7 Costco Pro Tips From Longtime Employees

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Costco has millions of faithful members. Here, insiders share their tips for making the most of your Costco experience. 

There’s nothing like being an insider. Costco employees see it all, from members who return half-dead houseplants to how the retailer adds secret price codes to discounted items. Here, we’ve gathered insider secrets from around the web, each generously shared by a Costco employee.

1. Don’t have a Visa Card? That’s okay

There’s a lot to like about Costco, but one thing that bugs the daylights out of some people is that Visa is the only credit card the retailer accepts. Let’s say you limit the number of credit cards in your wallet and don’t happen to carry a Visa. One insider tip reminds shoppers who want to use another credit card to shop online whenever possible. Costco.com will accept any card, including MasterCard and American Express.

2. Some price stickers indicate a deeper discount

Most prices in the warehouse store end in $._9 (for example, $2.39 or $2.99). When you find a price that ends in $.00, $.88, or $.97, it means it’s on sale. Normally, these are items that have either been returned or have damaged packaging. In either case, it’s a good way to leave a little extra in your bank account. Before putting it in your cart, though, give the item in question a quick once-over to make sure it’s otherwise in good shape.

3. Kirkland products are not always the best choice

According to one Costco employee, some Kirkland Signature™ products live up to the hype. For example, the quality of Kirkland bacon and maple syrup can’t be beat. On the other hand, it may be best to leave Kirkland dishwasher gel packs on the shelf. It may take a little comparison shopping to figure out which brand offers you the biggest bang for your buck.

4. Wade into the heart of the store

The best deals are almost always found deep in the heart of the store. One helpful employee suggests starting at the center of the store and working your way to the back. That’s where you’re most likely to find the best deals. You may want to be careful about purchasing items from the front of the store, because those products tend to have the highest markups.

5. Want to buy soda? Check your local supermarket first

While there’s nothing wrong with soda prices at Costco, you’re likely to find a better deal at a local grocery store. That’s because grocery stores often use soda as a loss leader. In other words, they sell it below cost to draw customers into the store. Buying soda in bulk when your local market offers it at a discount will likely save you money.

6. Spring for an executive membership

Insider.com spoke with a longtime Costco employee who suggested signing up for an executive membership. While it’s twice the cost of a standard gold star membership, an executive membership offers 2% back on most purchases, including the tire shop, pharmacy, optical, and hearing-aid services. An executive cardholder can receive as much as $1,000 back on qualified purchases.

Tip: Springing for an executive membership only makes sense if you spend $3,000 per year or more at Costco. If you’re an occasional shopper, you’re better off sticking with a basic membership.

7. Stock up on products marked with an asterisk

If you see an asterisk on the upper-right corner of a price sticker, it means Costco will not be restocking that item. If it’s something you enjoy, you may want to stock up while you can.

Finally, several Costco employees implore members not to tear through the spare boxes found at the front of many Costco locations. Take what you need, but leave the rest as neat as you found them. That way, employees won’t have to take time to gather boxes that have been strewn about.

There are few things better in life than getting the inside scoop from someone who knows the lay of the land. And money saving tips are especially welcomed.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Mastercard, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2025 $370 calls on Mastercard and short January 2025 $380 calls on Mastercard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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