Why a Costco Canada Membership is Worth Your Money

You may not love your grainy photo on your Costco Canada membership card but you still love shopping there. With its millions of members in Canada, the company is growing fast, thanks to great customer service and prices. If you don’t already have a Costco Canada Membership then consider joining as it comes with some great benefits. 

Costco Membership	Why its worth your money
Gold Star	You need it to access wholesale products at reduced prices
Executive	2% cash back to offset the annual fee (you have to spend 500$/month to be profitable)
Business	Businesses can get multiple cards, buy wholesale with the intent to resale

Why join Costco?

The company operates an international chain of membership-only retail stores as the fifth-largest retailer in the world. Canada is one of Costco’s major markets with 107 stores. It already has stores in Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iceland, China, Taiwan, Spain and France. Recently, it opened its first stores in New Zealand and Sweden.

Your Costco Canada membership card will work at any Costco location worldwide, far beyond Canada. You must show your card when entering any Costco warehouse and when checking out. That can help when you travel in the United States or abroad and you want to shop at Costco there.

For a card to be valid, it must contain both your photo and a card number. This prevents unauthorized use and keeps you protected if your card ever gets lost or stolen.

Costco Canada membership cons

Costco sounds great but it does have some cons as well:

• The store can be very crowded and lines are often very long.
• You cannot get rewards in cash.

Costco membership tiers

Now that you know about Costco and what the company offers, let’s find out more about Costco Canada membership tiers. Each level comes with specific features and pricing and must be renewed annually.

Gold Star

This basic Costco Canada membership plan costs $60 per year and comes with up to two cards. One card belongs to the main member with the other for a household member above the age of 18. Both people must share the same residence.

This most popular Costco Canada Membership plan is also the cheapest and it enables you to shop at any Costco location. So, why not give it a try?

Business

This one has a lot in common with the Star plan as it also costs $60 per month. With this card, you can make resale, business-related or personal purchases at any Costco store. Many people choose this option as it comes with some additional benefits, including:

• Add up to six affiliate cardholders
• Request a free household card
• Buy with the intent for resale

Naturally, the resale option is quite attractive as it can help you make some good money on the side. However, you have to submit resale information to the company in order to use the purchase-for-resale feature. If you need to supply a resale side hustle, this creates a good place to start.

This option suits business owners of companies of any size. It will not take you a lot of time to break even since businesses tend to buy in bulk. Honestly, you’ll probably cover the cost in only a few months.

Executive

The most expensive Costco Canada Membership comes with some additional perks and costs $120 per year. The cost includes $60 for the basic plan and $60 for upgrades. This membership plan comes with the following:

• A free household card
• Special discounts on Costco Travel products
• Special discounts on services, including life and health insurance plans
• Annual 2% reward on qualified purchases

Of the three Costco membership tiers, the Executive level clearly provides the most benefits. Yet, take time to determine whether the $120 annual membership fee is worth the investment for your personal needs or business before subscribing. You will have to spend about $4,167 a month or $50,000 a year to earn the maximum $1,000 rebate. However, it only takes $6,000 – or $115.40 a week – to earn enough rewards to cover the membership fee.

Executive business

At a cost of $120 per year, this card combines the benefits of the Executive and Business memberships. In addition, you receive an annual two-percent discount on eligible warehouse purchases made on Costco.ca and Costco Travel, plus exclusive offers. You also retain the ability to resell merchandise and add up to six business account holders.

Gold Star	Executive	Business	Executive business
$60/year	$120/year	$60/year	$120/year

Executive 2% reward: how it works

As explained earlier, only Executive members get to enjoy this perk. The reward is based on qualified Costco Travel, Costco.ca and Costco purchases, with the amount capped at $1,000. Remember, not all purchases qualify. The exclusions range from prescription drugs, tobacco products, taxes and levies, gift cards, all Costco Services (including eye examinations and tires), gift certificates, gasoline, alcoholic beverages to milk.

Most people may have difficulty maxing out the potential reward of $1,000 as it requires spending at least $961.50 per week. That adds up to $50,000 in a year, which works if you choose Costco for most of your large-tickets purchases.

How to sign up for a new Costco Canada membership

If applying in-person, go to the Membership area, usually near the exit door. You must provide identification when you request a card. Similarly, resale certificates and business licences will be requested for business memberships.

Once you provide all the documents, you will pose for a photo for the card and pay your annual fee. They will email you a membership number within two days, which you present at the store to claim your card.

Another option is to sign up to Costco online. In the Membership page, provide the required information including the type of Costco Canada Membership that interests you.

It can take up to two business days to receive a membership number. You will only need this number to shop online. Best of all, you don’t need a physical card to shop online but you can pick one up when you visit a Costco store.

How to renew Costco Canada membership 

Renewing your Costco Canada Membership is as easy as signing up for a new one. Again, you can do it online or by visiting your nearest location. Visit your nearest store with your membership card and request renewal when you check out. The process will take only a few minutes.

If you wish to do it online, simply login to your account and choose “Renew Membership.” It will also take a few minutes, however, your online account must be verified before you can renew your membership. 

Alternatively, head over to your nearest Costco location and request a renewal. You will receive a verification email at your registered email address. This email is only valid for 48 hours, so respond quickly. You will receive an email to renew all cards, including secondary cards.

Costco credit card

If you are a regular consumer, you should compare available credit cards or consider signing up for a CIBC Costco Mastercard. This feature deserves special mentions as it comes with some great perks and provides a great option for Costco Canada members.

With the CIBC card, you will also get to enjoy insurance protection including mobile device insurance coverage that comes with traditional CIBC cards. The card can make it easier to shop at Costco as you enjoy flexible payment plans.

This card offers :

• 3% cash back at Costco restaurants and gas stations
• 2% cash back at other gas stations and on Costco.ca
• 1% on all other purchases, including at Costco

Alternative to the Costco credit card: BMO Cash Back Mastercard

[Offer productType=”CreditCard” api_id=”5f298ccf68c746304bee1258″]

The BMO CashBack credit card also comes free. With 3% cash back on groceries, you can store wherever you want and save. You’ll also get 1% off regular bill payments and 0.5% off all other purchases. A welcome offer even gives you five percent back for the first three months. It’s a great way to take advantage of cash back to use as you see fit.

What can I find at Costco?

Honestly, what can’t you find at Costco? After all, they branch out into new services and products all the time. This question may be tricky to answer since this large retailer offers a variety of products, like the following:

Groceries

You will find all kinds of grocery items including meats, poultry, seafood, cheese and dairy, candy, snacks and even gourmet food. Some stores also carry ethnic and speciality foods like kosher, organic and halal varieties. Its shelves also have breakfast items, beverages and water, plus appetizers from around the world. Look for coffee and sweeteners. The generally low prices on fruit, vegetables, meat and snacks make it an ideal choice for families with children. The Kirkland brand offers products comparable to popular brands at a lower cost, such as a Gatorade-type sports drink.

Many people turn to Costco as it offers healthy food options. Additionally, you can use Instacart to have your groceries delivered quickly.

Appliances

Costco has an appliances section where you will find all kinds of machines for your home. You have a choice of kitchen appliances, including dishwashers, freezers, ice makers, microwaves and refrigerators. For other parts of your home, you’ll discover vacuums, washers, beverage coolers and heaters. Here you will not only find popular Canadian brands but several international labels as well.

Baby products

Parents will have a great time at Costco as it houses all kinds of baby products. Seek out cheap diapers, wipes, training pants, baby formula, baby furniture and baby safety items. Babies are expensive but Costco tries to make caring for them less budget-busting.

Beauty products and fashion accessories

Whether it’s L’Oréal makeup or Huda Beauty lashes, you’ll find it all at Costco. The store has beauty tools and accessories, nail care, makeup, fragrances, premium haircare, skincare, and bath and body products. Don’t forget to have a look at the watch section where there are watches and other fashion accessories from various brands.

Computers

Costco serves as one of the few stores where you cannot only buy computer hardware including hard drives but software as well. In addition, you’ll find iPads, tablets, laptops and PCs from all major brands. This one-stop solution provides all that a consumer may need including printers, scanners, cartridges, power cables, etc.

Electronics

You can lay your hands on all kinds of TVs, audio and video accessories, cameras, cell phones, musical instruments and gaming consoles. As one of the largest sections as the company, it even houses digital goods including gaming codes and batteries. Moreover, you’ll find Allstate Protection plans, security cameras, and smartwatches as well.

Gifts and gift cards

Want to buy a gift for your loved ones? Head to the floral or basket section where you will discover a variety of gift items for all occasions. In addition, you can find gift cards too, ususally in the centre section near outdoor goods and toys. You will not only find Costco gift cards but some other popular brands as well. Plus, the company now offers tickets to events including movies.

Furniture

Furniture doesn’t come to mind when one thinks of Costco but the store even offers large items, like fireplaces. This includes furniture for the living room, bedroom, kids’ rooms and kitchen. In addition, you will also find a variety of tables and chairs for the office. Moreover, the company has a mattress section where you will find even orthopedic mattresses.

Clothing

You’ll find clothes for everyone – men, women and children. Its accessories include handbags, wallets and luggage. Moreover, work gear also appears on its racks.

Books and toys

Explore all kinds of toys, including dolls, action figures, water toys, remote control vehicles and stuffed buddies. Additionally, pick up all kinds of books from adult novels to children’s stories.

Auto and tires

Want to keep your car in good condition? Costco has a automotive section where you will find motor oil, wheels, batteries, garage flooring, tires and more. They make it all easy to find.

Sports and fitness

Whether you’re looking for sportswear, accessories, or sets, you will find some great deals at Costco. The company offers exercise machines, bikes, boards, golf clubs and more. The selection might vary during different seasons.

Home improvement

A large number of people turn to Costco to buy home-improvement products. For example, it houses fire-safety tools, safes, generators, flooring, building supplies, bathroom remodelling tools and more. The store can be a great pick for do-it-yourself enthusiasts who want everything under a single roof. In addition, the company even offers home and installation services, including HVAC installation, bath remodelling, gutter installation, etc. It perfect suits people who want professional help without taking matters into their own hands.

Personal care and hygiene

Costco has an ever-expanding personal-care section where you will find massage equipment, reading glasses, travel immunisation, vitamins, wheelchairs, etc. It isn’t as extensive as a retail pharmacy. However, you can get items for dental care, incontinence, foot health and more. You can stock up on soap, shaving cream and sunscreen all at once.

Travel

Costco Travel has proven to be quite a success as the company caters to all kinds of buyers including luxury and budget travellers. Book vacation packages with cruises, rental cars, hotels, and theme park tickets to make your next trip memorable.

Pharmacy

You will find a full-service pharmacy at almost all Costco locations in Canada. They offer a wide variety of health-related services and products. As one of the most affordable options in the country, it makes a good option for people who need to purchase medicines and health-related products.

If you are a Costco member, you can even to order prescriptions online and have them delivered to your address. However, this service does not extend to Quebec and Prince Edward Island. In those provinces you must go to a physical store with your prescription or sign up to get them mailed to you.

Optical

You cannot just buy eyewear from Costco but also complete an eye examination at optical departments available at most Canadian locations. On the plus side, you don’t need an in-house prescription to purchase eyewear from Costco.

Costco gasoline

Costco gasoline is usually priced about seven cents below the regular price. You will find gasoline at most Costco locations in Canada, although some stores still don’t have this feature. This discount in price can be great if you refuel frequently. It will help cover the cost of your membership in no time

Other products

As a one-stop shop for all your purchases, Costco now offers caskets from $1,100 to $3,600. The warehouse site also has a section dedicated to businesses, featuring products such as office and catering supplies. In addition, Costco offers a discounted photo service.

If you visit the official Costco website or check a nearby store, you will find many more services and products. It aims to serve as a one-stop solution and offer everything an individual or business may need.

Costco doesn’t always mean saving money

There are two reasons why most buyers choose a Costco Canada Membership:

• They can get all kinds of products under a single roof.
• They can get great discounts.

However, we must mention that just because Costco offers exciting discounts, doesn’t mean you will always save money. However, by comparing prices, you can still score enough great deals to make your $60 membership pay off.

Most Costco shoppers buy in bulk, which may not suit everyone. While this might mean a good unit price, members often end up buying things they do not need. Over time, these goods stay on the shelves and expire unused. This means a loss of money that rarely gets accounted for. Some users also find it hard to resist some unnecessary purchases, such as candies or toys. 

While some products are indeed cheap, you may find other stores that offer the same product at a discounted rate. As a shopper, compare available options and pick the store that fits you the best. In the end, you can save money with a Costco Canada Membership if you shop wisely. The key lies in only buying what you need and comparing prices before making purchases.

How to quickly pay off your membership cost

Costco memberships do not come free. You might wonder if the cost of the membership can be covered through what you save by shopping there. Here are some quick ways to offset membership costs:

Costco guarantees

The company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will refund the amount if you are not happy with your purchase of Costco membership. You will can request a refund at any time during your membership. The company offers a no-questions-asked policy. 

This option suits people who still aren’t sure if they should go for a Costco Canada Membership. You can sign up and choose to get a refund thanks to this risk-free opportunity.

Tires

Costco can make a great pick for car owners since the company offers major discounts on tires. The savings can be up to $80. This means you can offset membership costs with a single purchase. However, tires get excluded from the two-percent Executive discounts.

Gas

As mentioned earlier, Costco is one of the best places to buy gas in Canada due to cheaper prices. You can save about seven cents per litre on average. Considering the average fuel efficiency in Canada is 8.9 litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres, and the average mileage is 15,200 kilometres, it can be said that you will be able to save about $94 per year.

Wine

Enjoying partying with your friends and sipping your favourite wine? Buying your vintages at Costco can save you up to $5 per bottle.

FAQs about Costco Canada Membership