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Costco Membership Calculator: Is Executive Worth It?

Enter what you spend at Costco each month to see if the Executive membership pays off, how big your 2% reward would be, and your break-even point.

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How to use the Costco Membership Calculator

  1. Enter how much you spend at Costco in a typical month.
  2. Read the answer at the top. It tells you if Executive or Gold Star is the better deal.
  3. Check your yearly 2% reward and the break-even amount below it.

How the Costco calculator works

  • Gold Star costs $65 a year. Executive costs $130 a year, which is $65 more.
  • Executive members get a 2% reward on most purchases, capped at $1,250 a year.
  • The break-even point is $65 ÷ 2% = $3,250 a year.
Monthly spending Yearly 2% reward Executive vs Gold Star
$150 $36 Gold Star is better
$271 $65 Break even
$400 $96 Executive saves about $31
$600 $144 Executive saves about $79

For the full picture, read our guide on whether a Costco membership is worth it. If it is not for you, here is how to cancel Costco and get your fee back.

Frequently asked questions

How much do I need to spend at Costco for Executive to be worth it?

About $3,250 a year, or roughly $271 a month. At that point, the 2% reward equals the extra $65 you pay for Executive.

Can I lose money by upgrading to Executive?

Costco lets you downgrade back to Gold Star and refunds the upgrade fee, minus any 2% reward you already earned. This makes it low risk to try.

What purchases do not earn the 2% reward?

Some purchases, such as gas and tobacco, and certain services do not count. Check Costco's current list before you decide.

Learn more