Costco has become a go-to shopping destination for millions of people looking to save money on bulk purchases. While most members are familiar with the warehouse club’s great deals on groceries and household items, there’s much more to a Costco membership than meets the eye. Many valuable perks and services often go unnoticed by regular shoppers.
In this blog, I’ll reveal 15 hidden benefits of your Costco membership that you might not be aware of. These lesser-known perks can help you save even more money and get the most out of your annual fee.
Discounted Gift Cards
Costco offers a wide variety of gift cards at prices lower than their face value. You can find gift cards for restaurants, movie theaters, theme parks, and more at significant discounts. This perk allows you to save money on dining out, entertainment, and other everyday expenses. By purchasing discounted gift cards, you can effectively get a discount on services and products not typically available at Costco.
Affordable Travel Packages
Many members don’t realize that Costco offers travel services with exclusive discounts. You can book vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and hotel stays through Costco Travel. These deals often include perks like room upgrades, food and beverage credits, or Costco Shop Cards. Comparing Costco’s travel offers with other providers can lead to substantial savings on your next trip.
Cheap Gas Prices
Costco gas stations typically offer fuel at prices lower than nearby competitors. The savings can add up quickly, especially if you drive frequently. While you might have to wait in line, the price difference often makes it worthwhile. Remember to factor in these potential gas savings when considering the value of your membership.
Affordable Prescription Medications
The Costco pharmacy offers prescription medications at competitive prices, often lower than many other pharmacies. You don’t even need to be a member to use the pharmacy in some states, but members may receive additional discounts. This benefit can lead to significant savings, especially on medications not covered by insurance or for those with high deductibles.
Free Health Screenings
Costco occasionally offers free health screenings to its members. These can include tests for heart health, diabetes, and osteoporosis. While not a replacement for regular doctor visits, these screenings can help you monitor your health and potentially catch issues early. Check with your local Costco for their health screening schedule.
Affordable Optical Services
Costco’s optical department offers eye exams, contact lenses, and glasses at competitive prices. You can often find designer frames at a fraction of the cost you’d pay elsewhere. Even if you don’t have vision insurance, Costco’s prices for eye care services and products can be quite reasonable.
Tire Center Services
Beyond selling tires at competitive prices, Costco’s tire centers offer free rotation, balancing, and flat repair for the life of the tires you purchase there. This service can save you a significant amount of money over the lifespan of your tires. Additionally, Costco often runs promotions that include installation in the price of the tires.
Extended Warranty Coverage
When you purchase electronics or appliances with your Costco credit card, you often receive an additional two years of warranty coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. This extended coverage can save you money on repair costs and provide peace of mind on major purchases. Be sure to keep your receipt and credit card statement as proof of purchase.
RV and Boat Loans
Costco partners with financial institutions to offer competitive rates on RV and boat loans to its members. If you’re in the market for these big-ticket items, checking Costco’s loan offers could potentially save you thousands in interest over the life of the loan. Even if you don’t end up using Costco’s service, it’s a good benchmark for comparison.
Identity Protection Services
Costco offers identity protection services at a discounted rate to its members. These services can help monitor your credit, alert you to potential identity theft, and provide recovery assistance if your identity is stolen. This service can be a valuable safeguard against financial fraud in today’s digital age.
Business Services
For small business owners, Costco offers a range of business services at discounted rates. These include payment processing, business phone systems, and water delivery. If you run a business, these services could potentially save you a significant amount of money compared to other providers. It’s worth exploring these options to see if they fit your business needs.
Discounted Insurance Policies
Costco partners with insurance providers to offer members discounted rates on various insurance policies. These can include auto, home, and life insurance. The savings on insurance premiums can be substantial, potentially offsetting the cost of your membership many times over. It’s worth getting a quote through Costco to compare with your current insurance rates.
Affordable Photo Printing Services
Costco’s photo center offers high-quality printing services at competitive prices. You can print everything from standard photos to large canvases and photo books. The quality is often comparable to more expensive photo labs, but at a fraction of the cost. This service is particularly valuable for preserving family memories or creating personalized gifts.
Free Technical Support
When you purchase electronics from Costco, you get access to free technical support through Costco Concierge Services. This support is available even after the manufacturer’s tech support has expired. The service can help you troubleshoot issues, set up your devices, and even assist with returns if necessary. This benefit can save you money on tech support fees and reduce the frustration of dealing with technical problems.
Mortgage Services
Costco partners with select lenders to offer mortgage services to its members. These services often come with lower fees and competitive interest rates. While you should always shop around for the best mortgage deal, Costco’s offering can be a good starting point or comparison tool. The potential savings on a mortgage through this service could be significant over the life of the loan.
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