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I love bargains, so it’s no surprise I’m a huge Costco fan. I’ve shared my recent home decor Costco finds here recently (I’ll link to that at the end of this article) and wanted to follow up with some hidden tips and tricks for making the most of your Costco membership. These are based on spending what is probably too much time in various Costco fan groups. Please note our site is not affiliated with Costco. This is just one Costco member sharing finds with others.
Prices Ending in .97 – Clearance and Manager Discounts
See a price ending in .97? That means you’re looking at a clearance item or a manager’s special discount. These are markdowns that don’t show the original price, but in all likelihood, you’re getting a solid deal. If you spot something you like at this price, grab it—there’s a good chance it won’t be around for long!
Prices Ending in .49 or .79 – Manufacturer’s Promotions
When you see a price ending in .49 or .79, it means a manufacturer has given Costco a special deal, and they’re passing the savings on to you. These discounts are usually temporary, so if it’s something you’ll use, stock up before the price jumps back to normal.
Prices Ending in .00 or .88 – Special Manager Markdowns
A price tag ending in .00 or .88 signals a store-specific markdown. This could be a last-chance item, a floor model, or even a returned product that’s still in great condition. The price is usually fantastic, but do a quick check to make sure everything is in good shape before tossing it in your cart.
Asterisk (*) on the Price Sign – Final Stock Indicator
The little asterisk (*) on a price sign might seem unimportant, but it’s actually Costco’s way of saying, “This is your last chance!” If you love an item and see that asterisk, don’t wait—it’s not coming back once it sells out. And yes, you can get the famous “Death Star” alongside any of the other price hints detailed above.
Take Advantage of Costco’s 30-Day Price Adjustment Policy
Bought something only to see it go on sale days later? No worries—Costco has a 30-day price adjustment policy. If an item you purchased drops in price within 30 days, just stop by the membership desk (or request it online) for a refund of the difference. No need to stress over mistimed purchases anymore!
Consider Upgrading to an Executive Membership for 2% Rewards
If you’re a frequent Costco shopper, the Executive Membership might be a game-changer. It costs $130 a year (vs. $65 for the basic membership), but you get 2% cashback on most purchases. If you spend around $6,500 per year at Costco, you’ll earn back the full cost of your membership—plus, Executive Members get extra perks like discounts on Costco Travel.
Use the Free Household Card and Bring a Guest
Costco memberships aren’t just for solo shopping sprees. Each primary member can get a free household card for someone living at the same address. Plus, you can bring up to two guests per visit. They can’t pay at checkout, but they can browse, sample, and help you make those all-important bulk-buying decisions.
Shop at Off-Peak Times to Beat Crowds (and Find Fresh Stock)
Want to avoid the weekend rush? Hit Costco during off-peak hours—weekday mornings or evenings are your best bet. Early mornings also mean freshly stocked shelves, while late evenings let you shop in peace. If there’s a big event happening in your area (like a football game), that’s another great time to go while everyone else is distracted.
Stick to a List (Costco is Designed to Tempt You)
Ever walked into Costco for a rotisserie chicken and walked out with a kayak, a new TV, and a 24-pack of muffins? Ok, so it hasn’t happened to me, but I’ve heard the horror stories! Just remember, Costco’s layout is designed to encourage impulse buying, so make a list and (try to) stick to it. If you’re shopping with kids or a deal-loving spouse, brace yourself!
The $1.50 Hot Dog Combo – A Legendary Deal
The Costco hot dog and soda combo has been $1.50 for decades, and there’s no sign of that changing anytime soon. It’s one of the best fast-food deals around, and it’s a must-stop for many shoppers. Fun fact: Costco’s CEO once told an exec that if they ever raise the price, he’d “kill them.” So, safe to say this deal is here to stay.
Additional Food Court Hacks – Creative Combos & Hidden Gems
Costco’s food court has a cult following, and for good reason. Want to level up your food court experience? Try the “Costco Taco” (a hot dog wrapped in a slice of pizza) or DIY a root beer float by mixing soft-serve ice cream with root beer from the soda fountain. I have to say, I haven’t tried these myself, but I have seen people rave about them. The food court is already a bargain, but these hacks make it even better.
Know Costco’s Amazing Return Policy (and Its Limits)
Costco has one of the most generous return policies out there—most items can be returned at any time if you’re not satisfied. Electronics, however, have a 90-day return window, and some items (like alcohol, cigarettes, and custom products) are non-returnable. And please, on behalf of myself and countless other loyal members: Don’t abuse the policy. Just rest easy knowing Costco stands behind its products.
Maximize Savings at the Costco Gas Station
If your local Costco has a gas station, use it. Their fuel prices are usually around $0.20 per gallon, which is cheaper than those of their competitors. It adds up fast. Fill up early in the morning to avoid long lines, and if you have the Costco Anywhere Visa, you’ll get 4% cashback on gas purchases.
Member-Only Best Deals And Benefits (Beyond Food and Household Items)
I was surprised to see how many people didn’t know you can get a good deal on pharmacy prescriptions, car rentals, or even eyeglasses and hearing aids. There’s so much that your Costco membership can get you! Next time you’re in the store, ask for the benefits brochure and sit down for a read. Check out our list of 10 Best Costco Deals ranked by members.
Get Costco Goods Without a Membership (Legit Loopholes)
No membership? No problem. Well, almost. While I love my membership, I can see how those without might prefer to try Costco once or twice before committing. So, apparently, there are ways to shop at Costco without a membership. If a friend buys you a Costco Shop Card (gift card), you can use it to shop. Of course, your friend should have a Costco membership themselves. Also, in some states, you can also buy alcohol or get prescriptions from Costco’s pharmacy without being a member. Online shopping is another option, though non-members pay a 5% surcharge.
Use the Costco Visa for Extra Cash Back
The Costco Visa is a great way to earn cashback on your purchases. You’ll get 4% back on gas, 3% on dining and travel, 2% on Costco purchases, and 1% everywhere else. There’s no annual fee (as long as you have a membership), and it doubles as your membership card. If you shop at Costco regularly, this card can help you save even more.
Use the App To See What’s Available In Your Costco
Spending time in the various Costco fan groups, I often come across interesting items shared by others. But here’s the thing—not every Costco warehouse has every item. So, how can I tell whether mine carries bison-minced meat or that kitchen gadget deal? Turns out, you can look it up on the Costco app! Use the item catalog number or try searching for its name. It will tell you if the item is available in the store associated with your account.
What’s Your Favorite Costco Hack?
I’m done sharing my favorite savings hacks. But I know there are more! So, how about you? I’m looking to hear from other Costco fans to learn more about their favorite “cheatcodes” for making the most of their Costco membership. Leave me a comment to let me know about them! Oh, and before I forget, I promised to share the link to my article about my latest Costco Home Decor Finds – enjoy!
