A Costco Executive Membership turns shopping into a treasure hunt for deals and convenience. It’s not just a card it’s a ticket to special benefits that go beyond the bulk purchases. For us, it’s a household changer that maximizes every dollar spent.
Eight years of being Costco members, and paying the extra $130 a year for the Executive level was a no-brainer. The perks, from cash back rewards to special services, always pay for themselves. Our four-person household benefits with every grocery trip and beyond.
This guide dives into 15 reasons why the Executive Membership shines, based on real experiences and insider tips. From financial perks to lifestyle enhancements, you’ll see why it’s worth every penny. Let’s explore how to maximize your membership and make smart spending effortless.
1. 2% Annual Reward: Cash Back That Adds Up
The 2% Annual Reward is the backbone of value in the Executive Membership. You get back up to $1,250 on qualifying purchases made at Costco warehouses, online and on Costco Travel. It converts everyday shopping into a money-saving machine.
Rewards accrue over the year and arrive as a certificate before renewal. This certificate can be redeemed for goods or cashed out, like a bonus for loyalty. For our family, it’s like getting a yearly gift for shopping smart.
To breakeven on the $60 upgrade from Gold Star, you’ll only require $3,000 in spending per year approximately $250 per month. Most households reach this with groceries alone. After that, every dollar spent is cold hard savings, up to the $1,250 limit.
- Spend $3,000 per year to pay for the upgrade with rewards.
- Use the reward certificate to make purchases or redeem it for cash.
- Monitor spending to take your 2% cashback potential to the max.
2. Special Shopping Hours: Sanity-Saving Trips
Exclusive shopping hours are an Executive Member benefit, saving time and sanity. You receive an additional hour between Sunday and Friday; on Saturdays, a half-hour. It’s your opportunity to shop with smaller crowds.
A busy Costco can be daunting, particularly around holidays. These early shopping hours provide reduced lines, simpler parking, and a more peaceful shopping experience. Busy families, it’s a lifesaver for effective shopping.
This advantage makes bulk shopping feel luxurious and effortless. You can zip through aisles and checkout with ease, getting your precious weekend time back. It’s a little privilege with a major impact on your shopping experience.
3. $10 Monthly Delivery Credit: Convenience at Your Door
The $10 SameDay.Costco.com or Instacart monthly credit is a sanity saver for busy families. It reduces orders over $150 by $120 in yearly delivery fees. This benefit is only offered to Executive Members.
Grocery delivery brings bulk savings from Costco to your doorstep. It’s ideal for parents, people with mobility issues, or anyone with a tight schedule. You receive essentials without stepping outside your front door.
The credit reduces big grocery shopping hauls to a more affordable and convenient feat. Stock up on household basics or fruits and veggies in no time. It’s a contemporary bonus that sees eye to eye with today’s busy lifestyles.
- Use the $10 monthly credit towards orders $150 and above.
- Plan deliveries for hectic days to save time.
- Pair with 2% rewards for added savings on deliveries.
4. Pura Vida Fire-Roasted Root Vegetables: Easy, Healthy Sides
Pura Vida fire-roasted root vegetables are a staple for speedy, healthy meals. Pre-seasoned with olive oil, pepper, and salt, they’re ready for the air fryer. Anne James appreciates their ease and flavor.
This combination of sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and onions brings variety to dinners. A drizzle of honey makes a caramelized glaze, enhancing flavor. It’s a restaurant-style side with little effort.
These vegetables are time-saving and keep meals healthy and interesting. They are great for a busy weeknight when you want a side dish in a hurry. Costco’s considerate selection makes eating easy.
5. Kirkland Signature Breaded Cod: Delicious, Low-Smell Protein
Kirkland Signature everything-seasoning breaded cod is an easy dinner solution. Its flaky fish and crispy coating taste gourmet, ideal for the air fryer. Anne James points out it cooks without overpowering smells.
This cod provides lean protein with strong flavor and little prep. It’s perfect for nights when time is limited but nutrition counts. The low odor makes it a kitchen staple.
Costco’s cod makes meal planning easy without losing its health benefits. It can be served with veggies or salads for a healthy meal. It’s a staple that makes eating healthily simple.
- Cook cod in the air fryer for a fast, crispy meal.
- Pair with vegetables for a healthy, balanced dinner.
- Go easy on the odor with the low-odor prep for a fine cooking experience.
6. Kirkland Signature Diapers: Quality for Less
Kirkland Signature diapers are an affordable necessity for parents. They have great leak protection and a high waistband for comfort. Anne James’ son enjoys their bear and bumblebee prints.
These diapers are long-lasting, keeping children comfortable while at play or napping. The playful animal designs introduce a fun element children love. They’re functional but fun to change diapers with.
Costco’s diapers keep your money in your pocket without losing a step in performance. They’re a smart option for households balancing child care expenses. This product gets more value out of your Executive Membership.
7. Costco’s Chicken Pot Pie: Comfort in Every Bite
Costco’s chicken pot pie is a rich, comforting dinner for hectic nights. Anne James names it “a warm hug,” with its flaky crust and rich filling. It’s a family favorite that tastes homemade.
Full of tender chicken and vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The golden crust provides a crunchy finish to each bite. Its supersized size provides several servings, frequently with leftovers.
This pot pie features generous portions at an affordable price, saving time and effort. It’s perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. Costco prepared foods make family dinner simple and delicious.
- Serve the pot pie for a fast, filling family dinner.
- Save leftovers for an easy lunch the following day.
- Pair with a salad for a full, well-balanced dinner.
8. Essential Baking Company Loaves: Fresh Bread Made Simple
The Essential Baking Company take-and-bake loaves bring a bakery feel to the home. Part-baked, they finish in the oven with a fresh, golden crust. Anne James enjoys them for a fast sandwich or meal side.
Some flavors such as baguette, rustic, or garlic loaves complement any meal. They complement soups or dress up sandwiches with little effort. The bakery aroma fills your house with warmth.
Even stale bread excels as croutons or French toast casseroles. This flexibility creates no waste and optimal value. Costco’s bread loaves bring freshly baked bread within reach and affordable.
9. Costco Next: Secret Savings Online
Costco Next opens up bargains on items not in stores, from sheds to supplements. The online service provides specials from reliable vendors, accessible only to members. It’s a secret shopper’s tool.
You’ll discover high-ticket items such as appliances or lower-level necessities such as phone cases. Even special services, such as digitization or caskets, are found in Costco prices. It’s an unexpected variety of savings.
Look to Costco Next before big buys to maximize the value of your membership. The savings can be worth the yearly fee by themselves. It’s an extra that changes the way you shop for lifestyle and home essentials.
- Shop Costco Next for discounts on high-ticket items.
- Discover one-of-a-kind services such as savings digitization.
- Compare rates to get the most out of membership.
10. Rental Car Savings: Travel Smarter
Executive Members get deep rental car savings at Costco Travel for business or weekend trips. Prices consistently undercut direct bookings, with some saving three times less. It’s a benefit that quickly pays.
You can add an extra driver for free and pay only at pickup. There’s no penalty for cancellations, offering flexibility. Qualifying rentals also earn 2% rewards, boosting savings.
Compare Costco Travel rates before booking elsewhere. The ability to rebook for better prices maximizes value. This benefit makes travel more affordable and stress-free.
11. Home Installation Discounts: Upgrade Affordably
Shop at Costco’s Shop section for home items with professional installation at a savings. From HVAC to floors, you receive 10-15% back in the form of a Costco Shop Card. It’s a great way to handle major projects.
Windows, baths, countertops, and security systems are covered under services. Haul-away replacement options provide the convenience. Local contractor quality can be inconsistent, so obtain quotes and compare first.
These savings render home improvements affordable. They’re a secret treasure for homeowner budget savers. Your membership is a key to refining your living environment.
- You can use Costco Shop for discounted home installation.
- Haul-away services can make replacements easy.
- Local contractor quotations should be compared for the best value.
12. Entertainment Ticket Discounts: Enjoyment on a Shoestring
Costco ticket discounts range across concerts, sports, films, and theme parks. From Cirque du Soleil to Universal Studios, you can get discounts on memorable experiences. It’s a surprising bonus for family enjoyment.
Gift cards for movies, such as $50 for $40, save you 20% on trips to the theater. Discounts on places like Topgolf or zoos provide variety. The tickets are for individual use so that you can use them.
Scan Costco’s entertainment area before purchasing tickets elsewhere. The discounts can make the experience more budget-friendly. This benefit transforms your membership into a gateway to entertainment.
13. Moving Discounts: Relocate with Ease
Costco provides discounts on Pods containers and Budget truck rentals for hassle-free moves. Pods provide free delivery and 30 days of packing time. Discounts on storage and transport provide additional value.
Budget truck rentals have lots of sizes available, with complimentary extra drivers and roadside support. Discounts on moving materials such as boxes save as well. These benefits make large transitions easy.
Discounts on moving provide affordable and convenient relocation. They’re a saving grace in big changes. Your membership is there for you after normal shopping.
- Use Pods for convenient and flexible moving and storage.
- Rent Budget trucks for budget-friendly moves.
- Enjoy free extra drivers and materials.
14. Sesame Health Discounts: Affordable Care
With Costco’s partnership with Sesame, you save on telehealth and in-office visits. Doctor visits to specialist care, you pay out-of-pocket without surprise bills. It’s available even without insurance.
Treatment includes therapy, health check-ups, and more than 40 specialties such as dermatology. Mental health or skincare medication subscriptions can be sent or picked up. It’s an integrative wellness approach.
This benefit provides more affordable and transparent healthcare. It’s ideal for budget-conscious families that value health. Your membership is applicable to essential health requirements.
15. Costco Eyeglasses: Clear Vision, Low Cost
Costco’s Optical Center has quality eyeglasses at low prices with great selection. Anne James applauds their prices, which are frequently lower than what’s found in other stores. It’s a bargain for families requiring vision services.
Even without in-network insurance, the price is unbeatable. You can buy several pairs, such as daily glasses and sunglasses, without spending a fortune. The quality is comparable to more expensive stores.
Costco’s glasses make vision care affordable and convenient. It’s a useful bonus for Executive Members. Clear vision is one less thing to worry about.
- Shop Costco’s Optical Center for discount eyewear.
- Purchase several pairs for daily and sunglass use.
- Compare prices to get the best value.
- Maximize Your Membership
