These 4 Costco Sales Could Save You 3 Times Your Membership Fee in One Trip

Costco is well known for its bulk-sized items and low prices. But to shop there you need a membership. Currently, annual membership fees are $60 for Gold Star members and $120 for Executive members. With close to 125 million members, revenue from membership fees increased 9% to $4.2 billion, making up almost 75% of Costco's 2022 profit.

There's a reason why 93% of members in the U.S. and Canada and 90% worldwide renew their membership every year. Clearly, they see value in it. Whether you're a new member or a long-time shopper, these four sales could save you three times your membership fee in just one trip.

1. iPhone 14 Pro Max with AppleCare+ Unlocked, 256GB, Space Black -- $1,169.99 (after $200 off)

The latest iPhone boasts a host of advanced features, including a large and impressive display, a powerful processor, and a sophisticated camera system. Featuring an impressive 256GB of storage capacity, you won't have to worry about running out of space anytime soon.

The phone is also compatible with any carrier. Plus, with the added benefit of AppleCare+, you can have peace of mind knowing that your valuable investment is protected by unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection.

In comparison, at Best Buy, the phone costs $1,199.99 and an additional $199 for the AppleCare+ protection. Costco members save $229, getting more than three times the Gold Star membership fee.

2. Everley 8'x10' Wood Shed -- Do It Yourself Assembly -- $1,499.99 (after $500 off)

Building a shed can be a daunting task, but with the Everley 8'x10' Wood Shed, you can feel confident in your ability to do it yourself. With a step-by-step instruction manual and all the necessary hardware included, assembling this shed is a practical and achievable project.

It is built to withstand strong winds and heavy snow loads and comes with a 15-year limited material warranty and a 50-year limited warranty for the LP® SmartSide® treated siding.

While building a shed may seem like a big undertaking, this shed offers the opportunity to do so with ease and practicality, all while adding functional and beautiful storage space to your outdoor living area. Best of all, it comes with a significant discount of $500 compared to other competitors, saving three times the cost of an Executive membership.

3. Kyota Yutaka M898 4D Zero Gravity Massage Chair -- $4,999.99 (after $2,000 off)

This chair is the ultimate indulgence for anyone seeking a luxurious at-home massage experience. With state-of-the-art technology and customizable settings, this massage chair offers a versatile range of massage options to cater to all your relaxation needs.

The zero-gravity feature allows you to elevate your legs above your heart, helping to alleviate tension in your body and promote healthy blood flow. The 4D rollers on the chair are specially designed to mimic the movements of a professional masseuse, providing a life-like massage that targets specific pressure points.

The chair retails for $12,999. Amazon and other competitors are selling it at $9,999, double the price Costco is charging. This is 83 times the savings of the Gold membership and 42 times that of the Executive!

4. Everyday savings

According to a recent study, Costco members see a 33% savings over conventional grocery stores. The average Costco shopper spends $114 per trip and purchases nine items. This means they are saving about $60 per visit, the price of the Gold membership!

The average customer shops at Costco on a weekend every two to three weeks, about 23 trips a year. Over the course of the year, this amounts to $1,380 in savings, 23 times the cost of a Gold membership and 11.5 times that of an Executive membership.

Costco is able to offer lower prices for several reasons including bulk purchases, no-frills store design, its popular Kirkland brand, and more. If you end up spending about $360 on a trip to Costco, your savings may likely be three times your membership. It's clear why Costco retains almost all of its members.

Take advantage of the Costco Visa Card

For even more savings, Costco offers the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. The card offers cash back on purchases made at Costco and other retailers. You can earn 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases, 3% cash back on restaurant and travel purchases, and 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and other retailers.

This card doubles as a membership card. In addition to its rewards, Costco's card also offers certain advantages, such as complimentary purchase protection, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. By using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi for your everyday purchases, you can accumulate cash back and save money on your next Costco trip.

Keep these tips in mind on your next trip to Costco and you may find that your membership fee is paid for several times over. Whether you're a new member or a longtime shopper, take advantage of these sales and others to keep more money in your checking account and get the most out of your Costco membership.