Costco Savings Intelligence

Q: Is Costco Executive membership worth the extra $65 per year?

Executive membership costs $130/year — a $65 premium over the $65 Gold Star tier. The 2% annual reward on qualified purchases means the upgrade pays for itself at $3,250/year in Costco spending (roughly $271/month). If your household spends more than that at Costco, Executive is almost certainly worth it. Costco also guarantees this: if your 2% reward doesn't cover the $65 upgrade cost, they'll refund the difference. At the $5,000–$8,000 spending level typical of families who use Costco for weekly groceries plus major purchases, the reward yields $100–$160 per year, more than clearing the upgrade.

Q: How does Costco's return policy work — is it really unlimited?

For most merchandise, yes — Costco's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee allows returns at any time, for any reason, with no receipt needed (purchases are stored in your membership account). No restocking fees. The main exception is electronics: TVs, laptops, tablets, major appliances, cameras, drones, smart wearables, and cell phones must be returned within 90 days of receipt. Non-returnable items include cigarettes, alcohol (most states), gift cards, gold bars, airline tickets, and live event tickets. Abuse note: Costco monitors return patterns and may cancel memberships (with a refund) for members with unusually high return rates.

Q: How do I decode Costco price tags?

Costco price endings communicate markdown status. A price ending in .99 is the regular price — already Costco's best negotiated rate. Endings in .X9 (like .49, .79, .89) reflect a vendor-subsidized promotional price set by the manufacturer. A .97 ending signals corporate clearance — the item is being discounted to move inventory and will not be reordered. A .88 is a manager markdown for floor models or damaged packaging; .00 is deep clearance, most common in apparel. An asterisk (*) on the price tag means the item is pending deletion from Costco's inventory — it will not be restocked regardless of whether the price has dropped.

Q: Does Costco have a price adjustment policy?

Yes. If an item you purchased at Costco drops in price within 30 days of your purchase date — including going on sale in the monthly coupon book — Costco will refund the difference. The clock starts on the purchase date (not delivery date). For in-store purchases, bring your membership card to the returns desk; the item itself does not need to be returned. For Costco.com purchases, submit via the app chat or online form. The two channels are handled separately: Costco.com price drops cannot be applied to in-store purchases. There is no limit on the number of adjustments you can request.

Q: Can I stack the Costco Anywhere Visa with the Executive 2% reward?

Yes — this is the core Costco power stack. The Costco Anywhere Visa is issued by Citi and earns its own cashback (2% on all Costco purchases, 5% at Costco gas). Executive membership earns a separate 2% annual reward through Costco. Because these are two entirely separate programs, they stack freely: Executive members holding the Visa earn 4% effective return on all qualified in-store and Costco.com purchases, and approximately 7% on Costco gas purchases.

Q: What is the Costco coupon book and how do I use it?

Costco's Instant Savings coupon books (also called Member-Only Savings or Warehouse Savings) release roughly 12 times per year, each valid for about 26 days. They feature 125+ automatically discounted items across groceries, cleaning supplies, electronics, health/beauty, apparel, and more. No clipping, no coupon codes — discounts apply automatically at checkout in-store and on Costco.com for items marked '+Costco.com' in the book. Mailed to members approximately one week before the sale starts; also viewable digitally in the Costco app and on Costco.com. Warehouse-only deals (no '+Costco.com' icon) cannot be purchased online at the coupon price.

Q: Does Costco price match against Amazon or other retailers?

No. Costco does not match prices from any outside retailer. There is no mechanism to request a match at time of purchase or after the fact. What Costco does offer is a 30-day internal price adjustment: if the Costco price drops within 30 days of your purchase, they'll refund the difference. The business model is built on negotiating prices low enough that competitor price matching is rarely necessary — Costco's margin cap of 15% and membership revenue model keep everyday prices consistently competitive.

Q: What are Costco's free shipping rules for Costco.com orders?

Standard shipping is free on Costco.com orders of $75 or more before tax. Many large items include shipping in the displayed price with no separate shipping charge. CostcoGrocery 2-Day Delivery (non-perishable pantry items) carries a $3 per-item surcharge that is waived on orders of $75 or more. Note that Costco.com prices on grocery and consumable items are sometimes slightly higher than in-warehouse prices to account for online fulfillment. Same-day delivery is available via Instacart in select markets for Costco members; Executive members receive a $10/month credit on Instacart orders over $150.

Coupons & Promo Types

All the ways to save at Costco. Each promo type can often be combined — see the Stacking Tips section.

Current Active Offers

3

Coupon Book February 2026 Instant Savings book valid Jan 26 – Feb 22 — 125+ items auto-discounted in-store and online Feb 22, 2026
Executive Reward Executive members: 2% annual reward on all qualified purchases, up to $1,250 — reward certificates issued in February Ongoing
Visa Cashback Costco Anywhere Visa: 5% back at Costco gas, 2% on all Costco purchases — stack with Executive for 4% total on general purchases Always Available

Return Policy

Costco has one of the more generous return policies among major retailers. Most items qualify for the standard return window, with extended benefits available depending on your membership or payment method.

	Return Window	Return Shipping	Restocking Fee	Receipt Required	Final Sale Items
Standard Members	Unlimited — most merchandise returnable at any time, for any reason. Electronics limited to 90 days from delivery.	In-store returns: immediate refund at the membership desk, no item needed for receipt-verified purchases. Costco.com: return label provided; refund processed within 2–3 business days of receipt.	None — Costco's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee explicitly prohibits restocking fees on eligible returns.	No — all purchases are tied to your membership account. Membership card alone is sufficient for returns. Costco can look up any purchase in its system.	Cigarettes/tobacco, alcohol (most states), gift cards, gold bars/precious metals, airline tickets, live event tickets, custom/special order items, tires, batteries. Diamonds (1ct+) returnable with all original IGI/GIA certificates, subject to 48-hour gemologist verification.
Executive Members	Same unlimited policy; Executive status does not change return windows. Membership itself fully refundable pro-rated at any time.	Same process. No return shipping fee for Costco.com orders; Costco covers return freight on most items.	None. Same policy applies regardless of membership tier.	No — same digital purchase lookup. Executives can view full purchase history in the Costco app.	Same exclusions. Executive membership does not override any Final Sale or non-returnable designations.

90-Day Electronics Rule: TVs, projectors, major appliances, computers, tablets, smart wearables, cameras, drones, MP3 players, and cell phones must be returned within 90 days of receipt for a full refund. Abuse Warning: Costco monitors return patterns — members with unusually high return rates may have accounts flagged or memberships cancelled (with a pro-rated refund). The unlimited policy is designed for genuine dissatisfaction, not repeated buyer's remorse.

Shipping & Delivery

Costco offers multiple fulfillment options. Here's a breakdown of the shipping methods, costs, and delivery timeframes available.

Free Standard Shipping

$75 minimum (Costco.com)

Free standard shipping on most Costco.com orders of $75 or more before tax. Many individual items include shipping in the displayed price with no separate shipping line. Delivered via UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Typical delivery: 3–7 business days.

2-Day Grocery Delivery

$3/item fee, waived at $75+

Non-perishable pantry staples ship via CostcoGrocery in 2 business days. A $3 per-item surcharge applies on orders under $75; waived automatically on orders $75 or more. Note: CostcoGrocery prices are slightly higher than in-warehouse prices to account for fulfillment.

Same-Day via Instacart

Members only (select markets)

Same-day delivery via sameday.costco.com powered by Instacart. Available in select markets to Costco members. Executive members receive a $10/month Instacart credit on orders over $150, effectively subsidizing one delivery per month. In-warehouse prices apply for same-day orders.

Curbside / Threshold / White Glove

Included with large item orders

Large or heavy items (appliances, furniture) are delivered by freight carrier with appointment scheduling. Curbside drops to driveway; Threshold brings to first dry indoor area; Room of Choice places the item in your preferred room. All three require signature confirmation.

Loyalty Program

Costco's loyalty program is free to join and provides personalized deals, exclusive perks, and additional savings opportunities. Combining the loyalty program with other discount types is one of the most effective ways to save.

Gold Star Membership

$65/year

Full access to all Costco warehouses in the U.S. and internationally
Full access to Costco.com and all online-only deals
Costco gas stations, pharmacy, optical, tire center, and food court
Monthly Instant Savings coupon books (auto-applied at checkout)
1 free household card for another adult at the same address
Costco Travel packages and member-negotiated insurance rates
100% Satisfaction Guarantee — membership refundable anytime, pro-rated
Eligible to apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi

Business Membership

$65/year

All Gold Star benefits, plus the ability to purchase for resale
Add affiliate cardholders beyond the included household card (fee per card)
Useful for small business owners, restaurants, and resellers
Can be upgraded to Executive Business at $130/year for the 2% reward
Membership fee is a deductible business expense for qualifying entities

Best Value

Executive Membership

$130/year (~$10.83/mo)

All Gold Star benefits included
2% Annual Reward on qualified Costco purchases (in-store and Costco.com)
Reward capped at $1,250/year; issued as a redeemable certificate each February
If 2% reward doesn't cover the $65 upgrade cost, Costco refunds the difference
Break-even point: ~$3,250/year in qualified Costco spending
$10/month Instacart credit on same-day orders over $150
Early shopping access before general warehouse opening hours
Enhanced discounts on Costco Services (auto/home insurance, identity protection)
Stack with Costco Anywhere Visa for 4% effective return on all Costco purchases

Stacking Tips

Combine multiple discount types in a single transaction. These are the most effective stacking combinations at Costco.

1

The 4% Everyday Stack

Executive Membership 2% Annual Reward + Costco Anywhere Visa 2% back on all Costco purchases

Every Executive member who holds the Costco Anywhere Visa automatically earns 4% effective cash back on all qualified in-store and online Costco purchases. The Executive reward and the Visa cashback are issued through separate programs and stack freely. On $6,000 in annual Costco spending, this combination yields $240 back — more than covering the $130 Executive membership.

2

The Gas Stack (~7% Back)

Costco Anywhere Visa 5% at Costco gas stations + Executive Membership 2% Annual Reward on gas purchases

Filling up at Costco's already below-market gas prices and paying with the Costco Anywhere Visa yields 5% cashback from Citi plus 2% from the Executive reward (note: Executive reward excludes gas in some interpretations — verify with your reward statement). Even at 5% alone, Costco gas is typically 10–30 cents per gallon cheaper than street prices, creating compounding savings. The combined value on gas can reach 6–7% depending on your state's Executive reward terms.

3

Coupon Book + Visa + Executive

Instant Savings coupon book discount (automatic, no clipping) + Costco Anywhere Visa 2% cashback on reduced price + Executive Membership 2% reward on reduced price

When a coupon book item drops 15–30%, your Visa and Executive rewards apply to the already-discounted price. On a $200 appliance dropped to $150 in the coupon book, the additional 4% back yields another $6 in rewards — plus you've already saved $50. This is Costco's most accessible everyday power stack: find the coupon book item you need, buy it on the Visa, and pocket 4% back on the sale price automatically.

4

Price Adjustment + Coupon Book

Purchase item at regular price + Item enters the coupon book within 30 days + Request price adjustment for the coupon discount

Costco's 30-day price adjustment policy applies even when items go on sale via the monthly coupon book. If you purchased an item at full price and it appears in the next coupon book within 30 days, bring your receipt (digital OK) to the membership desk and request the difference. No item required, no receipt required if you have your membership card. Pro tip: sign up for the Costco app to see the digital coupon book before it takes effect in-store.

Price Match Policy

Costco's price match guarantee lets you claim a lower price from qualifying competitors — both at the time of purchase and up to 14 days after. Knowing the rules can save you from overpaying on big-ticket items.

No Competitor Price Match

Costco does not price match against any outside retailer — not Amazon, Walmart, Target, or any other store. There is no mechanism to request a match at time of purchase or after the fact.

30-Day Price Adjustment

If the price on an item drops at Costco within 30 days of your purchase date, Costco will refund the difference. Applies to both in-store and Costco.com purchases (handled through separate channels). Clock starts on purchase date, not delivery date. No limit on the number of adjustments you can request.

Coupon Book Adjustment Eligible

If an item you purchased appears in the next monthly coupon book with an Instant Savings discount within 30 days of your purchase, you can request a price adjustment for that coupon discount amount — without needing the coupon yourself.

Qualifying Competitors

Exclusions

No price matching against any outside retailer (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.)
Price adjustments are channel-specific: Costco.com drops cannot adjust in-store purchases and vice versa
Gold bullion, silver coins, and precious metals are excluded from price adjustments due to market volatility
Special event purchases (Black Friday, etc.) may be denied adjustment at Costco's discretion
Cross-border: U.S. prices cannot be used to adjust purchases made at Canadian Costco locations

Set a calendar reminder to check Costco.com prices on any major purchase 20–25 days after you buy. If the price has dropped or the item has entered the coupon book, head to the membership desk at your warehouse (in-store purchase) or submit via the Costco app chat (online purchase) to claim the difference — no item needed.

Clearance & Markdown Schedule

Costco follows a predictable markdown cadence that savvy shoppers can use to time purchases. Understanding how clearance works lets you decide whether to buy now or wait for a deeper cut.

Markdown Progression

Price ending .99

Regular Price

Standard shelf price — Costco's best negotiated everyday rate. No markdown is applied or imminent. The .99 ending is Costco's baseline and already reflects the retailer's 15% margin cap.

Price ending .X9 (e.g. .49, .79, .89)

Vendor Promotional Price

A manufacturer or vendor is temporarily subsidizing a lower price. Time-limited and controlled by the brand, not Costco. Common during new product launches or seasonal brand promotions.

Price ending .97 — 15–40% off

Corporate Clearance

Costco corporate has marked the item down to move inventory. The product may be end-of-life, overstocked, or being phased out of the assortment. Quantities are finite — buy it when you see it, as it will not be reordered at this price.

Price ending .88 or .00 — deepest markdown

Manager Markdown / Deep Clearance

.88 endings are individual warehouse-manager decisions: floor models, damaged packaging, or items with short shelf lives. .00 endings appear mainly in apparel and signal end-of-life liquidation. Neither ending will be restocked.

Department Schedule

Food & Grocery

Rolling (no fixed day)

Grocery clearance is driven by approaching best-by dates and seasonal overstock. Monthly coupon books apply automatic instant savings across 125+ grocery items — no schedule to track.

Appliances & Electronics

Seasonal (post-model-refresh)

Appliance and electronics markdowns coincide with new model arrivals, typically spring and fall. The 90-day return window begins at delivery — inspect immediately for factory defects.

Apparel & Clothing

End-of-season (rolling)

Clothing clearance uses .00 price endings for deepest discounts. Patio and outdoor apparel clears August–September; winter apparel clears January–February. Selection thins fast at .00 pricing.

Patio, Garden & Outdoor

August–September peak

Outdoor furniture, grills, and garden items see their steepest markdowns (30–50% off) in late summer as seasonal inventory winds down. An asterisk + .97 on patio items in August means grab it now.

Home & Seasonal Decor

January (post-holiday)

Holiday decor, seasonal items, and gift merchandise clear out in early January with .97 and .00 markdowns. Christmas trees and wrapping supplies often reach 50–70% off by January 2nd.

Tag Color Guide

Price ends in .99 — Regular Price

Full regular price. Already Costco's best negotiated rate. No markdown applied or anticipated.

Price ends in .X9 — Vendor Sale

Manufacturer-subsidized promotional price. Time-limited, set by the vendor not Costco. Will return to .99 when the promo period ends.

Price ends in .97 — Corporate Clearance

Costco corporate markdown. Item is being discontinued or cleared. Will not be reordered. The most important price ending for bargain hunters.

Asterisk (*) on tag — Pending Deletion

Item number is being removed from Costco's inventory system. Will not be restocked in its current form regardless of whether the price has been marked down. Asterisk + .97 = buy it now.

Check the small date printed on the price tag — it shows when the price was last updated. A .97 item with a 3-week-old date and full shelves may be heading to a further markdown; a .97 item with a fresh date and dwindling stock is selling through fast. The Costco app's barcode scanner will show the system price if the shelf tag looks outdated.

Promo Calendar

Monthly breakdown of Costco's biggest promotions and sales events. Highlighted months are the best times to shop.

Jan

Post-holiday clearance — .97 and .00 markdowns on holiday decor and giftsJanuary coupon book — new year health, cleaning, and pantry dealsSuper Bowl prep deals (TVs, electronics, food/beverage bulk items)

Feb

February coupon book (Jan 26 – Feb 22 in 2026)Valentine's Day gifts, chocolates, flowers, jewelryExecutive member 2% reward certificates issued — redeemable through Dec 31

Mar

Spring coupon book — patio furniture, garden, outdoor power equipmentSt. Patrick's Day food and seasonal itemsEarly outdoor seasonal merchandise hits warehouse floors

Apr

April coupon book — spring cleaning, home improvement, appliancesEaster food and seasonal giftsTax season promo — office supplies, electronics bundles

May

Appliance Savings Event (Memorial Day) — up to 70% off appliancesMother's Day gifts, flowers, jewelry, spa bundlesMay coupon book — outdoor entertaining, grills, patio furniture

Jun

Father's Day — tools, outdoor gear, electronics, spiritsJune coupon book — summer seasonal, sunscreen, beveragesPatio and outdoor furniture begins first markdowns

Jul

July 4th deals — outdoor, food, entertainingSummer coupon book — back-to-school preview, beverages, snacksBack-to-school merchandise begins appearing in warehouses

Aug

Appliance Savings Event (Labor Day precursor) — major appliance dealsBack-to-school coupon book — dorm essentials, laptops, backpacksPatio furniture clearance begins — 30–50% off outdoor items

Sep

Labor Day Sale (late Aug – early Sep) — up to $600 off appliances and electronicsSeptember coupon book — fall pantry stocking, seasonal itemsHoliday merchandise (Christmas trees, decor) begins appearing in warehouses

Oct

Early Holiday Season Event (Oct 31 – Nov 16) — electronics, appliances, giftsOctober coupon book — household staples, seasonal itemsHalloween candy, seasonal food items

Nov

Holiday Savings Event — Black Friday through Cyber MondayBiggest sale of the year: TVs, laptops, appliances, jewelry, clothingThanksgiving: warehouses closed; online-only deals available all dayCyber Monday: exclusive Costco.com one-day promotions — electronics focus

Dec

12 Days of Deals — rotating daily online promotionsDecember coupon book — gourmet foods, gifts, holiday essentialsFinal holiday clearance on seasonal decor and gifts after Dec 25

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Costco Executive membership worth the extra $65 per year?

How does Costco's return policy work — is it really unlimited?

How do I decode Costco price tags?

Does Costco have a price adjustment policy?

Can I stack the Costco Anywhere Visa with the Executive 2% reward?

What is the Costco coupon book and how do I use it?

Does Costco price match against Amazon or other retailers?

What are Costco's free shipping rules for Costco.com orders?

Verified Sources

Costco Membership Types & Comparison customerservice.costco.com

Last verified: Feb 2026

Costco Executive Membership Benefits costco.com

Last verified: Feb 2026

Costco Return Policy (Official) customerservice.costco.com

Last verified: Feb 2026

Costco Shipping Methods (Official) customerservice.costco.com

Last verified: Feb 2026

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi costco.com

Last verified: Feb 2026

Costco

Coupons & Promo Types

Monthly Coupon Book

Executive 2% Reward

Costco Anywhere Visa Cashback

Instant Savings (In-Warehouse)

Costco.com Online-Only Deals

Costco Travel & Service Deals

Current Active Offers

Return Policy

Shipping & Delivery

Free Standard Shipping

2-Day Grocery Delivery

Same-Day via Instacart

Curbside / Threshold / White Glove

Loyalty Program

Gold Star Membership

Business Membership

Executive Membership

Stacking Tips

The 4% Everyday Stack

The Gas Stack (~7% Back)

Coupon Book + Visa + Executive

Price Adjustment + Coupon Book

Price Match Policy

No Competitor Price Match

30-Day Price Adjustment

Coupon Book Adjustment Eligible

Qualifying Competitors

Exclusions

Clearance & Markdown Schedule

Markdown Progression

Regular Price

Vendor Promotional Price

Corporate Clearance

Manager Markdown / Deep Clearance

Department Schedule

Food & Grocery

Appliances & Electronics

Apparel & Clothing

Patio, Garden & Outdoor

Home & Seasonal Decor

Tag Color Guide

Promo Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions

Verified Sources

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