Costco isn’t just where you go for toilet paper and rotisserie chickens. It’s a goldmine for shoppers who know how to play the game. If you’ve ever walked out of there with a $500 receipt and wondered what just happened, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: there are clever ways to make Costco work for you, not the other way around.
These smart moves can save you hundreds this year, whether you’re a seasoned bulk-buyer or still getting your feet wet. We’re talking about more than clipping coupons or chasing samples. These are real, practical hacks; some well-known, others hidden in plain sight. Let’s get into it.
Use the Price Tag Codes
Price tags ending in .97 mean the item is on clearance. If there’s an asterisk in the top right corner, that product won’t be restocked. Find something you love with both signs? Stock up. Additionally, prices of $0.88 and $0.00 indicate manager markdowns. It’s Costco’s version of a secret sale.
Split the Membership
You don’t need to shoulder the $60 annual fee on your own. Costco allows two people to share a membership, even if you don’t live in the same household. Split it with a friend, a roommate, your cousin’s girlfriend, whoever. Just make sure you’re the one who keeps the card.
Go for Kirkland Signature
Most of the time, Kirkland Signature items are made by top brands in disguise. Costco’s private-label toilet paper? Produced by the same folks behind Charmin. Their vodka? Rumored to be from the same distillery as Grey Goose. A Consumer Reports taste test found Kirkland products beat name brands in about 30 percent of comparisons. You get the quality without the label markup.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Hidden near the checkout or online, Costco sells packs of gift cards for less than their value. Think $100 worth of restaurant or movie vouchers for $75. If you eat out or gift cards are your go-to for birthdays, this adds up fast.
Time Your Gas Fill-Ups
Gas at Costco is consistently cheaper than at nearby stations. Consumer Reports says that Costco members get paid back 4% on gas purchases per year. That’s $4 savings on a 20-gallon fill-up. Multiply that by how often you drive, and you’ve got a real dent in your fuel spending.
Skip the Middle Aisles for Non-Essentials
This one’s about self-control. The middle aisles are where Costco places seasonal or luxury items: those TVs, massage chairs, or air fryers you didn’t plan to buy. Stick to the outer loop if you’re just there for groceries and staples. It’s like sticking to the grocery list when you’re hungry, only smarter.
Know the Best Days to Shop
Weekday mornings, specifically Tuesday through Thursday, are your best bet. The crowds are thinner, the staff is restocking, and you’re more likely to score fresh produce or meat. A report found that midweek at 10 a.m. is the sweet spot for product availability.
Take Advantage of Costco Travel
Costco Travel offers deals on vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and hotel stays. And they’re surprisingly good. Costco Travel packages are often cheaper than booking directly. Plus, they include extras like food credits or free upgrades.
Get Prescription Meds Without Insurance
You don’t need to be a member to use Costco’s pharmacy. And their prescription prices often undercut big chain competitors. A CNN report showed that CVS charges about 133% more than Costco for generic drugs. If you’re paying out of pocket, this is a game-changer.
Watch for Seasonal Clearance
Right after a major holiday, think Christmas, Halloween, or Fourth of July, seasonal items are heavily discounted. That $200 inflatable snowman? Down to $60 in January. Shop off-season, and you’ll be ahead of the game come next year.
Use the Costco App and Price Match Yourself
The app is more than just a digital card. It shows current deals and helps track in-store vs. online pricing. If something you bought drops in price within 30 days, Costco will refund the difference. But you have to ask. Bookmark your receipts and check prices regularly.
Don’t Sleep on the Food Court
The food court is still the king of value. The $1.50 hot dog and soda combo hasn’t changed in decades. But there’s more: the pizza, chicken bake, and even the acai bowl are popular for a reason. Compared to fast food or even groceries, you can feed your family for under $10.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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