Is a Costco membership worth it?

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See it as it's framed

Every Costco membership plan's price →

Our note

On 24 September, Costco reported an 89.8% worldwide membership renewal rate. I would start with the fee and the warehouse I could actually use when judging whether to join.

Costco's membership page lists Gold Star at £42.00 a year (£35 plus VAT), including a second card for a spouse or partner. Executive Gold Star is £84.00 a year (£70 plus VAT) and adds a 2% reward on eligible purchases, up to £500 a year. Online-only membership also costs £42.00, but gives no access to warehouses or fuel stations.

The Gold Star eligibility rules cover certain jobs, professions and approved employers; applicants need proof and photo ID. Online-only has no such restriction. Costco says online prices can differ from warehouse prices because of shipping and handling. It also says you can cancel and have the membership fee refunded at any time. The useful comparison is the yearly fee against savings on purchases you would actually make, with the journey to the warehouse in mind.