Is Costco Executive Membership Worth It?
We are currently Costco Gold members, the standard level. We joined because you know you’re getting a fair price (if not necessarily the best) on great variety of products, the customer service is great, and you gotta love their food court. So after spending another few hundred dollars on food and gifts today, amongst all those banners pronouncing *2% Cash Back for Executive Members*, I started to ponder if I should upgrade my membership level too?
Executive membership costs $100, regular is $50. At 2% back, basic math says you’ll need to spend $2,500 a year to break even. I probably don’t spend that much. Then I remembered a rumor I kept hearing that if you don’t profit with the Executive Membership, Costco will give you back the difference. Say you only get $20 in rebates. Bring in your rewards check at the end of the year and they’ll give you $30. So there is no risk. This is part of their 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - “We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied.”
In addition to the membership cost savings, thanks to the commenters below, I am also reminded that there are tons of other discounts offered to Executive members only on things like insurance, small business services, cheaper check printing, real estate services, and more, that don’t end up on your rewards rebates but still save you money. So not only is there no risk, there is much potential upside.
Heck, you may spend more than you think at Costco. I started doing some math on the drive home. I never spend less than $100 per trip at Costco. Since I go at least once a month, that’s about $1,500 right there. In addition, we occasionally buy things for office parties and get reimbursed. That’s another $500-$1,000. If that doesn’t put us over, add in holiday gifts and other big-ticket items, and who knows, you might just spend over $2,500. Think about signing up for before you do all your shopping!
Special Offer! Free $50 in Costco Coupons w/ Prepaid Membership Certificate
If you do wish to upgrade or join Costco, check out this special offer that scores you $50 worth of free Costco coupons when you buy a membership certificate. Simply bring it in to Costco to redeem. Click here for more details.
Earn More with Costco Credit Card: You can get 3% cash back on Costco gas, 3% cashback on restaurants, and a $25 sign-up bonus with the Costco TrueEarning American Express card. It even doubles as your Costco membership card. More info over at my review.
Find more in Frugal Living | 11/25/06, 12:45am | Trackback
November 25th, 2006 at 6:01 am
I don’t know if they have a similar thing as Sam’s Club.
My wife and I purchased a Sam’s Club business membership. Besides allowing you access to the store at special hours, and fax/click & pull shopping, it also came with several other “employee” memebership cards. We gave the cards to her parents and to my parents as gifts.
-Wes
November 25th, 2006 at 9:24 am
There is more to the Executive Membership than just the 2% discount. For example, I get my home and auto insurance through Costco, and with the Executive membership, I get lower rates and they throw in Roadside Assistance for both vehicles. If you use Costco’s check printing or credit card processing services, both of those are significantly cheaper with the Executive Membership as well, but I do not use these services.
November 25th, 2006 at 9:51 am
I believe it is worth the executive, basically because of what you mentioned. If you don’t get at least $50 rebate to make up the difference from standard to executive, you turn in your rebate and go back to standard.
I have never had to do that of course since I always get at least $100 back on the rebate. I do not own a business, just a largish family of 6, get about everything I can at Costco since there is one very close. It adds up. So I get back at least $100 from Costco and another $2-300 from American Express rebate from using their card. Bonus. Remember that gasoline doesn’t count towards the Costco 2%, but does for the 1% AE rebate. Plus if you need prescriptions, that does count towards 2% Costco and 1% AE.
P.S. You had a blurb about the $4 Wal-Mart prescriptions and now I see that Costco has a $10 for #100 tablets/pills/capsules/etc. counter promotion for certain generics. Better than $4 for 30.
November 25th, 2006 at 9:54 am
I couldn’t agree with you more. I held off for many years on the executive membership because I was afraid that I would not make up the extra $50. When I found out that the money was reimbursable, I decided to try it out. Last year I took my reimbursement check (which was less than $50) to customer service, and they paid me the difference in cash. Not a hassle at all. I don’t know if I ever plan on spending much more than $2,500 in a year, BUT, the member services clearly make up the interest on the $50 that I could have invested for a year. Last year I did the $85 ShareBuilder promotion for myself, my wife, and a joint account for a profit of $240 (after subtracting a $5 transaction cost for the first trade.) Anyway, for those that have not made the leap of faith to the executive membership, do it.
November 25th, 2006 at 10:09 am
That’s a great point that all those Executive discounts may not even show up on your rebate check, so why not get those as well? I’ve edited the main post to reflect this.
November 25th, 2006 at 11:42 am
so true with all the above comments. There are many many benefits…the $85 costco executive bonus from sharebuilder more than made up my upgrade for membership, hence you cannot lose.
you can go here for the link if you haven’t taken advantage of this yet..
link
November 25th, 2006 at 11:47 am
BTW Jonathan, thanks for the link…i should also give you credit for giving me the idea of starting my own website as you can tell by the similarity of the name.
November 25th, 2006 at 12:42 pm
It was worth it for me to upgrade last year when i went in to buy a $2300 t.v. Since I’m not a regular shopper (i go maybe once every two months usually spending
November 25th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
I forgot to mention something in my previous reply. The Citi Dividend AMEX card is the best card to use at Costco (Unfortunately this card is no longer available to new folks). I have recently discovered that the 5% cash back on gas applies to Costco purchases. I have double checked this with my last two statements. If only I had realized this earlier!!!
Even though there has been rumor of the 5% cash back getting cut to 2%, I have had no problems these past several months with my 5% cash back with the AMEX version of the card. Perhaps only the Mastercard version of the card was changed?
November 26th, 2006 at 6:15 am
Is the sharebuilder promotion till valid? The link says it expired on 04/24/06.
November 26th, 2006 at 10:42 am
Brian - I have read that if you had the Citi Dividend card for less than 1 year then you will continue getting the 5%. So, on your anniversary it should revert to 2%.
November 26th, 2006 at 8:50 pm
ab - There is always a $55 bonus available through Costco. The $85 bonus for executive members seems to appear about once a year.
Matt - Thanks for the info. I’m crying on the inside.
November 27th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
I’ve never been that big of a fan of Costco compared to some people. I assume if you have a big family and purchase a lot it makes up the difference, but I’ve spent hours online comparing walmart to Costco and more of the time Walmart has been cheaper. You can get your prescriptions at Costco without a membership and most electronics you can find other places cheaper. So the only benefit I see at Costco is if you have a large family buying in bulk.
November 28th, 2006 at 3:50 am
We’ve always been wary of getting a costco card just for the fact that we DO spend more there- buying things that are a great “deal” that we don’t really need. If we ever get a membership in the future, it will have to be used with caution and a clear list before entering the store. Browsing costco is a trap for us, no matter what percent they give back.
December 2nd, 2006 at 3:41 am
I have been a long time business member of Costco and found Costco’s prices for the same items less than Sam’s. I have memberships to both…. I like the business attitude at Costco…which is to always do their best to make every customer issue in favor of the customer…. Some stuff might be less expensive elsewhere, but those items are on sale and the cost and the guarantee of going to a separate place to save a few dollars and the hassle involved makes me wonder why??
When I “know” Costco may cost a little more, but the prices are fair and the service has always been the very best in my “favor”…..
I have recently bought into the “Executive Membership” category and am not sure that I will benefit??? but I decided to try it and maybe I will like it???? Maybe not???
December 3rd, 2006 at 10:54 am
Many people don’t know about Costco’s fantasic, no questions asked, return policy. You can pretty much take anything back without a receipt, after any amount of time (I think computers are the exception). I always buy electronics there, because you’re essentially getting a lifetime warranty. You can even bring back food you didn’t like.
December 3rd, 2006 at 4:59 pm
I switched to Executive about six months ago, when I was approached by a customer service rep who said based on my purchase history, I’d save money. We buy most household goods & food at Costco–good prices, and fewer choices mean I save money. And you can’t beat the return policy!
December 3rd, 2006 at 9:02 pm
[...] Is being an Executive worth it? [...]
December 7th, 2006 at 11:03 am
Yes, Costco insurance is great. I spent a bunch of time comparing rates of multiple companies for both auto & home. The best of the bunch was Amica (Clark Howard recommends them too but I found out on my own). However, Amica did not accept my application because we had too many “claims” on our auto policy. Turns out each one of those roadside assitance calls is counted as a claim, just as if I had actually had an accident. Now I am paying the price for having owned an unreliable old car (gotten rid of it since) and for having young kids who enjoyed locking their mom out of the family car while out on an errand. I digress….. Costco’s insurance through Ameriprise accepted my application and the combined rate (including the multi-policy discounts) was not as good as Amica but better than anything else out there. Unfortunately, they will not insure your rental property.
December 10th, 2006 at 9:17 pm
[...] Sharebuilder is Costco’s “Service of the Month” for December, and they are running a promotion offering $90 Costco Cash for Executive Members ($70 for Gold or Business Members). There’s no reason not to go for the $90, since you can’t lose with Executive membership - They’ll pay you back any of the $50 extra you don’t gain in purchases. You do need to open an account and make one stock purchase. [...]
January 9th, 2007 at 7:05 am
My expiration date from my first year is tomorrow Jan. 10th. I went in to see what I needed to do to get my 2% rebate. I was told that my rebate was sent with my renewal notice 3 months prior to my expiration, back in Nov. In other words, my last 3 months of purchases aren’t on the rebate check. In the past 3 months, I’ve spent $3500 on a TV and $700 on ipods. The refund for these is in my account history and will be paid NEXT November, ‘07. I will get the check as long as I pay the additional $50 for the executive membership for this year. I hadn’t planned on doing that. So their 2% rebate should read that it’s only good for the first 9 months of the first year. This is very sketchy.
February 25th, 2007 at 7:32 am
We have been Sam’s club members for many years and occasionally Costco members. We are considering Costco membership again but have tipicaly been disappointed in their prices as compared to Sam’s Club. From reading the previous posts it appears that a Costco membership is considerably more expensive than Sam’s. However if we can recover our initial investment of membership it is well worth a try.
March 20th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Just wondering, maybe someone can help me out. If I’m the secondary on the executive membership for costco, will i recieve a 2% back as well? Or does that all go under the main persons name?
April 20th, 2007 at 4:57 am
The 2% check is delivered to the address on record. The membership is suppose to be for two people over the age of 18 in the same household. You earn 2% back on both cards and if either of you should bring in a guest you earn the rebate back on those purchases also.
May 5th, 2007 at 5:06 am
“if you don?t profit with the Executive Membership, Costco will give you back the difference. Say you only get $20 in rebates. Bring in your rewards check at the end of the year and they?ll give you $30. So there is no risk” -
just to add more info out there, when i tried to do this i was told my account will go back to being regular acct if i opt to get the difference back. in other words this is same as 100% Satisfaction guarantee on the membership fees.
in the above case you’ll get he $30 back and the account will become the regular non-executive membership type.
hope this helps somebody
May 24th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
The Executive Membership is really worth it. If not just for purchases, than for the services. I recently purchased a Honda Rideline through Costco’s auto buying program (the cars parked outside Costco). I did my own shopping and then I decided to try Costco’s program. It was SOOOOO easy and I was in and out. I couldn’t believe it. I saved several hundreds of $$ than I would’ve at another dealer. Executive members get special benefits like a gift certificate for $50 to use at the dealership which will be used when you go in for an oil change or routine service. Even if you’re not an executive member, buying a car through Costco will certainly save you on a purchase. Oh! and the customer service is truly unbeatable. I got a call a few days later to see how my experience was. They asked me specific things to ensure I paid the right price. I thought that was worth $100 for my whole membership cause I kinda made all my money back.
June 23rd, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Hi I need to know the difference between all costco membership I have been debating which one to purchase I have a family of 4 and I hardly go there only to buy pizza….Love the pizza.
September 6th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I have an Executive Membership ($100) and buy office supplies regularly through Costco. However, I arrived at the Clackamas, Oregon, store to enter at the special hours and was denied for a host of reasons that I didn’t understand: a.) I wasn’t a “vendor” who spent at least $500 per WEEK there; b.) I did not purchase cigarettes in bulk for my business(!); c.) I did not spend at least $10,000 - $100,000 at Costco; and d.) if I was going to buy any grocery items during the special hours, I was not allowed to do so since forklifts were still active on the floor (this was at 9:30 a.m.) I saw people leaving with grocery items (e.g., one bunch of bananas) I was being told that I could not buy grocery items. The explanation was that those orders had been “pre-pulled” for those “vendors.” I spoke with a supervisor and manager who gave me these reasons. I cancellled my membership, and am still totally confused regarding why I could not enter the store one hour earlier than the hours posted at the entrance, despite having an Executive Membership.
September 11th, 2007 at 11:12 am
I love Costco and I just upgraded to the executive level today. I’m wondering if I can combine my 2% back on the executive card with the 1% back on the Costco AMEX. 3% could add up fast.
September 22nd, 2007 at 9:18 am
well to be honest make this straight!
YOU CAN TRY COSTCO OUT FOR 30 DAYs IF YOU DON”T LIKE IT CANCEL IT
October 10th, 2007 at 9:10 am
I’m actually looking into health insurance and debating an upgrade to Executive Membership for the Costco insurance benefit. Does anyone have any info regarding their health and dental benefit?
November 10th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
I have been a Costco member for many years, I never thought about upgrading my membership until an employee aproached me and tolm me about it. It was great because 12 months later, I only had to pay $3.00 for my annual fee membership for the year. Thanks Costco!!!!
December 13th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Does the 2% cash back for the exec member include online orders?
January 17th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
It is clear that the author of this post works in the marketing department of Costco.
February 12th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I just got convinced of getting this today. At first I was thinking how this would not be worth it if I don’t spend at least $2,500 a year. Then I started thinking about how much I spend having friends making purchases using my card and my mom also. The person told me I missed out on $56 dollars cash back. So I presume that they calculate all purchases at Costco, even gas?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:51 am
To me, Costco’s touting of their Executive membership is like dealing with a used car dealership or playing three card Monte. Let’s look at the numbers.
If you have a regular membership, the cost is $45, Executive its $100. So if you spend $2500, with a regular membership you get back $25 and your total membership cost is $20 ($45 -$20). With and Executive membership you get back $50 and your total cost is $50 ($100 - $50). Therefore, the Executive membership actually costs you $30 more if you spend $2500 a year.
The actual break-even point is $5500. Regular membership $45 and a 1% return of $55 means you net $10. With and Executive membership, the cost is $100 and with a 2% return on your purchases you would receive a return of $110, which again nets you $10. Other considerations aside, you will be financially better off only if you spend $5500 or more annually, not the $2500 touted by Costco. One of my real concerns here is that Costco dishonestly in representing their Executive membership program.
March 10th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
“If you have a regular membership, the cost is $45, Executive its $100. So if you spend $2500, with a regular membership you get back $25″
Why? I’ve never seen regular members get 1% back.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:51 am
ummmmmm ok……
Jack Isbell should be more concerned with educating himself on a subject before writing something completely ignorant and uninformed that will most likely be lapped up by even more ignorant and uninformed beings………..
The cost of a regular gold star membership is 45-50 dollars (depending on where you live)
You do not earn any rewards with this membership, no rebates, no percentages back…..nothing…….
To upgrade to exec… you pay a 50 dollar upgrade fee…..which then allows you to start earning 2 percent back on your purchases throughout the year……( as well as all the other little benefits and discounted services)
If you do not earn more than 50 dollars back on your rewards check at the end of the year…. you are reimbursed the difference….MEANING….. you get back the money you originally spent to UPGRADE the membership, and it didnt hurt you to try the membership……..
Either way, you still have to pay 50 dollars for the cost of your membership, whether it be a gold star, or an executive…but if you choose to spend an extra 50 bucks so that you can earn rewards, you wont risk anything by doing it, and on the plus side, if you shop there alot, you can actually make money back
I stopped paying for my membership in 2001, and have made over 200 dollars back each year, so after I give back 100 to costco for my membership, I get an extra 100 bucks to put in my pocket
But I LOOOOve costco, which is why I get so much back.
So to be honest, only an uninformed person wouldnt try the executive…..because they think that they might lose money by doing it, which thay wont.
BUT, there is usually always some idiot who spends a grand every month at costco who likes to think he knows better than everyone else and snubs the employee WHO IS TRYING TO DO HIM A FAVOR by telling him to upgrade. That brainiac couldve been getting a free membership and putting money in his pocket, and instead, since he knows better, he doesnt need the exec, and is happy paying 50 bucks every year.
Now of course if you only spend a dollar a month at costco, then yeah, dont upgrade, you definitely wont be making more than 50 bucks back, but then why even shop at costco, if you dont actually use the membership you pay for?
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Costco Lover is right. The 2% rebate is for executive members only. Regular membership doesn’t earn this rebate. Both memberships can still earn the rebate thru American Express (1% to 3%). So if you’re an Executive member, you’ll receive 2 seperated rebate checks, 1 for Exc. member, 1 for AE. If you spend more than $2500 per year in Costco, it’s worth to upgrade it. I’ve been Executive member for 4 years already and my membership rebate checks are always more than $100. It means that I’ve got free membership.
Sean, I don’t care that the author of this post is working for Costco or not. If he can show us a way to save money, we should thank him. Keep in mind that there is no risk to try it out and Costco won’t give any problem if you don’t like their merchandises or services.
May 20th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
The first Costco in my area will be opening up in a week. I received a book of coupons and invitation to join and receive a $10 cash card. Nowhere do they say how much membership is. That is why I found this forum to find out the membership fee. I have heard a lot about Costco online and I have seen them in my travels but have never been inside one. Even the new one is at least 25 miles away. I am a member of both BJ’s and Sam’s Club which are much closer to me than the new Costco. Would it be worth traveling the longer distance to Costco to shop or would BJ’s and Sam’s Club be just as good? I know what the guy meant about how he always spend more than planned. I do the same at BJ’s and Sam’s. Always leave spending much more than I anticipated. Thanks
May 24th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Although all we wanted was the basic membership, but we were pressured into paying an extra $45 for Costco’s Executive membership. We told their rep that our purchases just wouldn’t justify the extra expenditure, but he insisted that we’d get every cent back, if not more. Just got the rebate, a measily $9.47, plus a bill for another next year’s membership. We’re going to try and get our money back, although none of the promises were in writing. Lousy way to treat new customers.
May 26th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Did people forget about the food demos Costco has?? Yumm. Also, what about the fact that Costco treats their employees really well. They are given really good pay and really good benefits. When a walmart employee has to go to the hospital who pays for it? My taxes?
May 29th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
can someone fill me in a little on the automobile buying program. What makes are available, how it works…? thank you
June 12th, 2008 at 10:14 am
And now the AMEX Costo Cash Rewards card has gone up to 3% back on gas at Costco (and anywhere else gas is sold). That takes off .135 cents when gas is $4.50 per gallon (like now at Costco in Los Angeles). Not bad!
And for the Auto Program, you just call up the Costco customer service, tell them where you are, and they send you to your nearest dealer. Show your Costco card to the friendly car salesman they told you to see, and you get a great deal on a BRAND NEW CAR!
June 15th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
I work at Costco in Portland (#002) and we get the executive membership as a benefit of working there, in fact i spend some of my days going around and trying to show people that with the amount they spend, they should be upgrading just cuz it is a win/win situation. And yeah the amex is even better cuz you get the 1/2/3/3% cash back rewards, so if you have both exec and amex youre earning 3% everytime INSIDE costco and 3% at the pump!
June 17th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Does the 2% rebate on the executive membership count on beer and wine purchases?
July 6th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Elitism. Plain and simple. Charging $55 to get in is like having a cover charge at the bar. Ensures a certain clientelle and restricts others. Such as those that might only be coming in for some toothpaste, or a watch. Or, worse yet, poor people!
If it were really about the savings, there would be no need for the cover charge. That would just make this financial manipulation for no purpose. I was turned away at the front door from even looking inside the store! I can’t even see what is in the store to see if the cover charge is worth it! Yeah…here you go! Take my $55 for nothing! lol not likely… I have to use it to buy some toothpaste instead.
July 10th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
They will refund your money with no questions asked ! So go and become a member for a year. If you look around and never buy anything other than a 1.50 hotdog and soda and try all of the food demos. On day 364 go back to the membership desk and they will give you 100% of your money back that you paid for that membership. (even if you didn’t buy the hotdog too! ) You pay 55 bucks because you aren’t a customer you are a member that recieves exellent customer service and savings.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:00 pm
The executive membership at Costco is great! Costco does guarantee your fee you pay to upgrade. If you only get a $20 check, Costco will give you back $30. Best of all, you dont even need to step down to the basic membership. You can put that $50 + another 50 towards your renewal and keep your executive membership for the following year. And, in regards to the “9 month executive” comment. Costco will send you your money you earned, even if you change your membership back to the basic one. They have excellent service and apparently are a great company, or else they would not have great employees!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
So can you use the 2% Rebate check towards renewing your membership or is it only good towards purchases?
August 25th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I’m pretty sure you can even bring the check to the customer service counter and get your rebate as cash.
August 27th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
You can use your rebate to shop, or towards your renewal. They will even cash it out for you. Then, when you get the American Express card also, you get another 1% on everything you buy everywhere not just Costco. Costco even cashes out the American Express rebate checks, no questions asked. The American Express card even gives you 3% on gas everywhere. I thought it was only for Costco gas, but that isnt true. Just as long as the gas isnt a competitor, like Sams, or Vons, then you get 3% everywhere they take American Express!
September 4th, 2008 at 6:05 am
[...] Gas Without Costco Membership Wanna Save Money at Costco? Another Way to Save Money At Costco Is Costco Executive Membership Worth It? Costco: Good Value for the Money, but Not Frugal Does Your Costco Card Really Save You Money? [...]
September 15th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Hi,
I have upgraded from Gold to Executive and I got my check for $32. However, I forgot to go to customer service instead I gave the check directly at the cash counter towards purchases. Is there a way I can ask for the remaining $18 (towards upgrade of $50) now? Is that costco call center or warehouse?
Do you have any experience?
September 26th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I work at Costco and they have the amount you paid for the executive membership be it the full $50 or the prorated price in their computer system. They also have the amount of your Reward check in the computer. I’m sure they will be happy to pay the difference back to you–just go to the membership counter and explain what happened.
September 28th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I had been an executive members with Costco for many year. I think the membership worth every pennies. With the best return policy that is icing on the cake.
Respond to Eddie Hicks is worth to be a member at Costco. To me Sam club is just another Walmart.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I have an executive membership through my business for
which I pay $100. There are other employeees, but in order for them to have a card, I have to pay $40 for each additional employee. But, each paid for card lets you get a free card for a 2nd person in the household. Well, my husband won’t go to Costco, and the the employee in my office with a 2nd $40 card doesn’t have a 2nd person in the household., but I can’t just make one of the employees the 2nd person on the card. Is there a way around this? It seems absurd to me.
It is time for me to renew and wondering if I can’t just let the other employee have my 2nd household card.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:02 am
If you say that your employee is over 18 and lives at your house, that would satisfy the requirements they told me.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
One day a couple of years ago as I was walking to the cashier, an employee with a hand-held computer came up to me and told me that I had spent $8000 at Costco the year before, and I would get $160 back with an executive membership. That just blew me away. With the kids’ formula and diapers, let alone all the other necessities, we were spending so much at Costco. Everything is really expensive in Hawaii and Costco makes living a little easier for us. Though the kids don’t need diapers anymore, they are eating their way through out wallet, and we still get around $140 back.
The thing about Costco is that they sell pretty good stuff. Even their sashimi is good, and way cheaper than any other place in Hawaii. We get good stuff and for us the membership is free!
November 11th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
I used the new car buying program. It was really great and easy. I bought a Honda Ridgeline. They saved me money because the discount was around invoice, plus if you’re an executive member you also get a gift certificate for $50 to use at the dealership. Since I went back to the dealership for maintenence it was well worth it. That paid for my membership right there. A car purchase doesn’t count for the rebate though, bummer! A lot of their services have some kind of executive discount, so based on my experience, it’s worth it to upgrade.
December 14th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
when do they mail out the checks for the executive membership. I still have not received mine.
December 14th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Re: this reply to my question about memberships-they ask for an id when you use a charge card. Wouldn’t they potentially ask the employ for an id?
I would like to see Costco change this policy. It seems unfair to me.
Chrissy Says:
October 24th, 2008 at 11:02 am
If you say that your employee is over 18 and lives at your house, that would satisfy the requirements they told me.
December 29th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Seriously, how many of these comments are from Costco employees? I just love COOOSTCO it’s the COOOLest, I always get money back, the executive membership is the greatest deal ever, people that don’t sign up are sooo soo stupid. Really, I’m sick of seeing the happy scanner person who comes running when they see a purchase that may be large. I used to politely tell them no, I even wrote please don’t ask on my card, but the only way to shut them up is to be rude. I’m treated like a second class Costco shopper, because I won’t upgrade. I’m now going to downgrade to no membership. Really, what kind of commission do the scanner, and checker receive for the sale that they throw out the idea of good customer service?
December 31st, 2008 at 12:40 pm
@ Stop Asking…
I hear what you’re saying. Costco is one of those rare places that generates a lot of fandom from happy customers. I’m guilty of it, too. I love Costco and no, I’m not an employee. I’ve only had a scanner person bug me once and I said no thanks to the sales pitch and that was that.
I think most people don’t even realize how much they’ve spent @ Costco (w/ a regular membership) and when they find out, they upgrade because it pays for itself. I did when I knew I was gonna make a huge purchase. However, for the 1st year of membership, I was never made to feel like a “second class Costco shopper”. It’s rare that I hear about a bad customer service issue regarding Costco. Now SAMS… don’t get me started!
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Join Dave Ramsey at Financial Peace University and you won’t need a credit card and you will laugh at yourself for considering your 3% return on your spending to be such an amazing deal! I’ve been there and am done! I will continue my $50 membership and pay cash as it has been proven that you spend 12-18% when you feel the pain of cash. Debt is dumb/Cash is king! Good luck everyone! These are great times to get it together!
January 24th, 2009 at 7:35 am
@ Eileen
Why spend money on Dave Ramsey’s plan when I can listen to his show for free or read his books @ the library? His mutual funds aren’t doing so hot now, either.
Costco will refund the difference to you, so what is there to lose? Costco only accepts two forms of payment- cash/debit or AMEX. I’ve read some negative reviews on AMEX, so I’m sticking w/ cash (and I’m anti-credit card in general).
January 24th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Good for you! Sounds like you are right on track to staying out of the depths of debt. Dave Ramsey definitely just offers common sense and it sounds like you already have it! Eileen
January 29th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Our family upgraded to an Executive Membership nearly three years ago when we really started using the card. This past year I received about $135 back. In Texas, the standard membership is $50 (exec $100). So, if you spend $1250 at Costo throughout the year with an Executive Membership, you break even, since you’ll be spending that initial $50 no matter what in some sort of membership fee.
Even as an Executive Member, I let the scanner people read my card as I’m curios to see how much I spent. Sometimes, I honestly think I should just sign my paycheck over to them since we spend so much money there.
My husband wants to sign up for their Amex…but do we really get the 2% cash back with an Executive Membership on top of the Amex rebates? If so, then it’s worth it big time. Otherwise, I don’t see the benefit because I buy stuff for work ($800 TV last week - raffle) and use my work Amex instead of my own funds. If I can still get that 2% back from using the work card and use the Costco Amex for personal use, then sign me up!
February 11th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Yes, you earn Amex cash back on top of the 2% executive cash back. They’re separate and you can double dip.
February 14th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I enjoy the benefits of the executive membership. However, note that if you purchase the Costco Cash Cards from people who do not want them, you can typically garner a 5-10% in additional savings, plus the percentage gain on an executive membership.
February 28th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Costco Executive Membership
Minus:
None unless you seldom buy at Costco You should just drop your membership in that case
Plus:
LOL
+ if you spend $2500 in a year, you still get to to pay only $50 for your membership, as if paying for the Basic Membership
+ if you spend less than $2500, you will still pay $50 for your Executive Membership
+ Gasoline is cheaper at Costco
+ You get to buy nice stuff at Costco at a discount. Big ticketed items like TV, washing machine, etc
+ Quality items being sold at Costco
+ Michelin tires has a discount
+ If you have the True Savings American Express Card, you get additional rebate. Somebody may argue about using American Express Blue Cash. It is possible that you may get more with Blue Cash but it depends on what you spend on most. Use the calculator at American Express website to compare. When I compared my usage I ended up getting $100 more with the True Earnings Card. The one thing that is good with the Blue Cash is the Travel insurance that the True Earnings may not have
+ Travel deals/upgrades for Executive only
+ You can make money back if you spend more than $5000. I am not saying go for it but if you normally do then might as well. There is nothing to lose.
= To make more money, if you have friends who are not yet members and do not plan to join and they want something from Costco, you can buy what they want for them and just have them pay you back … buying a $2000 TV gets you close to your $2500 right? just make sure they pay you
There are only plusses in being an Executive Member … unless you are misinformed and do not go to Costco at all
March 18th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
I work for Costco in Lehi Utah and am one of those “scanning”people referred to. I check your spending to see if you’re qualified for the Executive Membership. I say “qualified” because I don’t upgrade anyone I don’t think will profit from the program. I am very passionate about helping Members get a free Membership or as close to that as possible. I DO NOT get ANY compensation for getting an “Upgrade”. It’s all about the Member to me. I try to treat them the same way I would like to be treated. It’s not fun being treated rudely by Members not understanding that I have THEIR best interest in mind. That’s OK though, for the most part our Members are Great and wonderful to work with. I appreciate Members who are intelligent enough to listen to what I have to say and ask questions. I LOVE my job at Costco and LOVE doing what I can for the Members.
March 25th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I just returned from Costco where I was going to renew my Executive membership that I started last year.
I found out while there that we should have been receiving an Executive members coupon book each month during the past year. We were not on their mailing list for the coupons!!
We also didn’t spend the amount needed to make use of the extra cost of Exec (rebate check was for $22)so I asked for the difference.
The lady told me you only get the difference back if you drop back to the regular Gold Membership, so I did.
I’m not paying extra again for them to miss me out on their mailing list.
After getting great customer service in the past from Costco I am disappointed they didn’t try to make right their screw up regarding the coupon book omission.
April 10th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Macattack- As a supervisor @ Costco, i can tell you that coupon books are not sent to people based on their type of membership. It is sent to you based on a number of factors. Also, these coupon books are not sent BY costco , but rather by the VENDORS who’s items are on coupon.
As for making it right, it appears that we did. We downgraded your membership and gave you back the difference you lost, correct?
Keep in mind that many of our members receive checks like yours, but they also utilize one or two of the services we provide which saves them substantially more than if they didnt have the executvie membership. Many times, the savings from the services more than offset the cost of upgrading.
April 17th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
LOL at all the Costco spam on here!
April 21st, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Oh My goodness. I have been hammered by these AGGRESSIVE Upsell Membership people. 1 out of 5 visits. Today a supervisor -nice guy and great salesmanship- hit me hard. To the point that it ruined my day, shopping experience, and left me paranoid to checkout!!
Why can you not just tell these people you’re not interested? They don’t call you because you can ‘Don’t Call list’. They SPAM a bit, Snail Mail a bit..
I am begining to feel afraid to go to Costco anymore.
I am about ready to cancel our membership. The prices are beginning to get higher than Safeway, Albertson’s, FGM. And the product size = too..
Now the Meat doesn’t come close- I love Costco meats..
Writing this has helped me decide to reduce my expenditures and stops at COSTCO..
April 27th, 2009 at 11:38 am
what about Executive members getting upgrades for car rental agencies? Does anyone know of other perks available?
April 27th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
To Michael:
Yes, there are many other perks available to an executive member. Many (if not all) of the outside services (such as auto/home insurance, online investing, money market/cds, identity theft protection,……..) have additional savings and promotions for an executive member.
Much like the car rental discount, many hotels will also give you a discount on the room price, a free hotel upgrade, hotel credits, spa credits, or other gifts. Also, if you go on a cruise you can get a shipboard credit.
All of these “perks” are listed in the various brochures that Costco has available to you. For the travel “perks” pick up a travel brochure next time you’re in. This brochure lists the additional promotions/incentives for staying at that specific hotel. As for the services your local Costco may have a services directory with all the borchures or you could visit the membership desk for info or questions.
Hope this helps.
April 27th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Aha, Karmichreator is a Costco spammer. HAHAHAH. “Your local costco may have a services directory with all the brochures or you could visit the membership desk for info or questions.” Who talks like that?
April 27th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Im guessing jeff is a “wally world” shopper.
April 27th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Oh SNAP!
May 19th, 2009 at 9:14 am
I read the response and I liked the arguement about cost . Looking into the Executive membership its really 2500 if you get the two % from costco and 1% from AMEX the amount to buy to get your membership for free would be $3333. With a Gold membership you would have to buy $5000 with the AMEX card paying you 1% to get it for free .
However the Breakeven point for both cards is $2500 as long as you use a AMEX card for every purchases you will pay only $25 for either membership at that level of expenditure . Myself I cant see paying for the privilage of buying things at prices that can be found elsewhere . Though I do admit sometimes they come up with nice products hard to find elsewhere at very good prices . On average things appear to be about the same price but your limited in selection . They are definitely not geared to single households or elderly for food products . I would think they would do more in tough times to get as many members as they can to spread costs by offering more real incentives over marketing gimics . SAMS wasnt my cup of Tea either you need to spend allot yearly to make these clubs worthwhile , be flexible on products and really know your prices .
May 19th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I went to Costco today. I’m confident that a membership is not worth it. If you look for coupons in the Sunday paper and online and buy things at the grocery store when they are on sale, you’ll save more money than buying a membership and shopping at Costco. No gold or executive membership for me, bye. Croppled1 outlined it well. $2500 break even point, wow.
May 19th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I don’t shop at wally world and if I did, why is that funny or an insult? Elitist POS.
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:08 pm
@ Jeff-
When I shop at Costco, I find you’re paying a little more than the grocery store, but you’re getting almost twice (sometimes more) the amount for the price compared to the grocery store. So you save time and gas money (less often you have to go to the grocery store).
I don’t get a Sunday paper and I don’t wait for a grocery store to decide to have a sale (I do buy things online for cheaper, though). When I need something I know Costco stocks, I know the price and buy it if I can’t just happen to find it someplace cheaper (which I rarely do).
$2500 seems like a lot, but if you buy in bulk for a family, you find yourself getting there faster than you’d imagine.
However, all that being said, Costco doesn’t work for everyone. To each is own.
May 23rd, 2009 at 6:26 am
I went to Costco last week to match up prices. Everything that I get at the grocery store was either the same price or HIGHER! For example, the free range eggs and organic milk were priced much higher than they are at my local grocery store. The burritos I usually get at the grocery store were about 50 cents cheaper, but I had to buy 12. The beer was all the same price and things like A1, walnuts, and Head & Shoulders were the same price too. I’m always up for a good deal, but none was to be found at Costco.
May 23rd, 2009 at 8:29 am
Are you comparing the quantities? For example- in South Texas, free-range organic certified eggs can go for $5 for 6 to 12 a carton. At Costco, its $5 for 18! Costco’s here don’t have organic whole milk, but the Kirkland brand soy milk is cheaper than the grocery store. Walnuts @ a grocery store here for about 6 bucks a for pound. Costco has 3 lbs for 12 bucks. I buy the Costco Shampoo- comes in a two pack that lasts almost a year! Not bad and I can never find a two-pack of that much shampoo in a grocery store.
Maybe its a regional thing and Costco prices vary.
May 23rd, 2009 at 10:20 pm
To Jeff:
Its good to see you making some more intelligent comments than those previously. I have no problem with debating or discussing pros and cons with you on a professional level.
You are probably right, that many products we carry will be similar in cost to ones you can find at a supermarket, or similar price with a coupon. And we do not carry all varieties of every product under the sun.
However, there are many items (like most that we carry) that if you priced per unit/oz/lg or whatnot we would be the supermarket. Ex.- we sell a 3 pack of Classico italian sauce. Our jars ARE bigger than those you wil find in any grocery store AND our unit price will beat their.
Lets talk electronics… who can you buy ANY electronic from and be able to return is hassle free within 90 days?
There are many points to membership at Costco and I would be happy to listen to your perspective, given it is on an ADULT level.
May 25th, 2009 at 6:53 am
BTW we don’t use the AMEX card for purchases anymore.. Amex just upped the Fianance charge on Blue to 12.99% even with a zero balance.. up from 9.99%.
We don’t use Ameriprise Insurance, GEICO is cheaper & closer our Mid Virginia location. We aren’t in the market for a new car. My vehicle is only 4 years old & I had a Protection plan to 100K miles. I don’t use Costco Gasoline as it has ethanol in it which lowers my gas mileage. We prefer Valero All- Gas gasoline which allows my truck to get a full 25MPG.
Prices have gotten outrageous.. Folgers Decaf got to 10,00 a 32 z can, I refused to buy it…..Did you see they had lawn fertilizer for $50 a bag in there? Wow, Why don’t I just lay money on my front lawn.. my husband switched to Ironite only…you can get it at Tractor supply for the same price your get it at Costco..$15 a bag. Seafood Meat & Bread products are still cheaper then the stores. e were impressed by the Sharp Aquos TV it made all the Sony’s TV in the store look overpriced !!!
When we were Executive members we did NOT get the extra advantage Coupon book for Executive members. Well, gee why did I pay extra that year ? Silly me. The year I dropped it they managed to send the coupon book. Such are the ways of Costco Marketing.. think I can live with the basic membership…and my own Amex card…on my terms no impulse buying this year..thats for sure.
May 25th, 2009 at 11:39 am
I do not think that Costco employees should be promting the company on this website unless they explain upfront who they work for. I like Costco and have an executive membership which does not really pay for itself other than in special offers to executive members only, such as the $90 sharebuilder offer. This is because I do not shop there often enough. I will not shop at Walmart or Sam’s Club based on how they treat their employees (compensation). I think that Costco offers a pleasant buying experience and supports the products they seel with an excellent return policy and warranty/technical support for electronics. As far as the people that complain that when they go into Costco they end up buying more than they want I have only one reply. GROW UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS! I think that people need to control their spending through self-discipline and stop making excuses and blaming companies like Costco for their bad habits.
May 25th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I agree with Kevin. But not only is it Costco employees promoting Costco without identifying themselves, there are Costco members on here pretending like regular customers. That really makes me not want to do business with a company like that. Not to mention, 3 half gallons of organic milk at my Costco is $10.50 while one gallons of organic milk at my local HEB is $6. The eggs are an even bigger rip off. Twelve organic eggs at HEB are $2.69, 18 organic eggs at costco are $4.50. I won’t do the breakdown for the math challenged, but HEB is cheaper and I don’t have to buy as much. I will say this for Costco, they make a great cake (get the cheese cake filling) and my dogs RX is super cheap. The electronic policy beats any store that I know of too, but the electronics still seem overpriced. So I will continue to buy my dog’s RX there, but I still don’t see the $50 membership worth it.
May 25th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
@ Jeff
$2.69 for CERTIFIED organic eggs? If so, that has to be the 6-pack @ HEB. The ones that I found that are in the $2.69 price range are brown free-range- NOT HEB’s Central Market brand (which is certified organic).
Well of course you don’t have to buy as much @ HEB- the whole point of Coscto and SAMs is bulk purchasing to save money (spend a little more, but you get much more quantity of that item- which is great for diapers, detergent, paper-towels, toilet paper, and other frequently used household items).
Here’s a tip for people who want to price shop @ Costco before becoming a member… You don’t have to be a member to use their pharmacy. So get an RX filled there and browse. Grab yourself an ice-cream bar at the food court. It’s crazy delicious!
My friend purchased a laptop @ Costco. A month or so later it dropped $100 in price. They told him if he brought it back, they would refund in FULL. I like Costco- they treat their employees right with living wages and benefits. Also, they hire some great looking ladies. Makes waiting in the line a little more bearable.
May 25th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
You don’t even need to fill an rx, just say you are going to the pharmacy. Then, you can look around and see all of the money that you can’t save at Costco.
@Jason
I realize the point of shopping at Costco is buy more to save more. But in all of the cases of the stuff that I would buy, I would buy more and save nothing or even spend more.
May 31st, 2009 at 9:05 pm
My fiance and I were introduced to Costco in January this year. We got married in March this year. Therefore, when we looked at the Exec Membership in January and looked at the wedding bills coming in we knew we were onto a winner for exceeding the breakeven point on the AMEX cashback. So, it’s just the 2 of us in our household and since signing up in Feb this year we’ve accrued $330 worth of cashback balance as of May. But when we saw the gargantuan portions of the products at Costco we were worried that we’d be throwing groceries in the trash week after week. So, this is the “somewhat OCD” system we came up with and it works a treat. We bought a magnetc white board from Staples, freezer labels from Amazon, a bunch of glass and plastic sealable containers and ziploc bags. We work out our meals for the up and coming week before we go shopping and shop accordingly (not much new there). But because of the sizes of what we have to buy we knew that managing our freezer was tantamount. Therefore, we usually cook more than we need. The “leftovers” we freeze in sealable containers and write out a sticky label. With un-used/un-cooked groceries we seal mostly in ziploc bags and again write a label. Then we add it all to the board, including date it went into the freezer portions (for cooked foods) and weight etc (for uncooked foods). We find this system works great. We visit Costco every 2nd week buy the gargantuan portions cook and freeze accordingly. Then all we need to do is look-up the white board for our meals and we know what’s in there un-cooked, what’s in there cooked. Like I said…a bit OCD…but it works.
June 1st, 2009 at 7:02 am
Money Saver comment is hilarious. So in 4 months you and your fake wife have spent $16,500? Whatever, go away Costco employee.
June 1st, 2009 at 11:50 am
This is a reply to Jeff:
Read the beginning of my post. I said we had a wedding on the horizon and that influenced us on applying for Executive membership. We put all the costs of the wedding on the AMEX. Our wedding venue (the biggest single item) was processed by AMEX as “restaurant” and was therefore, eligible for 3% cashback. Pretty much everything else went on there at 1%. Then we had a honeymoon in Mexico for 2%.
So, yes, we have spent that much on our card since Feb this year (when we signed up). If my wife is fictitious I have no idea who I’m laying in bed next to each night. Everything I have wrote above is true and neither my wife or I have any affiliation with Costco above the executive membership. I actually came across this blog via Google when I was researching whether or not to sign-up to Costco. I decided to post above because I feel that the internet (and sites like this) are only as powerful as the people that contribute. I wanted to share the scheme that my wife and I came up with.
Jeff…after re-reading this entire page…you seem angry about something. All of your entries are casting aspersions, delivering accusations or antagonising people and their contributions. Relax Dude…go out for a walk or something.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:05 pm
@ Money Saver
That’s EXACTLY what a Costco employee would say! So insidious!
Just kidding. I do think its funny Jeff is screening people and deeming if they’re legit people (real, employee or fake are the categories he’s used so far). Thanks for your comments, Money Saver.
June 7th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I will be so happy on the day that last person on earth realizes that Sam’s is just a Costco clone run by Wal-Mart.
June 8th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Money Saver,
I’ll go for a walk when Costco stops committing racism by charging a fee to get into their club. Who are they trying to keep out? Rude.
June 8th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
@ Jeff
LOLWUT?! Okay, now you’re just trolling. Obvious troll is obvious.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:34 am
To All….quick question: I need new tires for my car. Has anybody ever bought/investigated tires from Costco? Are they a good deal or are there better deals from the main dealerships? There’s an auto store just on the corner by my local Costco offering 4th tire free, so I was wondering if anybody had ever done the analysis on the best deal?
June 16th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
As far as tires are concerned Costco is great. However do not have a great selection of brands and do not carry all sizes in stock but they can be gotten fairly soon. My biggest concern with that is if I ever have a non-repairable tire and my size is not in stock what do I do?
(I did have to order my size when I first purchased them). And you do have to compare total cost. Where you save is on mounting, balancing, disposal……
As far as executive membership goes, I tried it for a year and it barely paid off. And lately I’ve gotten SOOO tired of the high pressure sales at the register to the point where the cashiers will page their sales people to come to give you the pitch. And when the lines are six, eight people deep those people could be put to better use checking customers out or at least scanning the items in your cart while you are waiting in line, they haven’t even been doing that lately.
I do like Costco but I’m just getting tired of this high pressure sales stuff.
June 16th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Money saver:
From the costco webpage:
“Purchasing your tires from Costco Wholesale, whether it be online or from one of our local warehouse locations, provides you with several key advantages. Our published retail pricing includes all of the shipping and handling costs associated with your tires.
The Installation Package also includes Lifetime Maintenance Services that extend throughout the life of the tires you purchase. (Some limits may apply). These Lifetime services include inflation pressure checks, tire balancing, tire rotations, as well as flat repairs.
Upon the service of your tires our Michelin Certified Tire Technicians will also install new rubber valve stems (Note TPMS valve stems and accessories will be an additional charge). Additionally, we inflate your tires with nitrogen, not compressed air. Nitrogen retains tire pressure better over time than compressed air, which can positively impact the life of your tires, as well as the fuel economy of your vehicle. We offer this service FREE OF CHARGE.
Finally, for your protection, all of our tires are backed with the Costco Wholesale Road Hazard Warranty. See details.
Take full advantage of The Costco Advantage today.”
We buy our tires at costco due to the fact that it adds to our executive check. Not to mention there are more costco locations state to state than many of the other vendors have. So its much easier for us to get them rotated and balanced any where we are at. And the nitrogen is a plus, too.
June 20th, 2009 at 7:21 am
@Jeff I believe he’s just trying to keep it real.
As for me, I could live without Sam’s Club and/or COSTCO ’cause I’m just a single guy who doesn’t eat much and never washes his clothes! My sig-o on the other hand has had the regular Costco membership forever. We just recently heard about the Delta Dental Costco plan which requires you to be an Executive Member. So we went to the store to upgrade and were VERY pleasantly surprised to learn that the extra $50 was guaranteed, meaning if the rebate check was less than $50, Costco would reimburse the difference. SEEMS LIKE A NO-BRAINER. I’m very pleased to find this website and hear (from as far back as the 2006 posts) that peeps are getting the guaranteed $50 back with no hassle. CHECK OUT the dental plan if you’re in Calif. Aslo pleased to hear about car rental discounts, cause I’m traveling next weekend and still need to book a car rental. We’ll see if that discount is real or not. BTW I’m a total bargain hunter, and I recommend Dub dub dub Techbargains dot com for electronics.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:16 am
Thanks Rich, I am trying to keep it real.
Hey karmickreator, about filling your cars tires with nitrogen, it’s a load of crap. Check this out…
http://www.straightdope.com/co.....ead-of-air
My dogs drugs went down again at Costco, but I still can’t find a reason to buy a membership. I did buy a great cheesecake filled cake there for my friends birthday, holy crap was that good.
June 21st, 2009 at 3:20 pm
@ Jeff & Richard…
If by keeping it real, you mean playing the racism card @ Costco and getting p0wned by Money Saver, then uh, okay. Its a club man. You pay dues whether your black, white, indian, mexican, chinese, japanese- whatever. To equate the membership dues to racism is idiotic.
I’ve seen all the races I mentioned above both shopping and WORKING as Costco. So do you have any proof for your libelous statements or are you just being an Internet Tough Guy?
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I started shopping at Costco when our local Price Club store became Price-Costco. I’m still shopping at Costco all these years later.
We hadn’t upgraded to the Executive membership because it’s just the two of us… all our kids are grown and have flown the nest. However, today we were about to purchase a dental plan. When I was on the dental plan’s website, checking out what was available, I saw that they had a listing for a plan that is available for Costco Executive members (California only) and thought I would check it out. I had previously heard about the dental plan for Costco Executive members, but had not looked into it because we didn’t have an Executive membership. I’m glad I took the time to check it out today.
The amount we are saving on the dental plan not only pays for the cost of the membership upgrade for both of us, we also saved an additional $27.00. So, we now have the Executive membership and we spent $27.00 less than we planned to spend for our dental plan. I call that a win-win situation.
And no, I don’t work for Costco.
June 22nd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
To jeff:
even your own website about nitrogen says:
“Overall, filling up with nitrogen won’t hurt and may provide some minimal benefit. Is it worth it? If you go to some place like Costco that does it for free with new tires, sure, why not”
Also, if you read Jane and Richards most recent posts you’ll see that they both took the time to check out some services. And like I’ve said previously, their savings will more than offset the cost of upgrading.
Glad to see not anyone is as cynical as Jeff.
July 21st, 2009 at 4:50 pm
When we looked at how much we saved with our Costco Executive membership, we noticed it wasn’t on food shopping.
I have noticed that Costco’s gasoline has been 12-15 cents cheaper a gallon then other gas stations around my area. Our biggest savings came from switching our car insurance policy
July 21st, 2009 at 7:41 pm
OK Laura, yeah, you saved on your car insurance. How long have you been working for costco? If costco gets better rates than esurance, I’ll sing it from the hills.
July 24th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Hey Guys,
Jeff here again, guess what? I got a membership today, but not an executive membership (even though the douche at the desk tried to sell it to me 4 times). I’m going to try it out, we looked around and saw some stuff that is cheaper than the grocery store (california boca burgers, fresh fish, bread, ect). The main reason I got it was that I save $3 a month on my pet’s meds meaning that I just need to make up $14 savings within a year. Oh yeah, their cheesecake filled cakes are very nummy. I’ll keep you guys posted on all my savings at costco. I will say the guy who sold the membership was so douchy that we almost walked out without a membership, no means no f face.
July 24th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Well Jeff, I must say… it sure does take a douche to know a douche.
Glad to see you are considering your options and are being less negative on a company that actually is doing great things in this tough economy. Remember, no one here works on commission so your no to his offer of EXEC didnt affect his bottom line… it would actually affect yours.
Since you WILL lose out on purchases, until of course you give it shot… at which point it is GAURANTEED… if it doesnt pay for itself you simply get a refund on the difference lost.
Jeff, way to go F face, way to go.
July 25th, 2009 at 6:36 am
Hey F Face (karmickreator),
What you and the douche at the counter don’t realize is that I won’t spend over $200 a month to get a $50 rebate at the end of the year. In knowing this, I realize that it will take some time to get my money back and I’ll get hit up by more douches telling me that I should keep my executive membership. It’s a waste of time, why not save myself some time and NOT get the executive membership. Also, it’s guaranteed to save me time not GAURANTEED.
July 25th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Wait- Jeff is “now” a member? Riiiight. Okay Jeff, how long have YOU been working @ Costco?
I agree w/ Karmickreator, Jeff- you’re abrasive online and probably even worse in real life. Don’t worry- I’m sure they’ll quickly figure out to leave “that guy” alone.
July 25th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Costco bought me a free membership (not executive) to keep my mouth shut on this website. Costco > Sams !!!
July 25th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
About Jeff,
Not that we ALL dont already know that this guy is a total ass hat…
First he says: “he guy who sold the membership was so douchy that we almost walked out without a membership”
Then he says: “Costco bought me a free membership (not executive) to keep my mouth shut ”
Hmmmmm…
Ok, Jeff… ok. W/EUS
July 30th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Does anyone have experience regarding backing down from an executive account to a regular membership when your executive account is coupled with an AMX credit card?
I have been a Costco member since 1990. I upgraded to executive several years ago when a Costco representative convinced me of the advantages. For many years my executive membership more than paid for itself via rebate checks.
I’m now retired with limited income. I tried to back down my Costco membership but was told that I had to contact AMX and cancel my credit card account first. I hate to lose my AMX credit card because I may never qualify to get another credit card. My credit score is excellent but I’ve had other card accounts closed due to low usage.
I just checked my AMX account on-line and as of 7/22/09 I spent a total of $1,535.15 which earned a rebate of $3.87. I only use my AMX at Costco. Last year I got a rebate of less than $10.00 and the only reason it was that high was because I bought a TV. Clearly it isn’t in my best interest to pay an executive membership fee.
Has anyone else backed down from executive to regular Costco membership when an AMX card was involved? I’d love to hear your experience before I contact AMX.
July 30th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
See my Costco brothers and sisters,
The executive membership is not worth it. Skydancer is case and point. There is no way they should link his/her AMEX to the costco membership without being able to use it on it’s own, total bs. Skydancer wants his AMEX, not the ripoff executive membership, someone help the dancer out.
And now I see that my posts are getting deleted, I’m out of here. I’ve proven my point along with others. Stay away from the executive membership, unless you like to spend over $4800 at Costco, in which I call you crazy.
July 30th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
the executive membership is independent of your AMEX card. you can have either one or both. you may have misunderstood or was misinformed… regardless you CAN downgrade and still keep your amex. now if you had wanted to cancel your entire membership at costco you would lose your amex eventually or need to pay their annual fee. hope this helps clear things up.
August 4th, 2009 at 11:22 am
I found this trying to look up rental car rates/discounts in relation to having an Executive membership @ Costco & figured I’d chime in…
I have just recently upgraded AGIAN to an Executive membership after a $1000 TV purchase – Between that & the amount I’ve spent on groceries/etc, I figured I’d be close to having the upgraded membership pay for itself, so I thought what the hell. I previously did this when I bought some appliances years ago, but came ~$13 short. It was as easy as some people have said – Go in with your rebate cheque, explain you wish to go back to a Regular Gold Star member and they will credit you back the difference.
Now, while the “witty” banter over years of posts is entertaining, some people’s ignorance level is astounding…
Incase it’s been buried in the previous drivel - For clarification they say $2500 because you have to pay the $50 EITHER WAY for a regular membership to shop there. The Executive requires the extra $50, so it will “pay for itself” in rebates should you spend enough.
First, Costco clearly isn’t for everyone. Some people have problems with the membership fees – I often here the “You pay to shop there?!? - That’s crazy.” statement. There are lots of exclusives like their Kirkland brand items, included extended warranties, etc – The optical department has alone been worth it for myself as my prescription changes yearly & their lenses/frame costs for the same brands are usually quite a bit cheaper than where my eye tests are done. Once you factor in the $50 fee on how much you “save” on most items, you come out ahead if you buy enough. However, some years it’s worth it, some not so much.
Second, their return policy is one of the best in the retail world. Back when I was still running an older, very dated computer (~10 years ago), I could buy, try & return software/games for the PC that it couldn’t run. That has since changed b/c of abuses, but certainly understandable given how easy it is to pirate this now. I have taken back used gardening/household items that have broke months later and no hassle about “customer miss-use” or any of that crap like at other stores.
Quality of goods – Yes, All stores have crap & yes, things will have flaws or break. I must say though, that for the most part, the quality of the majority goods at Costco has been very good over the years. It’s mostly name-brands and the random bulk buy items they bring in are of good construction too (ie: high thread count linens, most seasonal items).
“I can get it on sale for cheaper elsewhere” – If you have time to wait for specials, flip & clip out of flyers from other major store chains & drive to different places, be my guest. Overall, the net unit price is cheaper to most standard prices. Is selection always great? No – Esp. in the fresh food section. Usually you have one or two bulk packs of each item & that’s it (ie: eggs at the one here come in a 48-double carton and that’s it, lol). It is great however for hosting a party or stocking the pantry for the non-perishables. Also, toiletries & laundry items are generally good deals too – Giant Tide jugs, 3-packs of deodorant or 48-packs of razors come to mind.
Anyways, back to the Executive membership – Yes, I will agree the sales people are a little pushy sometimes, and they could probably go about that a bit differently. Since you have to pay the $50 no matter what, you may as well “upgrade” if you have to do any major purchases. At worst, you can get the difference back.
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:19 am
As of August 1, 2009 American Express ended All of its Fixed Rate Cards so now AMEX cards are a VARIABLE RATE CREDIT CARD starting at 12.99 %.
This affects ALL AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS Even those affiliated with Costco,; this is a Change which also will accompany a change in fees charged for Late fees,Cash Advances and over limit fees.
Thought you would like to know since this is a money blog !
August 25th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
WoodinVirginia, the change in credit card interest rate is the result of that great bill your congress passed. Did everyone expect that the banks and credit card companies would just roll over when all of those fees they were charging were outlawed?
Does anyone know if the Executive rebate is paid based on purchases with coupons included? For example, I bought a phone last week for $99.99 less $99.99 coupon. I had to pay tax on it so Costco clearly was treating it as a manufacturer funded coupon (as all of their coupons seem to be). Will that $99.99 be included in my yearly spending for the 2% back?
Karmickreator, I think what you said about coupons is incorrect. They are NOT sent out by vendors. I am fairly sure they are sent by Costco but the coupons themselves are funded (paid for) by the vendors. And I am fairly sure there is no specific Executive coupon book.
BTW, if I pay for my Executive upgrade with one of the membership coupons and then want to get my money back because the rebate did not pay for it, is there any problem? Will they give me the money back in cash?
August 26th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Bill:
To answer your questions…
1.”Does anyone know if the Executive rebate is paid based on purchases with coupons included?”
No, 2% rebate is calculated on what was actually paid (not including the tax on it, of course). Which would mean if you got a “free” phone, you will not get $ back for it… since you didnt pay for it.
2.”If I pay for my Executive upgrade with one of the membership coupons and then want to get my money back because the rebate did not pay for it, is there any problem? Will they give me the money back in cash?”
I’m a bit confused… I think you are refering to your 2% rewards check/certificate when you say “membership coupons”. And the part about using it to pay for upgrade then getting the money back cause it didnt work… I’m LOST.
So, lets say you were to renew your current membership which is the executive and use your 2% check to do so, then the following year you did not make back at least $50 then all you would need to do is go to membership with your new 2% check IN HAND. They will downgrade you and refund any difference lost. If you chose to do so, you could turn right back around and upgrade, using your rewards check.
Last, but not least…. everybodys favorite topic- COUPON BOOKS! In reference to my previous post about the way coupons books were dispersed… we have a recent change. Coupon books will now be sent to all members, regardless of membership type, high redemption or not. BUT all members DOES NOT mean every person on the membership account. It means the primary and add-on members who we have a valid address for, and would not include any domestic members on the account. PMO still needs to be completed by the membership personnel and information sharing has to be allowed. Other wise- no sharing, no coupons.
Hope this helps…
September 6th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
The Costco Executive Dental Plan is a fraud. It lists deductibles but the pay nothing. I received adult orthodontic work through the plan dentist, he did a great job, but it took me a year and a court hearing for the judge to order Delta Dental, the provider, to pay my bill. Costco ignored my pleas for help. The Delta rep. at the hearing testified “we never pay on this plan”. DO NOT JOIN EXECUTIVE DENTAL PLAN.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I have been hounded by roving Executive Membership upgraders many times. I have to ask - why are they selling this so hard? If they really want to do me a favor why not just give me the rewards without the $50 charge up front. I just don’t believe Costco would pay so many employees to sell this upgrade unless it was in their best interest. Last time I was approached, the Costco employee admitted that they were having a contest between warehouses to see who could sign up the most people. If all Costco wants to do is spread the savings and benefits to the members then just do it - without the extra $50.
September 27th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
We hound you b.c the membership is pure profit for the company. Plain and simple. Employees are scared to say that, but its true. It is honestly designed for Costco to make money off of. HOWEVER. You are GUARENTEED to get that extra 50$ back. Either in a rebate check in the mail or refunded in cash at the membership desk. We (floaters they call us in our warehouse) do NOT get paid commisson. (We arn’t allowed to accept tips either…we could loose our jobs). In result of raising our profits by spending more on your membership, we will give you money back to compensate. Its really not that hard to understand. If it didn’t work we wouldn’t have it. Look around at costco and look at the savings…why would we want to guide you wrong? Why do you think Jim Sinegal is such a successful CEO? The majority of members with costco are executive members. If your set on not having it…next time your approached…nicely and calmly (seriously be nice, it’s our job to do this. People have put me in tears) tell them its bothering you, you dont want it and the repetitive sales tactics are ruining your shopping experience. Then ask them to make a note on your card. We put stickers on ours. Its really not that serious though. Try it for a year and see for yourself. Prove us wrong. If they are “hounding” you, it’s for a reason. You probably spend more than you think. Ask them to pull it up on a computer and show you. You’ll be surprised. If not…then we will keep your 2%. I mean you could get over the amount. Maybe 150$, thats a FREE membership plus another 50 in your pocket…if your well off enough to not need it, good for you. Donate it..ha. I jokingly suggest that i’ll pay it if you send me the rebate..haha. Happy Shopping. We are DEFINITLY not out to make you have a bad experience with us. Just want to help you while you help us.
September 27th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
and yes…to argee with a previous post. It is worth it to pay for a membership to buy in bulk.
One example: i was looking at 5 hour energy shots. ( i love them)
you get 24 in a pack for 35.99. Thats 1.50 a bottle. They are 2.99 at 7-11. thats half price. So you are saving 36 dollars on just that purchase.
Shampoo, soaps, RAZORS (OMG) everything is already figured into your membership price. I read an article a while back about some Calvin Klien jeans that Costco and our competitor Sams Club sold. CK sold them to both companies for like 18 dollars a pair. Sams turned around and sold them for 25 dollars, whereas Costco only raised the profit two measly dollars. JEWELERY!!! we only raise it like 8 %. We are also the highest retailer of wine in the country. They had us on 2020.
And about the phones…you get free acessories. Why complain about not geting rebate off of that purchase? and sometimes we have coupons for phones in addition to your upgrade eligibility for your phone service. VIZIOS those tvs are being sold in walmarts now. OURS have more imputs in the back for your game systems and numerous DVD and stereos. They are also cheaper and have a higher resolution. And a 90 day return policy ANNNND 2 year concierege warrenty that comes with your membership.
you cant go wrong with costco
September 27th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
skydancer:
you dont have to do anything. Just tell them your downgrading. Maybe they thought you wanted to cancel the whole thing. in that case yes you need to contact amex cuz you may be charges annual fees. They dont charge you an annual fee b.c your already paying one to costco. But use it everywhere hun…gas gets you 3%. and so does the restaurants. get they previous year refunded and use that to pay for the next years membership. And to the guy who is complaining about it not being worth it…you need to ask some questions first bc you apparently dont know what your talking about. 4,800 will give you almost 100 back. the idea is to break even at 50. You pay 50 anyways. We dont want you to pay more than that when everything is all said and done. And how can it not be worth it, when we give you a refund it it doesn’t work out. Work there for a lil bit and get to know what we go through…then you can add your comments.
September 27th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
also…(i keep leaving comments)
you can make a payment to AMEX over the PHONE once a day. charge it…call and pay it. charge your gas, pay it the next day. Do that and watch your rebate go up. We cash out checks that reach $2,000. insane.
September 27th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
ok last one i promise….why does it matter if someone is an employee or not? or an employee in disguise? I WORK FOR COSTCO I HAVE FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS! HERE I AM!! why would you say you would’t want to d business with a company like that? A company with employees that love their employer…shady people right? Your an idiot.
they take care of us. its a great job. whats not to love?
September 28th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Just wanted to leave an update. Recap: I was concerned about downgrading from Executive membership because my rebate was not covering the extra $50 but was concerned about losing my AMX card because I am currently unemployed and might not meet the requirement to get another credit card.
A very helpful Costco employee suggested that I keep my executive membership and start using my AMX for all of my purchases. I was using a Visa that accrued miles but now I can’t afford to travel so why bother. I was shocked when I received a rebate for $53.00. The previous couple of years it was less than $20. My current rebate covered the cost of Executive membership. Now I’m using my AMX as much as possible. It isn’t accepted everywhere but I use it where I can. Next year my rebate will be even larger.
The helpful Costco employee also suggested that I cash my rebate check at the membership counter instead of using it toward a purchase.
Thank you all.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
skydancer, I am confused. You would not lose your AMEX card if you downgraded from Executive to Gold Costco membership (someone else posted this info after your initial post). The only thing that should help you decide whether to keep Executive is if the 2% rebate (along with anything else you use from it) covers it. The AMEX rebate will be the same no matter what level of Costco membership you have.
BTW you can cash your AMEX rebate at the register. I always do that, because if you use it for your purchase, you lose the rebate on that purchase.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
PS the real goal is to make your AMEX rebate pay for the Gold membership fee.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Sunshine pumper Teri came on the blog, so now I feel the need to make a return to the board.
Yes, of course 7 hour energy is twice as much at 7-11. That’s because you pay for getting in and out of 7-11 quickly, unlike costco where you are bothered to upgrade to an executive membership before you are able to check out. If I wanted crap like 5 hour energy, that doesn’t work, I’d just buy it at the grocery store for the same price.
Something else, Costco lied to me about the price of meds coming down if I got a membership. They told me it would come down $3 a month for my rx for my dog, with that math I’d only have to save $14 a year to make up for my membership. Well, that wasn’t true. My rx came down a measly $1.50, meaning I need to save $32 a year to pay for my membership and I just don’t see that happening. Costco’s membership is a ripoff, just like Sam’s. Save your time and money and shop at a local supermarket, Costco is a scam. Teri, you’re company is a scam.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Also, your doesn’t equal you’re.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Jeff, I thought you said you were leaving? What are you doing back?
BTW I just got a $74 Executive member rebate, so I guess it worked out for me.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
PS I think the energy shots are $2.50 each (or more) at the drug stores, so $1.50 is still a good deal, even if you’re not getting ripped off at 7-11.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
@Bill, these emails keep coming to my inbox, it’s too hard not to respond.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Jeff, you can do it. Or just click the link under this text in the email and unsubscribe. It will be better for all of us.
To manage your subscriptions or to block all notifications from this site, click the link below:
September 28th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
A-FREAKIN’-MEN, Bill. Jeff is nothing but piss & moan and if I were Costco, I wouldn’t want him as a customer- you’re not gonna make him happy no matter what. A scam? Really? Then get your refund and leave. They LIED to you, Jeff? Was it one of the racist members of Costco you whined about earlier? What a tool. Obvious troll is obvious.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I was so hounded by costco membership upgrades, I wrote a complaint. I cannot remember the last time I took the time to sit down and write to a company. I stopped shopping at costco for 4 months. I like the bakery, the bulk, but I find the employees arrogant and pushy. I know a coworker who LOST her reward certificate at the end of the year, and they refused to replace it. I find COSTCO to be a mixed shopping experience. Obviously the employees are acting like they are part of a cult. I love my job too, but I don’t hound people to buy things they don’t want or aren’t sure about.