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    Here's Why It 100% Pays to Join Costco This August

    By Maurie Backman,

    14 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4RUiyU_0utmEhOL00

    Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash

    If you've never been to Costco , then you might have a certain impression of the store. You may, for example, be picturing aisle after aisle of massive grocery items, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. And you wouldn't be wrong.

    But Costco has so much more to offer than bulk food items and paper towels. Did you know, for example, that Costco has an extensive selection of electronics, from laptops to cellphones to cameras? And did you know that electronics purchased at Costco come with free tech support and a second-year warranty to ease your mind?

    Costco members also get access to the store's gift card aisle. If you like the idea of buying $100 worth of gift cards to popular restaurants for $75 or $80, then you'll want to join Costco to get in on those deals. If you're going to sign up for Costco, though, it pays to do it this month for one big reason.

    You might as well sign up at a lower price point

    Right now, a Gold Star Costco membership costs $60 a year, while an Executive membership costs $120. And if you're wondering what's so special about the Executive membership that it costs double, it gives you 2% cash back on your Costco purchases. That's in addition to whatever cash back your credit card might give you.

    But these prices are changing soon. Starting Sept. 1, a Gold Star membership at Costco will cost $65, while an Executive membership will cost $130.

    Even the higher fees can more than pay for themselves in the form of savings on the items you buy during the year. But if you're going to join Costco, you might as well get in when it's a bit cheaper.

    You can apply to join Costco online and pick up your membership card when you go to the store. Or you can visit the customer service area at your local Costco to get a membership. And don't worry -- although you need an active membership to enter the store, you'll be directed to a special line for customer service if you show up and explain that you're looking to sign up.

    Costco offers a no-risk proposition

    Joining Costco probably won't be the biggest financial commitment you'll ever make. But it's still money you're laying out. You shouldn't rush into the decision without thinking it through. The good news, though, is that you have until the end of August to catch the lower membership fees, which is plenty of time.

    What's more, if you wind up unhappy with your Costco membership, you can cancel for a full refund at any time. So if you've been thinking about joining Costco, in a worst-case scenario, you could always sign up in August and see how the first couple of months go.

    If you don't end up using your membership as much as expected or the deals aren't as great as you thought they would be, you can get 100% of your money back.

    We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .

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