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It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Costco -- I've been a member for 20 years! But if you're wondering if Costco membership is still worth it, sometimes it helps to take a step back and consider the special perks you get with Costco.
Costco is so much more than bulk discounts on groceries. It's an "everything" store and helpful lifestyle concierge. Costco helps you save time and money, by offering carefully curated products and high-quality deals on products and services that will make you happy to reach for your Costco credit card .
Here are a few of the best perks of a Costco membership and how they unlock extra value to make your life better.
1. Costco Optical Department
I use Costco for my annual eye doctor visits. Most Costco warehouses have an independent doctor of optometry on-site to provide eye checkups and write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
If you're self-employed or don't have generous vision insurance coverage through work, Costco Optical can help you save money on out-of-pocket costs for eye care. (And my local Costco Optical takes most vision insurance plans, too.)
2. Costco Pharmacy
Saving money on prescription drugs is a great reason to keep your Costco membership. Costco offers great deals on prescription medications and over-the-counter products, including low-priced generic versions of many must-have prescriptions.
Based on 2024 research from The Motley Fool Ascent, just buying a few common prescriptions and over-the-counter medications at Costco could help you save $700 per year (or more).
3. Costco Auto discounts on car purchases
Costco Auto offers online search tools to find the car you want, a no-haggle buying process through participating dealerships, and a Costco members' only discount that's worth getting.
Costco doesn't publish details on how much you'll save, and it'll vary based on dealer and vehicle. You'll need to go to a dealership in person to see your official member pricing. But based on previous research, you might save about $1,000 off MSRP on a new car, and $500 (or more) on a used car.
4. Costco Home & Installation services
You might not know about this Costco perk unless you've recently moved into a new home, but Costco offers an impressive range of Home & Installation services. Costco will connect you with vetted local contractors who agree to give you special Costco member pricing on helpful home services. Here are a few:
- Bath remodeling
- Countertops
- Garage doors and openers
- Flooring and carpet
- Residential solar systems
- Window treatments
After choosing an approved local contractor to complete the work, you'll get a Costco Shop Card worth 10% (or more) of the price of your project.
5. Discounts on gift cards
Costco offers discounts on major brands' products, services, and experiences with digital gift cards sold for less than face value. This is like free money for your favorite restaurants, movie theaters, entertainment venues, and more.
For example, as of Sept. 22, 2024, Costco was offering these sweet deals on gift cards:
- IHOP: four restaurant $25 e-gift cards for $79.99 ($100 value)
- Domino's: four restaurant $25 e-gift cards for $74.99 ($100 value)
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: four $25 e-gift cards for $74.99 ($100 value)
Some terms and limits may apply; many gift card offers have a limit of five to 10 purchases per Costco member.
6. Costco Travel
Costco Travel can be your travel agent. Costco members can use Costco Travel to get great deals and thoughtfully-selected travel itineraries for all-inclusive resort packages, cruises, and more.
I have a friend who used Costco Travel to book his family's first-ever visit to London, and they loved it -- they had a seamless, easy experience and stayed at great hotels at affordable prices that they might never have found on their own.
7. Costco Direct
Costco's best deals are sometimes found online at Costco.com, with a little-known perk called Costco Direct. If you buy qualifying items online and have them delivered "direct" to your home, here's how much Costco Direct can help you save:
- Buy two items -- save an extra $100
- Buy three items -- save an extra $200
- Buy four items -- save an extra $300
- Buy five or more items -- save an extra $400
Costco Direct is often for large items like furniture, appliances, and TVs. If you're upgrading your kitchen or outfitting a new home, Costco Direct can put hundreds of dollars back in your bank account.
8. Costco Hearing Aid Center
Many Americans are reaching a stage of life where they're getting hard of hearing. Fortunately, it's easier and more affordable than ever before to get over-the-counter hearing aids -- and a lot of new hearing aid technology is stylish and easy to wear. Costco Hearing Aid Center can help you get tested and fitted with hearing aids.
9. Costco Next
Costco Next is a unique portal to buy premium products online from Costco partner brands, at special Costco member pricing. Costco Next brands include:
- Diamondback bicycles
- Kingston Kitchen & Bath
- The Learning Journey interactive children's products
- Otterbox protective phone cases
- SEKKISEI luxury Japanese herbal skin care
- Travelpro luggage
10. Costco Same-Day delivery
Costco offers same-day delivery powered by Instacart. You'll have to pay slightly higher prices for this convenient service, and not all items are available. But this is a valuable perk because it gets your favorite Costco products into your home without going to the store.
Bottom line
These 10 Costco perks can help maximize your Costco membership . From eye exams to hearing aids to vehicles, Costco helps you save money in almost every aspect of life.
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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.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
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