Is a Costco Membership Worth It? Gold Star vs Executive (With Math)

A Costco membership is usually worth it if you spend about $100 or more a month there, or if you buy gas at Costco often. The Gold Star membership costs $65 a year at the time of writing. The Executive membership costs $130 a year and pays 2% back on most purchases, so it only makes sense if you spend about $3,250 or more a year at Costco.

It is easy to test, too. Costco offers a full refund of your membership fee if you are not happy, so you can try it and cancel if it does not work out.

This guide walks through the simple math so you can decide for yourself.

Costco membership types at a glance

Both levels include access to Costco gas stations, the pharmacy, optical, tire center, and costco.com.

Will Gold Star pay for itself?

Think about how much you save compared to where you shop now. Many shoppers find bulk items at Costco cost less than at a regular grocery store, but savings depend a lot on what you buy.

Here is an easy way to estimate. If you save about 10 percent on the things you buy at Costco:

Your real savings may be higher or lower. To check, compare the price per unit of a few items you buy often. Our guide on working out percentage change makes it easy to see how much cheaper something is.

Is Executive worth it?

The Executive membership costs $65 more than Gold Star. In return, you get a 2% reward on most Costco purchases, paid once a year as a certificate. The reward is capped at $1,250 a year.

The break-even point:

$65 divided by 2% = $3,250 a year, or about $271 a month.

Some purchases may not earn the 2% reward, so check Costco's list of what counts. If you are close to the break-even number, Executive can still be low risk, since Costco lets you downgrade and refunds the upgrade fee minus any reward you earned.

Who saves the most with Costco

• Families who go through lots of groceries, paper goods, and snacks
• People who drive a lot, since Costco gas is often cheaper than nearby stations
• Anyone who uses the pharmacy or optical center, where prices can be lower
• Shoppers buying big items, like TVs, tires, or appliances, which often come with extra warranty perks
• People who host, such as parties, holidays, and big family meals

When Costco might not be worth it

• You live far from a warehouse and the trip costs time and gas.
• You do not have storage space for bulk items.
• Food often goes bad before you can eat it. Buying 3 pounds of strawberries does not save money if half end up in the trash.
• You are tempted to overspend. Many people leave with more than they planned.
• You already save with another membership you use more, like Walmart+ or Sam's Club.

Costco vs Walmart+

These two work in different ways:

• Costco is about buying in bulk at lower prices per unit.
• Walmart+ is about free delivery, shipping, and gas savings on regular-size items.

Some families use both. If you mostly want groceries delivered to your door, Walmart+ may be a better fit. Read our Walmart+ review with prices and perks to compare.

Tips to get the most from your membership

• Make a list before you go and stick to it.
• Split bulk items with a friend or family member.
• Buy non-perishables in bulk, like toilet paper, laundry detergent, and canned goods.
• Fill up on gas when you shop.
• Use your free household card so another adult in your home can shop too.
• Check the monthly deals in the Costco app or mailer.

Changed your mind?

If Costco is not saving you money, you can cancel and get your fee back. Our guide on canceling a Costco membership for a full refund shows exactly how.

TimeToNote is not connected to Costco. Fees and benefits can change, so check Costco's website for the latest details.

The bottom line

A $65 Gold Star membership usually pays for itself if you spend around $100 a month at Costco or buy gas there often. The $130 Executive membership only makes sense if you spend about $3,250 or more a year, or about $271 a month. Since Costco refunds your fee if you are not happy, the easiest way to know is to try it for a few months and track how much you save.