4 Things You Probably Don't Know About Your Costco Membership

Warehouse clubs like Costco have gotten more popular in recent years. More shoppers are seeking ways to save money when buying groceries, household essentials, and other goods. With a Costco membership card in your wallet, you can get a better deal when you shop. But you may be missing out on some features of your membership -- like these. 

1. Free extended warranty perks on select Costco buys 

When you buy select items from Costco, you can benefit from extended warranty coverage. Costco extends the manufacturer's warranty for up to two years from the date of warehouse purchase or date of delivery if purchased online for the following items: 

• Televisions
• Projectors
• Computers (excludes touchscreen tablets) 
• Select major appliances 

Select appliances include refrigerators larger than 10 cubic feet, freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-counter microwaves, dishwashers, water heaters, washers, and dryers. 

Review the manufacturer's warranty for these items for detailed coverage terms. This coverage is available to Costco customers in the United States. Costco can choose whether to repair, replace, or refund up to the purchase price. 

If you don't have a credit card with extended warranty perks, this benefit could prove valuable if you need repairs or a replacement and the manufacturer's warranty has already expired. 

2. Free tech support for select electronics 

In addition to having low prices for popular electronic items, Costco takes it a step further. The warehouse club brand includes free tech support for members in the United States who buy eligible electronics. This service is made available through Costco Concierge Services. 

Eligible electronics that include this service are computers, laptops, cameras, and televisions. 

You can verify whether a product includes this service by reviewing the product details on the Costco website. This is a valuable membership perk that costs you nothing extra. If you need assistance, contact Costco's technical support and warranty line by calling 1-866-861-0450. 

3. Add an additional driver for free when renting a car through Costco Travel 

When you book an eligible car rental through Costco Travel, you can add one additional driver to your reservation for no extra charge. This applies to bookings for Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise car rentals in the United States. This membership benefit could save you money when traveling and help you stretch your vacation budget. 

The primary driver must be a Costco member and present their membership card at the rental counter. Additional drivers don't need to be Costco members, but must provide a valid driver's license. Additional fees apply to drivers under 25. 

4. Get a deal on sports events and concert tickets

Many members use Costco Travel to get discounts on hotels, rental cars, and cruises. But did you know that you can use your Costco membership benefits to save money on concert tickets, sporting events, and other entertainment? For example, the warehouse club currently has Major League Baseball ticket packages. Are the savings worth it? 

I found a New York Mets ticket package for $99.99, which included two field-level tickets and a $30 food and beverage credit. When I looked up standard ticket prices for an upcoming weekend game, I discovered that two tickets would cost over $350. That didn't include food and beverage credits, so the Costco ticket deal is a steal for baseball fans. 

Get the most from your Costco membership 

Yes, Costco has great deals on the essentials you need. But that's not all. The retailer also offers extra membership benefits that can save you even more money and make your life easier. Consider joining if you want to keep more money in your checking account. For tips on how to get the most out of your membership, check out our ultimate Costco guide.