5 Costco Perks You Aren't Taking Advantage Of -- but You Should

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If you're anything like me, you were so excited to get your Costco membership started -- but once you had it, the universe of perks was so overwhelming that you only used a few, or maybe none at all besides shopping in the warehouse.

It's definitely not too late to seize the day with your Costco membership and get even more value from it. Here are five perks that you're probably not using, but you definitely should consider.

1. Costco Direct savings

Costco has a number of items that it lists online through its Costco Direct program. These are often large items like furniture or appliances, which it stocks in its distribution centers and delivers directly, rather than using an intermediary.

Often, Costco Direct items also come with promotional savings. For example, right now you can save:

• $100 if you buy two Costco Direct items
• $200 with three
• $300 with four items
• $400 with the purchase of five or more Costco Direct items

When coupled with the right credit card, a Costco trip can save you even more. Click here for cards to help optimize your Costco savings on your next visit.

2. Free same-day delivery through Instacart

Speaking of Costco delivery, did you know that the warehouse giant has teamed up with Instacart to bring all your favorite in-warehouse goods directly to your door for FREE? It's true! With your Costco membership, you can order your warehouse products through the Costco website and order same-day delivery with no delivery fees.

If you choose a "no rush" option, you'll get an extra $2 off that you can use to increase your tip to your driver, or buy an extra muffin -- totally up to you.

3. Free tire installation at the tire center

Costco already offers great deals on tires at its tire center, like $30 off of a set of BFGoodrich tires from now until Oct. 20, 2024, but it also installs and warranties them for free, unlike other tire retailers.

For example, at Costco, a set of BFGoodrich Advantage Control 215/55R16 tires are $571.96 when installed and warrantied at my local Costco Tire and Auto Center, after the discount. At Discount Tire, the same set is $863.33. This includes $88 for installation and life of tire maintenance, plus tire warranty.

4. Shop Cards with home improvement services

Have you been thinking about having a new carpet installed, or maybe adding solar panels? Costco has you covered. Its home improvement services offer a range of different product installations, from windows and doors to countertops, to much bigger items like HVAC systems and bathroom remodels.

Not only do you get pre-vetted Costco-approved contractors, but you generally will get a Costco Shop Card, depending on the service you choose. For example, you can earn up to 15% of the cost of a heating and air system or flooring back on a Shop Card, or 10% when you choose replacement windows and doors.

5. Pharmacy savings

If you spend a lot of time in the pharmacy like I do, you know it's important to save as much as you can on your meds -- otherwise, the costs will just eat you alive. Costco has you covered, with savings on drugs of all sorts.

Some savings are small, like with Trintellix 10 mg 30 count for $405.55 at Costco, vs. $413.84 at Walgreens, which is only a 2% savings. Some are huge, like 500 mg 30 count methocarbamol, a common muscle relaxer. It's $7.99 at Costco vs. $16.99 at Walgreens, which represents a 53% discount.

Check out all the perks that come with a Costco membership

Whether you joined Costco to get big discounts on home improvement services, tires, or just because you wanted to have an adventure in a warehouse every time you go shopping, there are certainly perks that you've left untapped. Costco is always looking for more opportunities to help you stretch your budget , so keep an eye on its website for even more perks.

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Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it's no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

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. Kristi Waterworth 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 .