10 Little-Known Perks of a Costco Membership

Many people join Costco to save money on things like groceries and household essentials. But the benefits of a Costco membership extend well beyond discounted milk, produce, and eggs.

Did you know, for example, that Costco offers big savings on eyeglasses and prescription medications? And were you aware that you can save money on things like stamps and flowers by going through Costco?

Because the chain's offerings are truly immense, many people don't realize just how many perks members are privy to. Here are some of the lesser-known benefits of having a Costco membership.

1. Hassle-free returns

Costco has one of the friendliest return policies you'll find at a major retailer. With few exceptions, you can bring back any item at any time for any reason. So if you purchase apparel and change your mind about it five months after the fact, simply head to customer service and ask for your money back. You don't even need to bring a receipt, as Costco will be able to look up your purchase based on your membership number.

2. Low-cost eyeglasses and contacts

Costco's optical centers offer a host of great deals on glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses. And if you're not sure whether your prescription is up to date, know that you may be able to get your eyes examined at a Costco location in town. Plus, Costco Optical accepts most vision insurance plans (though you may want to contact yours to make sure Costco is in your plan's network). Also, if your prescription is current, you may be able to purchase your glasses or contacts online, saving you a trip to the store.

3. Discounted gift cards

Costco carries a range of gift cards at below face value. You may, for example, find $100 worth of gift cards to your favorite pizza chain for only $80. You can also find gift cards that can be redeemed for low-cost tickets to sporting events and other live events. And while the selection of gift cards available at your local store may be limited, you can always look online for an even wider range of choices.

4. Extended warranties on electronics

Electronics purchases are often a big deal, such as if you're spending $1,200 to upgrade a laptop or plunking down $1,000 or more for a new TV you've been saving for. The benefit of buying electronics at Costco is that you get a free second-year warranty included. That gives you peace of mind when you're spending a larger sum. It also saves you from having to purchase a separate extended warranty elsewhere.

5. Free tech support

There's nothing more frustrating than bringing home a new laptop or TV only to find yourself struggling to set it up or navigate its functions. As a Costco member, you're eligible for free tech support related to the items you purchase at the store or on Costco.com. That way, you don't have to pay a local tech person to come out and help you troubleshoot. Plus, you might save yourself a fair amount of time and frustration.

6. Great deals on travel

Costco's travel service gives you access to a host of fabulous vacation packages, from cruises to resorts to theme park destinations. Not only might you enjoy some savings on travel by booking through Costco, but you may be eligible for exclusive deals a local travel agent can't access. Plus, when you book travel through Costco, you get the support of a professional who can answer questions about your itinerary and help you work through issues that may arise.

7. Floral delivery

Sending a floral arrangement can be an expensive prospect. Costco's floral delivery service, on the other hand, gives you access to a range of options at competitive prices. You can also buy flowers in bulk for a big event, such as if you're planning a wedding and want to use Costco to decorate your tables with centerpieces. And if you need flowers sent out in a pinch, some arrangements are eligible for next-day delivery.

8. Lifetime maintenance for your tires

If you purchase your tires at Costco, you're entitled to free pressure checks, balancing, and rotations for the lifetime of those tires. You may also be eligible to have flat tires repaired for free. And whether you buy your tires at Costco or not, if they need air, that's a self-service option you won't have to pay for, either.

9. The option to shop anywhere

As of February 2024, Costco had 603 warehouse club locations across 47 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. The nice thing about having a Costco membership is that it gets you into any store location of your choice. So if you're traveling, for example, and need milk or fruit to keep at your vacation rental, you can pop into Costco at your destination without any trouble. You can also bring your children along with you, plus up to two adult guests.

10. Cash back on your purchases

An Executive membership at Costco costs $120 a year, which is double the cost of a basic membership. In exchange, you get 2% cash back on your Costco purchases, including those made online. If you spend more than $3,000 at Costco in a year, you come out ahead financially by paying for the upgrade. An Executive membership also isn't something you have to commit to, as you can downgrade to a basic membership at any time.

Being a Costco member comes with numerous benefits. If you're on the fence about joining Costco, keep these perks in mind. And if you're already paying for a membership, make sure to take advantage of these terrific savings opportunities.