards stack with Executive membership rewards?

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Yes! This is one of the best value stacks available. Executive members earn 2% cashback on warehouse purchases through their membership, PLUS the credit card's 2% cashback on Costco purchases, for a total of 4% back. On Costco gas, you earn 2% (Executive) + 5% (credit card) = 7% total cashback.

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How do I get the Sesame telehealth discount?

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Visit Sesame's website (sesamecare.com), create an account, and verify your Costco membership number during signup. The member-discounted pricing will automatically apply to all appointments you book. Payment is upfront at the reduced rate.

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Is Costco Travel really cheaper than booking directly with hotels or airlines?

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Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Costco Travel prioritizes total value over lowest base price. You often get resort credits ($200-500), room upgrades, included meals, or airport transfers that make the package more valuable overall. Always compare total package value, not just the base price. For standalone flights, Google Flights or airline direct booking often wins.

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Can I share my membership with family members not living at my address?

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Your membership includes one free household card for another adult living at your address. Family members at different addresses cannot share your membership. However, anyone can shop with you as a guest (but only you can make purchases).

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Work-around: Costco Shop Cards (gift cards) can be used by anyone without membership, making them useful for gifting or allowing non-member family members to shop.

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What's the best way to track my Executive rewards throughout the year?

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Check the bottom of every Costco receipt—it shows your year-to-date reward accumulation. You can also log into Costco.com, go to "My Account" → "Membership Details" to see your current reward total. The annual reward certificate arrives about two months before your renewal date.

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Do the auto program savings work on electric vehicles or Tesla?

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The Costco Auto Program works with traditional dealership-model manufacturers. Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and other direct-to-consumer EV brands aren't included since they don't use dealerships. However, you may find certified pre-owned EVs through participating dealers at discounted rates.

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If I downgrade from Executive to Gold Star, do I lose my accumulated rewards?

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No. If you downgrade mid-year, Costco will issue your 2% reward certificate for purchases made while you were an Executive member. However, future purchases won't earn the 2% reward unless you upgrade again.

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Can I use my Costco membership at international locations?

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Yes! Your Costco membership is valid at all Costco warehouses worldwide, including locations in Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Spain, France, Iceland, and the UK. However, some benefits (like Costco Travel, pharmacy pricing, and the auto program) vary by country.

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How does the $10 monthly Instacart credit work? Does it roll over?

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The $10 credit applies automatically to qualifying orders of $150+ placed through Instacart or SameDay.Costco.com each calendar month. It does not roll over—use it or lose it each month. The credit applies before delivery fees and service charges.

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What items don't qualify for the 2% Executive reward?

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The main exclusions are: cigarettes/tobacco, alcoholic beverages (in some states), gasoline, Costco Shop Cards, postage stamps, and some service fees. Virtually everything else qualifies, including groceries, electronics, appliances, clothing, pharmacy, optical, and Costco Travel.

Bottom Line: Stop Leaving Money on the Table

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Here's what most members don't realize: you're already paying for these benefits. Whether it's $65 or $130 annually, that money is gone—the only question is whether you're extracting the value you're entitled to.

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The data is clear: most Costco members use approximately 30% of available benefits. If you're spending $65-130 per year, you should be extracting at least $500-1,000 in value—and the math proves it's entirely achievable.

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Your Action Plan This Week

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Stop reading about benefits and start using them. Here's your specific to-do list:

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Immediate actions (do today):

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1. Apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card if you don't have it—5% gas cashback is free money
2. Link your Costco membership to Instacart to activate the $10 monthly credit
3. Download the Costco app for easier receipt tracking and rewards monitoring

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This month:

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‍4. Check your annual Costco spending (receipts or Costco.com purchase history)—if you're over $3,250, upgrade to Executive

5. Price your current prescriptions at Costco pharmacy—compare your copays or out-of-pocket costs

6. Get a quote on home/auto insurance through Costco's partner (no obligation, just compare)

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Next major purchase:

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‍7. Check Costco's Auto Program before buying a car (even test-driving lets you see the member price)

8. Browse Costco Travel before booking your next vacation (compare package value, not just base price)

9. Buy major appliances at Costco for free delivery/installation and extended warranty

10. Use Sesame for your next minor illness instead of urgent care—$29 virtual visit vs. $100+ copay

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Annual review:

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‍11. Track your Executive reward accumulation via receipts—if you're not hitting $65+, consider downgrading

12. Review which benefits you actually used—adjust your strategy for next year

13. Re-evaluate membership tier based on changing spending patterns or household needs