How to save money at Costco

Costco can be a genuine money saver or a place where a quick trip turns into a four-figure cart. The difference usually comes down to knowing a handful of tactics and using them on purpose. This guide walks through the most practical ways to save, kept short so you can scan and act.

Buy Kirkland Signature when it makes sense

Kirkland Signature is Costco's own store brand, and it has been on shelves since 1995. Costco's stated goal for the line is quality that is equal to or better than the leading national brand, usually at a lower price.

It is not automatically the right pick every time, but on many staples the Kirkland version is the same product for less. When you see a Kirkland option next to a national brand, it is worth comparing.

Common wins: paper goods, batteries, water, nuts, olive oil, coffee, and many pantry basics.
Always compare the unit price, not just the sticker, since pack sizes differ.
If you already trust a national brand for one specific item, there is no rule against sticking with it.

Use Costco's 30-day price adjustment when a price drops

Costco offers price adjustments: if an item you bought drops in price within 30 days, you can request a refund of the difference. This is member-initiated, so Costco does not refund you automatically. You have to ask.

For warehouse purchases, take your details to the Member Service desk. For Costco.com orders, Costco provides an online price match form on its customer-service site. Note that Costco treats warehouse and Costco.com purchases as separate, so request the adjustment through the same channel where you bought the item.

Policies can change, so confirm the current process and time window on Costco's customer-service pages before you go. We cover this in depth in our dedicated guide on Costco price adjustments.

Learn to spot markdown price tags

Costco shoppers have long traded tips for reading clearance signals on price tags. These conventions are widely reported by experienced shoppers and are not published as official Costco policy, so treat them as helpful folklore rather than a guarantee.

Two signals come up the most:

A price ending in .97 is commonly reported to mean a clearance or markdown item the warehouse is clearing out, often specific to that location.
An asterisk in the corner of the tag is commonly reported to mean the item is not being reordered, so once it sells out it may be gone.
When you see both together on something you already want, shoppers often suggest grabbing it rather than waiting for a deeper cut that may not come.

Let member savings apply automatically

Costco runs monthly promotions in what it calls its Member-Only Savings book, which most shoppers just call the coupon book. The good news is there is nothing to clip.

When an item is on a current promotion, the discount is applied automatically at the register for members. The booklet functions more like a schedule of which items are temporarily discounted than a stack of traditional coupons.

The practical move is timing: if a non-perishable you buy anyway is featured, that is the month to stock up.

Weigh the Executive membership's 2% reward

Costco's Executive membership earns an annual 2% reward on qualifying purchases, on top of the standard membership benefits. The reward has an annual cap, and there is an upgrade cost above the basic membership fee.

Both the fees and the reward cap have changed over time. Costco raised membership fees effective September 1, 2024, so the right move is to check the current Executive upgrade cost and the current reward cap on Costco.com before deciding.

The simple test: estimate your yearly Costco spending, multiply by 2%, and see whether that beats the extra upgrade cost. If you spend enough each year, the reward can more than cover the difference. If you are a lighter shopper, the basic membership may be the better value.

Don't overlook gas, pharmacy, and optical

Some of Costco's steadiest savings are outside the main aisles.

Gas is often priced below nearby stations, though the fuel stations are generally for members, with only limited local exceptions. The pharmacy is open to the public in all 50 states, so you can use it even without a membership, and generic prescriptions in particular can be worth comparing.

Costco Optical offers eye exams through independent optometrists, and an exam does not require a membership, although you will need one to buy glasses or contacts there. If you wear glasses or take regular medications, these everyday categories can quietly offset a chunk of your membership cost.

Buy in bulk wisely and dodge the overspending traps

Bulk only saves money if you actually use what you buy. A great per-unit price on something that spoils or sits unused is not a deal.

Run the unit-price math: divide the total price by the count, weight, or volume, then compare it to your regular store. A bigger box is not always cheaper per unit.

Costco's layout and warehouse format are built to encourage larger carts, so a little discipline goes a long way.

Favor non-perishables for bulk: paper goods, cleaning supplies, rice, beans, and shelf-stable staples.
Only buy perishables in bulk if you have a real plan to freeze, share, or finish them.
Make a list, set a rough budget, and treat the center aisles of seasonal and impulse items with caution.
Check that you have the storage space before committing to a giant pack.

Because price adjustments are member-initiated and easy to forget, PriceMatcher scans your Costco receipts and flags items that drop in price within the 30-day window, so you can decide whether to request the difference.

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PriceMatcher is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Costco Wholesale Corporation.