These 3 Costco Perks Make a Membership Worth It — Even if You Don’t Go Often

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Some people only make it over to Costco on occasion. Read on to see why it’s worth having a membership even if you don’t hit the store frequently. 

A basic Costco membership costs $60 a year, while an Executive membership that gives you 2% cash back on your purchases costs $120. And for someone like me, those membership fees are worth paying.

I shop at Costco almost every week. And when I do, I can reap anywhere from a few dollars’ worth of savings to $30 or more, depending on the groceries and household supplies I’m picking up.

But stocking up on the things I need at Costco is easy for me — there’s a store that’s only about 15 minutes away. Some people may not have a Costco as close by, and if you’re in that boat, you might struggle to get there.

Similarly, if you’re someone who works a demanding job, it may be difficult to visit Costco regularly. So if you can’t remember the last time you set foot in the store, you may, at this point, be wondering if your membership is worth keeping.

Now ultimately, if you’re getting no use out of that membership, it probably makes sense to cancel. But before you do, realize that it may be worth it to keep your membership for these benefits alone.

1. Discounts on travel packages — and support when things go awry

Costco offers a host of discounted travel packages you can book online or over the phone. Some of these bundles could save you money compared to the cost of putting together an itinerary yourself or even working with a travel agent. Just as importantly, you’ll have the support of Costco’s travel team behind you in case something goes wrong with your plans.

Such a thing happened to me in 2020, when the cruise I’d booked through Costco was canceled due to the pandemic. Costco called the cruise line on my behalf and got me my deposits back so I didn’t have to deal with that hassle. That alone made my membership worth it, as it likely saved me many hours on the phone.

2. Extended warranties on electronics

Buying a single laptop or TV through Costco could save you enough money to recoup the cost of your membership in full. But just as importantly, electronics purchased through Costco come with a second-year warranty (on top of a typical one-year manufacturer’s warranty). When you’re making an expensive purchase like a new computer, you want that peace of mind.

Costco also offers free tech support when you buy electronics at a store or through Costco.com. So if you live alone and are overwhelmed by the idea of setting up a new TV or laptop, rest assured that you’ll have someone to help walk you through the process.

3. Savings on eyeglasses

Buying eyeglasses through Costco Costco can be less expensive than buying them elsewhere. And Costco makes it easy to purchase eyeglasses.

If you don’t have a warehouse club store conveniently located where you live, you can order your new pair of glasses online with ease thanks to Costco’s new virtual try-on option. The site’s new technology lets you upload a video of your face and then actually see what different pairs of glasses will look like.

For some people, it’s easy to justify the cost of a Costco membership. But if you don’t hit the store often, you may be wondering if yours is worth hanging onto. Before you cancel, though, think about whether you’re planning to book a vacation, buy electronics, or replace some eyewear in the new future. If so, then keeping that membership could very much make sense.

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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.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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