15 Essential Costco Warehouse Savings Tips for Smarter Shopping

Check out these Costco savings tips on coupons, timing, price tags, membership benefits, payment options, and more. Save big and shop smart at Costco.

Looking for Costco warehouse savings tips for smarter shopping? We'll show you how to maximize coupons and discounts, shop at the best times, understand price tags, and use your membership to its fullest. Get ready to shop like a Costco savings expert!


 

Tip #1: Apply "Instant Savings" Coupons Automatically at Checkout

Costco's monthly "Instant Savings" are a cinch—no clipping required! These discounts are automatically deducted at checkout during the promotional period. If you missed your Costco Coupon Book in the mail, simply grab one from customer service or keep an eye out for the red tags in-store marking the better deals.
 

Tip #2: Save More Money with Cash Back Apps

You're effectively putting cash back into your pocket by combining the automatic discounts from Costco's Coupon Book with cash-back opportunities through rebate apps such as Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and other free coupon apps.

Simply purchase the item eligible for a rebate at Costco, keep your receipt, and upload it to either the Ibotta or Fetch app—or even both—to earn cash back.
 

Tip #3: Look For Gold Star Membership or Executive Membership Deals on Groupon

If you’re considering a Costco Gold Star membership (normally $60 annual fee), keep an eye on Groupon for special deals, usually available between August and October. Recent offers have included a $45 Shop Card, a $40 off Costco online coupon, and a $100 Costco Travel voucher for qualifying purchases. You may also find deals on an Executive membership, which is normally a $120 annual fee with additional benefits.
 

Tip #4: Create a Costco Shopping List

Before you visit Costco, make a list of items you need. This helps prevent impulse buys and ensures you only purchase what you require.
 

Tip #5: Share a Membership Card with Friends or Family

Buddy up!  If you have a shopping friend or family member, you can split the membership fee and celebrate the savings together. After all, shopping with friends is a fun way to shop. 
 

Tip #6: Understand Bulk Buying

Buying bulk and savings money is great, but you have to take in some serious consideration when those goods come with an expiration date.  Make sure you can truly use what you’re buying in that time frame so that you’re not wasting money when you have to toss those perishable items. 
 

Tip #7: Take Advantage of Price Adjustments

Simply knowing the store policies can save you some money. 30 days is the magic number at Costco. You can return an item within 30 days if you change your mind, or better yet, if the price drops in that timeframe, you can get a price adjustment. 
 

Tip #8: Use the Costco App

Check out the Costco App for additional savings. It’s hard to spot everything in the store, but shopping on the app puts it all at your fingertips. Particularly seasonal items are much easier to browse on the app as they can sometimes be scattered throughout different sections in the store. 
 

Tip #9: Buy Costco Brands

Costco has a store brand called Kirkland Signature. These products are well-loved by shoppers and often favored over the pricy brand names. Rumor has it; they are the brand name products without the price tag. True or false, they have proven to be quality items! 

Tip #10: Take Advantage of Tech Deals

Consider Costco or your electronic needs. Not only are they competitively priced, but they also are known to extend the manufacturer's warranty.
 

Tip #11: Fill Up at Costco Gas Stations

Don’t forget that Costco sells fuel!  Historically, their prices run cheaper than other gas stations too. You can always check GasBuddy, so you can quickly and easily compare the prices before you go. 
 

Tip #12: Monitor Seasonal Sales

Stores like Costco like to move seasonal inventory quickly to make room for what’s coming next. The best time to shop is right after the holidays where you can score these items at a deep discount. 
 

Tip #13: Opt for Cash Cards

Here’s a clever hack to keep yourself on a very strict budget. Purchase a Costco Cash Card with a set amount before you shop. That way you won’t overspend by sneaking those not-so-necessary items into the cart. 
 

Tip #14: Get All Your Meat at a Good Deal at Costco

Did you know that the price per pound of meat drops, the larger quantity you buy? If you have quite a crew to feed, buying bulk meat at Costco is a huge savings over the grocery store prices. Even if you don’t have a crowd, don’t be afraid to buy bulk and then divvy it up to portion sizes you can use. 

Don't forget to check out our cheapest grocery stores page.
 

Tip #15: Understand Costco Pricing

Crack the Costco code by understanding their price labels:

• .97 means discounted
• .99 indicates full, original price
• .00 or .88 signals clearance
• An asterisk (*) shows items being discontinued

Plus, you can spot extra manufacturer discounts on prices ending in .49, .89, or .79. Those tags aren't just stickers—they're your guide to savings!

Ways to Save Money at Costco with Strategic Timing on New Arrivals, Clearance, and Seasonal Offers

To boost your savings, keep an eye out for monthly seasonal offers and clearance opportunities as new product arrivals come in and old ones are ushered out!

• January: New furniture collections roll in, while winter apparel and organization essentials are marked down
• February: Arrival of chocolate-covered strawberries (especially for Valentine’s Day), and floral deals like $39.99 for a bouquet of 50 roses (available online)
• March: Deals on tax preparation software and barbecue grills
• April: Introduction of summer spirits (think vodka-infused popsicles & Kirkland's own strawberry margarita mix)
• May: Promotions on mattresses, plus Mother’s Day floral specials, such as $39.99 for 50 roses (online delivery)
• June: Fresh furniture selections and early back-to-school supplies (towards the end of June)
• July: Post-Independence Day furniture sales, prime time for back-to-school bargains (from mid-July through August)
• August: Spooky Halloween costumes debut
• September: Costco decks the halls with holiday toys and festive decorations
• October: Halloween decor, candy, and even costumes really begin to adorn Costco aisles
• November: A bounty of turkeys and all the fixings for Thanksgiving feasts (including those massive pumpkin pies)
• December: Post-holiday clearance on Christmas toys and decorations (starts mid-December)

Non-Grocery Costco Savings: More Deals in Unexpected Places

Most think foods, personal care products, and home items when they think about shopping at Costco, but you can pick up things like electronics or home furnishings at Costco too and still save some dough. Check out these saving opportunities:

Food Court Finds

It’s not just groceries and household goods where you can score great bargains. The Costco food court offers a delightful meal that’s gentle on your wallet too. The hot dog and drink combo, priced at $1.50, for example, provides a classic and economical choice. Want something sweeter? Try the delicious 7-inch chocolate chip cookie for just $2.49.

Book Vacations Through Costco Travel

Costco Travel offers members exclusive travel deals, potentially saving on airfare, hotels, and attractions. Check out Costco Travel for savings on your next vacation.

Health Services Savings

Your Costco membership offers valuable health coupons and discounts, including reduced prescription prices, eyewear savings, and in some locations, free health screenings—smart ways to care for your health and finances.