10 Costco Membership Perks That Come in Handy During the Holidays
The holidays can get expensive fast. Between gifts, family dinners, travel, and last-minute shopping trips, your budget can take a serious hit before Christmas even arrives. But if you have a Costco membership, you might be overlooking some benefits that could make the season a little easier.
Costco offers more than bulk groceries and giant packs of paper towels. Some membership perks can help you save on gifts, plan holiday road trips, and handle entertaining without spending more than necessary. Here are 10 Costco benefits worth checking out before the holiday rush begins.
Costco Travel Rental Car Deals
Flying home for the holidays? Renting a car through Costco Travel might help you keep transportation costs under control.
Costco members can compare rental rates from Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. One useful perk is that an additional driver fee is waived at participating locations, which can come in handy when two adults share the driving.
Many qualifying online reservations also allow penalty-free cancellation before pickup. That means you can book early, keep checking rates, and switch to a better deal if one appears. Compare the full rental price, because Costco isn’t guaranteed to offer the lowest rate every time.
Discounted Restaurant Gift Cards
Restaurant gift cards make easy holiday gifts, especially for someone who seems to have everything. Costco makes them more appealing by offering many restaurant gift cards at a discount.
Costco says typical discounts in its restaurant gift card selection range from 20% to 25%. That can make a difference when you’re buying presents for several people.
You can also keep a few cards for yourself. They’re handy when visiting relatives want takeout or cooking another holiday meal sounds exhausting. Check each card’s redemption rules and current price before purchasing.
Costco Shop Cards for Easy Holiday Gifting
Some people are impossible to shop for. That’s where Costco Shop Cards come in handy.
Members can purchase physical or digital Shop Cards, and recipients can use them to choose their own groceries, household supplies, or gifts. Even better, nonmembers can redeem Shop Cards at eligible Costco locations and on Costco’s website.
Digital Shop Cards are especially convenient for last-minute gifting. Costco says they usually deliver within two hours, though processing can take up to 24 hours. They also never expire, giving recipients plenty of time to decide what to buy.
Costco’s Satisfaction Guarantee
Buying holiday gifts early can be a gamble. What happens if something doesn’t work properly or turns out to be the wrong choice?
Costco’s satisfaction guarantee offers some reassurance. Many merchandise purchases qualify for refunds, making it easier to shop ahead without feeling locked into every decision.
However, there are exceptions. Certain electronics, including televisions, computers, and cameras, have a 90-day return window. Gift cards and some other products are nonrefundable. Check the return policy before buying expensive gifts, particularly if you’re shopping months before Christmas.
Costco Gas Stations for Holiday Road Trips
Holiday road trips can mean plenty of stops at the gas pump. If your Costco warehouse has a gas station, it may be worth checking the price before you leave town.
Costco members can purchase Kirkland Signature fuel at participating stations. Prices vary by location, so you can’t guarantee how much you’ll save compared with nearby competitors.
For example, a 20-cent-per-gallon difference saves $3 on a 15-gallon fill-up. That may not sound huge, but small savings can add up over several trips. Use the Costco app to check local gas prices and station hours before making a special detour.
Shutterfly Discounts on Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts can feel especially thoughtful, but photo books, calendars, and holiday cards can get expensive when you order several.
Costco members can link their membership to a Shutterfly account and receive 51% off eligible regular-priced orders. Qualifying orders of at least $30 after discounts can also receive free economy shipping.
Imagine turning your favorite family photos into a calendar for the grandparents or making a photo book filled with memories.
Just remember that the discount generally doesn’t stack with other promotions. Compare Shutterfly’s public sale prices with the Costco member offer before checking out.
Executive Membership 2% Annual Reward
If you’re planning a big holiday shopping trip, Costco’s Executive Membership reward might be worth considering.
Executive members earn a 2% annual reward on eligible purchases, up to $1,250 per year. That includes qualifying groceries, gifts, and certain Costco Travel purchases.
For example, spending $1,000 on eligible items would generate approximately $20 in rewards. Remember, the reward isn’t an instant checkout discount.
Executive membership costs $130 annually, compared with $65 for a standard Gold Star membership. You would need about $3,250 in eligible annual spending to cover the $65 upgrade through rewards alone. Certain purchases, including gasoline and Shop Cards, don’t qualify.
Early Shopping Hours for Executive Members
Holiday shopping at Costco can feel like a competitive sport. Between crowded aisles, overflowing carts, and long shopping lists, getting everything done can become a challenge.
Executive members have access to designated early shopping hours. Costco’s published schedule provides access from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday, 9 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, and 9 to 10 a.m. Sunday.
That extra shopping time could help you get organized before the rest of your day fills up. It doesn’t guarantee shorter lines or available inventory, though.
Check your local warehouse’s schedule because holiday hours may differ.
Monthly Delivery Credits for Executive Members
Hosting a holiday dinner means juggling groceries, cleaning, cooking, and unexpected requests. Sometimes, having supplies delivered is worth the convenience.
Eligible Executive members receive one $10 monthly credit on qualifying Costco Same-Day or Instacart orders of at least $150.
That can be particularly useful when ordering food and entertaining supplies for a large gathering. However, the credit expires each month and doesn’t roll over.
Another detail to check: Costco Same-Day item prices are higher than warehouse prices. Compare the final delivery total, including applicable fees and tips, before deciding which option makes more sense.
Costco Tire Center Benefits
Planning to drive several hours to visit family? If your vehicle already needs new tires, it may be worth comparing Costco Tire Center with other retailers.
Qualifying tire purchases include free installation, plus services such as tire rotation, balancing, inflation checks, and eligible flat repairs.
There’s also a five-year road-hazard warranty, subject to specific conditions. Additional components or services may cost extra.
The biggest advantage is having maintenance benefits included with a qualifying tire purchase. Compare the total installed price with competing shops and arrange an appointment well before your holiday trip.
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Make Your Membership Work Harder This Holiday Season
The best Costco perks aren’t necessarily the ones that encourage you to buy more. They’re the ones that make purchases you already planned a little cheaper, easier, or more convenient.
Before the holiday shopping rush begins, check which benefits come with your membership level and compare prices carefully. A few thoughtful choices could help you stretch your holiday budget without giving up the things that make the season special.
