Costco is a popular place to shop because it has a lot of things in bulk, low prices, and special member benefits.
A Costco membership, on the other hand, can be a smart way to save money and enjoy all that the store has to offer, whether you live alone or with your family.
Let’s talk about how Costco memberships work and how people or families can save the most money.
Save Money with Costco as a Solo Shopper
People often think that Costco is mostly for families, but there are actually special membership perks for single-person households that can help them save a lot of money. Here are three ways you can make the most of your Costco membership as a solo shopper:
1. Discounted Gift Cards
Costco has a huge selection of gift cards at great prices for restaurants, entertainment places, and even travel services.
If you buy these cards when the rates are lower, you can save a lot of money. For instance, using discounted gift cards for dining or gifting can cut down your costs over time.
As one new member found, this perk has a lot of promise. They saved $90 in just three months on gift card deals.
2. Cheaper Gasoline Prices
The gas pumps at Costco are another great thing for members. Most of the time, gas costs at Costco are much lower than at regular gas stations.
In Chicago, for example, Costco’s gas was $0.316 less per gallon than the average price in the city. Even if you only save a few dollars each time you fill up, it can add up quickly if you drive a bigger car or travel a lot.
For single people, this bonus can be enough to cover the annual membership fee.
3. Affordable Over-the-Counter Medications
Costco also does a great job with medicines. The shop has very low prices on its Kirkland Signature line of over-the-counter medicines.
Aller-Tec, for example, costs about $14.49 for 365 tablets, while a similar product at Target costs $31.99 for 300 tablets.
Because of this big price difference, Costco is a great place to buy things you need without spending a lot of money.
Share Membership Benefits with Your Family
If you want to know if you can share a Costco account, the rules are clear but not rigid. Costco membership cards can’t be given to someone else, but the store does offer a few ways to give perks to someone else:
1. Designating a Household Member
Each Costco membership lets one more person from the same family use the card. This means that people who live together, like spouses or partners, can get the same benefits as a member.
This is an easy and inexpensive way to give this benefit to a family member who lives with you, like a parent or sibling.
2. Guests and Shopping Trips
You can bring up to two people with you when you shop at Costco if you are a member. This is an easy way for friends or family to save money at Costco without having to become a member themselves.
You can pay for their things at the register and get your money back later, which makes this a good option for people who only shop there sometimes.
3. Business Membership Benefits
For an extra fee, Costco customers with a Business level membership can add more people to their account.
This is especially helpful for families or small business owners who want to save money together.
Can You Split a Costco Membership?
Costco doesn’t let people with different addresses share a membership, but their guest policy and choices for household cardholders make it possible.
Depending on the rules in your state, people who aren’t members can still buy some things, like alcohol, pharmacy services, and health tests.
Costco Membership: Worth It for Everyone
Costco’s membership is a great deal for both single shoppers and families, with discounts on everything from gas and medicines to things that are bought in bulk.
If you know the rules and use joint benefits to your advantage, you can save the most money and get better benefits.
Costco membership can help you save money and make your budget go further when you buy groceries, fill up your gas tank, or go shopping with family.
It’s not just a store; Costco is a good investment for people who want to save money. No matter how big or small your family is, make the most of it!