Costco recently increased the price of membership, so you might be wondering if it’s still worth it, especially if you don’t live near a local warehouse. Here’s the thing: I might sound like a Costco fanatic, but I believe that a Costco membership is worth the fee, even if you’ve never set foot in a Costco warehouse.
That’s because there are so many great deals on Costco’s website. You could save enough by shopping online to cover the cost of a $65 (or $130) Costco membership. Using Costco’s online store for everyday items like groceries and larger purchases could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways that shopping online at Costco can help you keep more money in your bank account while still getting premium products and valuable services.
1. Costco.com’s “Treasure Hunt” Special
Costco is famous for its “treasure hunts” where you can wander the aisles of its warehouses and find amazing bargains on furniture, electronics, tech, housewares, and more. But you don’t have to go to the warehouse to do a Costco treasure hunt; it’s available online, too.
As of August 18, 2024, Costco.com is running the following “Treasure Hunt” sales.
Cuisinart Triple Clad Stainless Steel 5-Piece Skillet Set ($69.99)Midea Smart 50 Pint Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump ($179.99)DeWalt Circular Saw ($199.99)Thomasville Dillard Accent Chair with Storage Ottoman ($599.99)
Costco.com also has daily sales on big-ticket items. If you’re looking to buy a new refrigerator, stove, sofa or TV, check out Costco.com and compare prices with other big-box retailers. You’ll often find a lower price at Costco, and you’ll get Costco tech support and a two-year warranty.
2. Same-day grocery delivery from Costco
Costco has great deals on bulk groceries and packaged foods, but what do you do if you don’t have time to go to the warehouse? Luckily, Costco offers an online grocery delivery service. You can sign up for Costco Sameday and use Instacart to shop at Costco.
Using Instacart at Costco is more expensive than shopping at the warehouse yourself, but it’s worth it if you’re short on time and just want to get some of Costco’s grocery deals into your kitchen and pantry.
With Costco Sameday, you can also get a rotisserie chicken or a big box of delicious Costco cookies delivered to your door, which is worth $65 a year.
When you buy big-ticket items from Costco online, you may be able to get additional discounts from a special program called Costco Direct, a perk that many shoppers don’t know about, but it’s a great one.
Buy two qualifying items and save an additional $100. Buy three qualifying items and save an additional $200. Buy four qualifying items and save $300. Buy five or more qualifying items and save an additional $400 off your total bill.
Costco Direct is online-only and typically only applies to big-ticket items that require shipping, like appliances, furniture, TVs, etc. But if you’re renovating your home, upgrading your living room, or suddenly need to replace several appliances at once, Costco Direct can help you save big.
4. Unique Products at Costco
Costco has special online partnerships with luxury brands through its Costco Next program, which is another lesser known way you can get great deals on luxury items when shopping online at Costco.
With Costco Next, you sign in to the Costco Next portal using your Costco membership and click on the brand you want to buy. You’ll then be taken to a special online shopping site where you can access special Costco member prices and shop directly with other brands.
Costco Next brand partners include:
Body Glove (Water Sports Equipment)Dearfoams (Comfortable Slippers & Footwear)Most, Inc. (Korean K-Beauty Products)Otterbox (Phone Cases & Screen Protection)Priority Bicycles (Low Maintenance Bikes)Viking (Cooking Utensils)
5. Book your vacation with Costco Travel
Costco Travel is an online travel agency for Costco members that offers amazing deals on cruises, all-inclusive resorts, vacation packages, hotels, and more. If you’re looking to try something completely new on your next vacation and want the guaranteed Costco seal of approval, Costco Travel is the best way to book your trip.
Conclusion
Even if you live far from a Costco warehouse and can’t take advantage of the food court hot dog combo deal, shopping online at Costco is still worth the membership fee. By simply shopping online at Costco.com and taking advantage of Costco’s special programs, Costco Direct and Costco Next, you can get the most out of your Costco experience without having to go to the warehouse.
