12 Costco Items With Savings to Cover the Membership Fee

Costco is a popular warehouse club, and though millions of Americans shop there, not everyone chooses to join. It’s not free to shop at Costco, and for some, the annual membership fee can be a barrier of entry. Costco has two membership levels for consumers: Gold Star for an annual fee of $65, and Executive for $130 annually. The main difference between the two is that Executive members also earn 2% back on eligible purchases, and receive additional discounts on select services. 

So, why pay for a Costco membership when it’s free to shop elsewhere? Diehard Costco shoppers know that the membership typically pays for itself because of the impressive savings to be had. Many of these savings accrue over time, such as filling up on gas or stocking up on water bottles. However, some items alone save you enough to cover the annual fee in one fell swoop. To show that a Costco membership is definitely worth it, here are a dozen items that save you enough money to cover the annual fee (and then some), according to commenters on the Costco subreddit. 

Diapers and Baby Formula

It’s no secret that babies can be expensive, but if you’re a new parent, there are ways to save. For starters, get your essentials—diapers, wipes, baby formula, and so on—from Costco. “Got our membership when the kids were little and just diapers and formula saved us $100 a month,” says one commenter. The price of Kirkland Signature diapers is the same online as in store, so you can get them delivered for no added cost, notes another.

Prescription Glasses and Contacts

One of the perks of shopping at Costco is the optical center. The savings on eyeglasses are significant, especially if your prescription calls for a transition coating or progressive lenses. One Redditor was quoted $450 for prescription glasses, but only paid $250 for a similar pair at Costco. That $200 savings more than pays for the Executive Membership. Another Redditor saved $80 per year by getting contacts from Costco instead of some big-name competitors. 

Mattresses

A mattress is a big purchase, and though they’re typically on the pricier side, you can score a deal by shopping at Costco. Plus, if you don’t like it, Costco has a generous return policy—just don’t abuse it. Several Redditors have purchased Casper mattresses from Costco, saving them around $200 a pop. Others have saved even more on other brands. “My wife and I selected a mattress that was listed at $3,000 on the manufacturer’s website,” says another Redditor. “Costco had the exact same mattress for $1,600.” Saving $1,400 on a product you were already going to purchase? Not bad at all.

Car Batteries and Tires

If you have a car, there are multiple ways Costco can help you save, from auto insurance to windshield wipers and more. Many Redditors recommended getting your car batteries and tires from Costco. “Saved over $100 on a car battery,” one person said. Someone else saved $400 by getting their tires at Costco instead of the other place they were quoted. “Any time you think you might need new tires, upgrade to the Executive membership,” one Redditor suggests, adding that the tire rebate alone is more than enough to cover the annual fee. Plus, you’ll earn 2% back on that large purchase.

Patio Furniture

You may have seen the large sectionals, dining sets, and other miscellaneous furniture on display at your local Costco. While you can get all kinds of furniture from the retailer, including bathroom vanities, Redditors say the patio furniture is where it’s at. “Easily saved thousands over the local patio furniture stores,” says one Redditor who bought an entire truckload of patio furniture from Costco.

Gift Cards

One Costco hack that’s often overlooked is buying discounted gift cards for yourself. Redditors say they save nearly $100 on gift cards for various merchants, such as Uber, Southwest, and more. For example, a $500 Southwest gift card often goes on sale for $430 at Costco, saving you $70. Another Redditor says that $400 worth of Uber gift cards comes out to $320 at Costco, saving you $80. Sometimes these deals are available online, while other times you’ll need to go into the warehouse.

Home Appliances

When it’s time to replace your refrigerator, washer, or dryer, you may want to get a Costco membership if you don’t have one already. “My brand new fridge was not only $200 cheaper than even the big box stores, but also included free delivery, installation, and removal of the old one,” one commenter said. Another chimed in to add that the delivery and removal can save you another $200, since other stores don’t always include these services. Costco has deals on smaller appliances too, such as blenders, but the big-ticket items are where you’ll save the most money.

Travel

Costco has its very own travel portal, and you have to be a member to use it. The portal allows you to book hotels, rental cars, cruises, and even travel packages complete with flights. The deals on travel packages often beat out competitors, but the real perks of booking your vacation through Costco are the extras, such as free nights, resort credits, and waived fees. Some travel packages also include a Costco gift card worth a set amount, or a certain percentage of your trip. One Redditor received over $1,000 in Costco gift cards during a travel promotion that allowed customers to earn 20% back on their travel booking.

Ooni Pizza Oven

If you love to grill, you’d probably love having your own pizza oven. The popular Ooni pizza ovens will run you several hundred dollars, but if you make your purchase at a certain warehouse club, you won’t pay full price. Costco carries a few different models, but you can currently get the Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven for $459.99. Buy it anywhere else and you’ll pay the full sticker price of $599. One Redditor did this and saved nearly $140. Pizza night here you come!

Hearing Aids

Millions of Americans could benefit from hearing aids, but not everyone who needs them has access to them. Cost is a huge factor because hearing aids can run you thousands of dollars, but according to some Redditors, Costco sells them for much cheaper. “My hearing aids alone saved me enough to pay my Costco membership for about 10 years,” one person commented. “I’ve bought two pairs of hearing aids so far and probably saved enough to pay for my Executive membership for the next 20 years or so,” another person said.

Computers and TVs

Electronics are a pricey category, but thanks to Costco, you don’t have to pay full price. Costco carries many of the same brands and models as other stores, but at a discount. One Redditor saved $600 by purchasing two TVs at Costco, which they estimated would have only gotten them one TV at a big box store. Another person saved $200 on a laptop by getting a price adjustment at Costco after it went on sale.

Pet Food and Medicine

Pet supplies add up, but if you want the best for your furry friends, the cost won’t matter. Still, it’s nice to find savings where you can, and they can certainly be found at Costco. The savings on pet food and flea medicine alone make the membership worth it, one Redditor commented. Another person saves $30 per month—or $360 per year—by getting their dog’s prescription medication at Costco instead of the vet. While you don’t have to be a member to use the pharmacy, a Costco card can get you bigger discounts.