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A Costco membership can help you save money on groceries, household essentials, gas, vacations and more—but the benefits go far beyond buying products in bulk.
Several valuable Costco perks are included with your membership at no additional cost. From a FREE household card to travel benefits and complimentary services, these extras can help make your annual membership fee more worthwhile.
Here are some of the best FREE Costco membership perks you should be using!
1. FREE Household Membership Card
Every Costco Gold Star and Executive Membership includes one FREE Household Card.
You can give this additional card to another person who is at least 16 years old and lives at your address. This allows two people in your household to shop with the same membership.
Considering that a standard Costco membership currently costs $65 per year, the complimentary Household Card can be a valuable benefit for couples and families.
Learn more about Costco memberships
2. FREE Samples Inside Costco Warehouses
One of the most popular Costco perks is the opportunity to try FREE food and product samples while shopping.
Sample availability varies by warehouse, date and time, so there is no guarantee that samples will be offered during every visit. Weekends and busy shopping periods are often the best times to find multiple sampling stations.
It is an easy—and delicious—way to try something before buying a large package.
3. FREE Hearing Tests
Participating Costco Hearing Aid Centers offer complimentary hearing tests to members.
You can schedule an appointment with a hearing-aid specialist to have your hearing evaluated without paying a separate testing fee. Hearing aids, supplies and additional services may cost extra, but the initial hearing test is generally included.
Services and appointment availability vary by location.
Find a Costco Hearing Aid Center
4. FREE Tire Maintenance Services
When you purchase and install qualifying tires through a Costco Tire Center, several ongoing services may be included for the life of the tires.
Benefits can include:
- Tire rotations
- Tire balancing
- Flat repairs
- Inflation-pressure checks
- Nitrogen tire inflation
- A road-hazard warranty
Terms and exclusions apply, and services are generally tied to eligible tires purchased through Costco. These complimentary maintenance services could save you money throughout the life of your tires.
Explore the Costco Tire Center
5. FREE Nitrogen Tire Inflation
Many Costco Tire Centers provide self-service nitrogen inflation stations that members can use to check and adjust tire pressure.
Properly inflated tires may improve tire performance, fuel efficiency and tread life. Availability and access policies can vary by warehouse, so check with your local Costco Tire Center.
6. FREE Access to Costco Travel
Costco members receive access to Costco Travel, where they can shop for member-priced:
- Vacation packages
- Cruises
- Hotels
- Rental cars
- Theme-park vacations
Using the service does not require an additional membership fee. Some packages also include extras such as Costco Shop Cards, resort credits, complimentary meals or room upgrades.
The included benefits vary by destination and package, so compare the complete price and cancellation terms before booking.
7. Additional Rental-Car Drivers May Be Included
Rental cars booked through Costco Travel may include an additional authorized driver without the standard extra-driver fee.
This benefit can create significant savings during a longer vacation, especially when two adults plan to share the driving. Eligibility depends on the rental company, location and reservation terms.
Always review the offer details before completing your booking.
8. FREE Costco Connection Magazine
Costco members can read the monthly Costco Connection magazine at no additional cost.
The magazine includes:
- Recipes
- Shopping tips
- Product information
- Travel inspiration
- Interviews
- Seasonal ideas
- Costco news
Members can read the current and previous issues online through the Costco Connection website.
9. FREE Costco App
The Costco mobile app is FREE to download and can make your shopping trips more convenient.
Depending on your account and location, the app can help you:
- Access your digital membership card
- View warehouse information
- Check gas prices
- Review current promotions
- Shop Costco.com
- Manage prescriptions
- Access receipts
- Check your Executive Reward estimate
Some app features require a verified Costco.com account.
10. Costco’s Risk-Free Membership Guarantee
Costco offers a satisfaction guarantee on its memberships. Costco states that it will cancel and refund the membership fee if a member is dissatisfied.
This gives new members an opportunity to try the warehouse club and decide whether its prices, products and services fit their needs.
Costco also offers a generous merchandise satisfaction guarantee, although certain products—including electronics, diamonds, cigarettes, alcohol, tires, batteries and special-order items—have additional restrictions.
11. Access to Member-Only Services and Discounts
Your membership also unlocks access to a variety of Costco Services. Although the services themselves are not always FREE, Costco members may receive exclusive pricing, special benefits or no-obligation quotes.
Available services may include:
- Costco Auto Program
- Auto and home insurance
- Pet insurance
- Bottled-water delivery
- Home-improvement services
- Payment processing for businesses
Participation, prices and availability vary by service and location.
12. Executive Members Get Even More Included Perks
Costco Executive Membership costs $130 per year—$65 more than a standard Gold Star Membership—but it includes several additional benefits.
► Annual 2% Reward
Executive Members earn an annual 2% Reward on qualifying Costco, Costco.com and Costco Travel purchases, up to $1,250 per year.
Not every purchase qualifies. Gasoline, food-court purchases, membership fees, Costco Shop Cards and certain other items are excluded.
► Executive Shopping Hours
Executive Members receive access to designated earlier shopping hours:
- Monday through Friday: 9 a.m.–10 a.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m.–10 a.m.
Warehouse hours can change, so verify your location’s schedule before visiting.
► Monthly Same-Day Delivery Credit
Eligible Executive Members can receive a $10 monthly credit toward qualifying orders of $150 or more placed through SameDay.Costco.com or Costco via Instacart.
Terms, minimum-purchase requirements and exclusions apply. Unused monthly credits generally do not accumulate.
Select Pet Telehealth Benefits
Costco currently advertises select complimentary pet telehealth benefits for Executive Members, including access to Vera AI and one VetChat consultation with a licensed veterinary professional.
Availability and program terms can change.
See current Executive Membership benefits
Is a Costco Membership Worth It?
A Costco membership may be worth the price if you regularly use several of its benefits—not just its bulk grocery prices.
The best way to get your money’s worth is to combine everyday savings with the complimentary perks that fit your household. Use the second Household Card, compare travel prices, maintain Costco-purchased tires and take advantage of eligible services.
Executive Membership may be a better value for frequent shoppers. Because the upgrade costs an additional $65 per year, you would generally need approximately $3,250 in qualifying annual purchases to earn $65 through the 2% Reward alone.
Important Reminder
Costco benefits, prices, hours and participating services can change. Some perks are only available at participating warehouses or require an eligible purchase. Check the current terms and contact your local Costco before making a special trip.
Final Thoughts
Your Costco card unlocks much more than giant packages of paper towels and snacks. The FREE Household Card, hearing tests, tire services, travel access, digital magazine and satisfaction guarantee can add meaningful value to your membership.
The secret is simple: take advantage of as many included benefits as possible. Those frequently overlooked Costco perks could help your membership pay for itself!
