How to Save Money at Costco: 33 Clever Ways to Pay Less!

How to Save Money at Costco

Here are some easy ways to pay less at Costco for the same products you always buy.

1. Know the Secret Costco Price Codes

Here’s some insider information you can use to your advantage:

$.97: Any price ending in $.97 means it has been marked down from the original price (which usually ends in $.99). If the item doesn’t sell, it may go even lower, but markdown prices will always end in $.97.

$.88: Another price to look for is $.00 or $.88. If the price ends in either of these, it is a special manager’s markdown price and may indicate that the item is the last one in the store.

Price with an asterisk (*): If an item has an asterisk (*) in the upper-right corner of the price tag, that means they won’t restock it. So if you like the product, buy as many as you can afford before it’s gone.

2. Take Advantage of Costco’s Price Protection Guarantee

When you shop at Costco, your purchases are backed by extensive guarantees.

For example, members get a 30-day price protection policy and a 90-day return policy.

Costco values its reputation and will even refund your membership if you’re not satisfied.

3. Arrive with an Empty Gas Tank

Most Costco locations have a gas station, and their prices are usually the lowest around. So make sure to fill up when you go shopping and save a little more on gas.

4. You Don’t Need Coupons—Use Rebate Apps Instead

In fact, Costco doesn’t accept manufacturers’ coupons.

5. Costco Has Some of the Cheapest Prescription Drugs

Filling your prescriptions at Costco’s pharmacy may be a great way to save.

Consumer Reports reported that Costco offers some of the lowest prices for generic prescription drugs, so consider adding your medications to your Costco shopping list.

6. Buy Meat in Bulk

If you’re serious about saving money, consider buying meat in bulk.

You can get a rack of ribs or a large slab of beef at a much lower price than purchasing individual portions.

However, be prepared by having enough freezer space and, ideally, a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn. Just divide the meat into meal-sized portions when you get home.

7. Take Advantage of Price Protection

Even after you’ve made a purchase, keep an eye on the price in case it drops.

You can return the item under Costco’s 90-day return policy and repurchase it at the lower price—or simply request a refund for the difference under the 30-day price protection policy.

8. Check Online for Better Prices

Before heading to the store, visit Costco’s website.

You may find even better deals online than in-store, along with a wider selection.

Shopping online also makes it easier to search for exactly what you need.

9. Save More with Costco’s Store Brand

You probably know that Costco’s store brand is Kirkland.

Kirkland products are usually the most affordable, and Costco ensures high quality to maintain its reputation.

10. Get Discounts on Gift Cards and Movie Tickets

Costco offers great deals on bulk movie tickets and store gift cards, allowing you to save even more on entertainment and shopping.

In some stores, you can even buy toll road passes.

11. A Deal That Never Ends

Most prices fluctuate over time, usually increasing.

But Costco has kept its famous hot dog and soda combo at just $1.50—and reportedly plans to keep it that way forever!

12. Don’t Ignore Your ‘Junk’ Mail

As a member, you’ll receive frequent coupon and deal booklets from Costco.

These aren’t junk mail!

They offer extra discounts on items you’re already buying, so be sure to check them before your next shopping trip.

13. Concerned About Buying in Bulk?

Sometimes you don’t need Costco-sized quantities—like 24 rolls of paper towels or 60 rolls of toilet paper—especially if storage space is limited.

The solution? Team up with a friend or family member and split the cost (and the goods).

14. Always Compare Prices

It’s easy to assume everything at Costco is a bargain.

However, some items might be cheaper at other stores. Always compare unit prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

15. Buy in Bulk for Holidays and Events

You may not need a whole box of candy bars year-round, but they’re perfect for Halloween, school events, or parties.

Take advantage of Costco’s bulk pricing when you actually need large quantities.

16. Shop Early for the Holidays

Costco stocks up early for major holidays—like frozen turkeys for Thanksgiving, sometimes available as early as September.

Shopping early lets you beat the holiday rush and avoid last-minute price hikes.

17. Book Your Vacation Through Costco

When planning your vacation, remember that Costco has an entire section dedicated to discounted travel packages.

It’s called Costco Travel, and you can explore deals at CostcoTravel.com.

Log in to find the best prices on flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.

18. Watch for the Asterisk (*)

Take a close look at the price tags.

If you see an asterisk (*) in the top right corner, that’s Costco’s way of telling you the item is being discontinued.

If it’s something you love, stock up before it’s gone!

19. Don’t Want To Drive to Costco?

Costco stores aren’t as widespread as, say, Walmart.

But you can still take advantage of their deals—without making the trip.

Many retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, offer price matching. Simply visit Costco.com, print out the product listing with the price, and ask the other store to match it.

20. Avoid the Middle Aisles

Costco is designed to encourage impulse buying.

Most of these tempting, non-essential items are placed in the middle aisles.

If you’re sticking to a budget, stay focused and shop the perimeter first.

Your regular shopping should revolve around the perimeter of the store, where essentials like milk, eggs, and bread are located. This strategy helps you resist the temptation of impulse buys, such as toys and books, often found in the center aisles.

21. Get Cash Back with an Executive Membership

You may not be aware that Costco offers two membership levels: a regular membership for $55 and an executive membership for $110.

Executive members receive an annual 2% cash back reward on most items. If you spend $2,750 a year at Costco, the $55 cash back covers the difference in membership costs.

Spending over $2,750 annually means you’ll benefit financially from the executive membership. For instance, if you spend $5,500 a year, your cashback will fully reimburse the cost of the executive membership.

If you try it and find that your cash back isn’t at least $55, just visit the customer service desk to request a refund for the extra cost.

22. Check Out the Returned Items

Every Costco has shelves dedicated to returned items.

These goods are returned by customers, and rather than send them back to the vendor or a liquidator, Costco sells them at discounted prices. Most of these items are perfectly fine—Costco wouldn’t sell them otherwise!

As we mentioned in our Home Depot money-saving hacks, you can find great bargains here.

Look for the returned items section near the automotive, household, or sporting goods departments.

23. Eat Out at Costco

If you forget your lunch, don’t worry! Head to the Costco food court, where all the food is reasonably priced, including the signature hot dog and soda combo for just $1.50.

You don’t even need to be a member to enjoy the food court.

24. Stick to Your Shopping List

A word of warning—Costco is filled with amazing deals, making it easy to get distracted and walk out with a full cart of items you never intended to buy!

To stay on track, come prepared with a shopping list and do your best to stick to it.

25. Come for the Free Samples

Costco has a generous sampling policy—distributors are encouraged to give freely without limiting how many samples you can take.

So, if you’re hungry, take advantage!

This can also help prevent impulse purchases caused by shopping on an empty stomach. However, don’t feel pressured to buy the sampled items—stick to your list!

26. Paper or Plastic? Or Just a Box?

At Costco, no one will ask if you want paper or plastic bags—they provide used cardboard boxes to carry your groceries instead.

If that works for you, great! Otherwise, bring along some reusable shopping bags for easier carrying.

27. Eating Healthy at Costco

Costco offers a wide selection of organic products at great prices. In fact, Real Food Real Deals breaks down just how much you can save by shopping for organic food at Costco.

28. Be Friends with Customer Service

Costco takes customer satisfaction seriously, and their customer service team is known for being helpful and accommodating.

The customer service team is always happy to help—whether it’s finding extra coupons, looking up your past purchases, or informing you about membership bonuses.

29. The Latest Releases

Want to skip the crowds when a new book or movie is released? Head to Costco!

They get new releases just as quickly as major bookstores but without the long lines and chaos.

30. Look for Kirkland Signature

Costco’s in-house brand, **Kirkland Signature**, is a hidden gem.

Many Kirkland products are actually made by the same manufacturers behind big-name brands—just at a lower price.

From batteries and toilet paper to ice cream and organic goods, Kirkland items are known for their high quality and great value.

31. Avoid the Special Displays

It’s fun to check out Costco’s special displays—the giant teddy bears, massive TVs, or seasonal decorations.

But remember, you probably didn’t come in for those! Stick to your shopping list and avoid impulse buys.

32. Follow Costco on Social Media

Many companies offer exclusive deals to their social media followers, and Costco is no exception.

Stay updated on new products, special promotions, and exclusive coupons by following Costco’s Facebook page.

33. Other Member Benefits

Make sure you’re getting the most out of your Costco membership!

Check out the full range of Costco’s member benefits—you might be missing out on valuable perks.

Costco isn’t just about groceries; they offer competitive rates on cars, insurance, and even houses.

Be sure to check them out for potentially great deals!

Shop at Costco Without a Membership

If you don’t have a Costco membership, don’t worry! You can still shop there by teaming up with a member.

Your friend can get a Costco Cash Card and load it with cash for you.

As a non-member, you can use this card to shop at Costco. You can even spend more than the card’s balance, as long as you have cash or an accepted debit card to cover the difference.

This is a great option if you want to make a big purchase, like a TV or home appliance, without committing to a full membership.

Final Thoughts on Saving Money at Costco

With countless ways to save money and already low prices, Costco is an excellent place to shop.

If you’re not a member yet, consider getting a Costco membership card—it can pay for itself multiple times over!

Do you have any other tips and tricks for saving money at Costco? Share your insights in the comments below!