Author Topic: Costco membership question  (Read 4132 times)

geekette

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Costco membership question
« on: October 15, 2016, 12:36:07 PM »
I keep talking myself in and out of getting a Costco membership...

If you join mid-month, does it end mid-month a year later? Or the end of the month (like BJ's does).

Do they regularly have Groupon specials?  There was one sometime in the last year or so, but that was before they opened one quite near here.

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Re: Costco membership question
« Reply #1 on: October 15, 2016, 11:37:00 PM »
If they recently opened one near you, they might still be offering new member sign up incentives. A new Costco opened in my city recently and I got thirteen months of membership for the price of twelve, a $20 Costco cash card, and about $55 in Costco coupons, all the coupons were useful to me except for one (I didn't need a photo album).

That was for Executive membership. Regular Gold Star membership came with a $10 Costco cash card and thirteen months of membership for the price of twelve.

I joined at the end of the month, so I can't answer your question about mid month membership.

One last thing. If you join Costco, you might consider opening a Chase Freedom Visa credit card. That card gives 5% cash back on Costco “front register” purchases (meaning gas, travel, costco.com and some others are excluded) for at least six months out of the year (July through December).

newelljack

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Re: Costco membership question
« Reply #2 on: October 15, 2016, 11:46:22 PM »
Costco is one of those places that the membership is worth it if you use it. Their gas is incredibly cheap here, but not important if you don't drive. Their rotisserie chickens are the cheapest around and great for multiple meals. I think there was a thread not too long ago, maybe the W30 one, about the best things to get there. We go regularly for milk, bread, carrots and gas, but tend to stay away from their produce as it always goes bad really fast.

I'll have to look into the Chase Freedom Visa for more bonus points, but as it stands right now, we are set to get back over $100 in cash back for the year for using their Citi branded card (formerly AMEX). As for the membership dates, it's day-to-day: sign up on October 15 2016, your membership is good until October 14, 2017. I tried switching to Executive (2% cash back on everything you buy at Costco, on top of the credit card bonus) but we didn't earn more than the extra cost, so they dropped us back to regular and refunded the $55. Which leads to another point, they are amazing about returns. We are on our third printer in 8 years, no questions asked.

Ricksun

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Re: Costco membership question
« Reply #3 on: October 16, 2016, 04:48:29 AM »
Living social has a sign-up deal with Costco once or twice a year for new members only.  Tend to get a $20 credit and another $35 worth of free items that may or may not interest you. LAst time it was batteries chips and a pizza.

Chicken mentioned before is best deal, as well as berries for my family.  Many items aren't as well priced as my local Aldi, so this is not my main grocery store.  Wine and beer bombers are a good draw too.

Ricksun

CanuckExpat

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Re: Costco membership question
« Reply #4 on: October 16, 2016, 05:16:30 AM »
If you are looking to try it out, see if you have a friend with membership who would buy you a Costco Cash card. That would let you in a few times, and you can buy groceries or gas with it. Would let you know if it's worth it to you

Vagabond76

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Re: Costco membership question
« Reply #5 on: October 16, 2016, 05:41:42 AM »
One last thing. If you join Costco, you might consider opening a Chase Freedom Visa credit card. That card gives 5% cash back on Costco “front register” purchases (meaning gas, travel, costco.com and some others are excluded) for at least six months out of the year (July through December).

Are you sure about this? I have never bought anything at Costco.com, but may soon buy a gazebo is from there. I would use the Freedom card to get the 5% cash back. This site seems to indicate I could do so:https://ultimaterewardspoints.chase.com/freedom/?AI=33524596. Gas, travel, and services are clearly excluded. Website purchases appear to be included.

chasesfish

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Re: Costco membership question
« Reply #6 on: October 16, 2016, 05:50:16 AM »
I agree with the friend/Costco Cash Card suggestion.   

Its a no-brainier for me, but I spend enough there ($5,500/year) to where the 2% rebate as an executive member pays for itself. 

davisgang90

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Re: Costco membership question
« Reply #7 on: October 16, 2016, 05:52:50 AM »
Another Executive member here.  I shop there every week so it more than pays for itself.  You have to check prices, some things are a bargain, others are cheaper at the grocery store.

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Re: Costco membership question
« Reply #8 on: October 16, 2016, 09:43:47 AM »
One last thing. If you join Costco, you might consider opening a Chase Freedom Visa credit card. That card gives 5% cash back on Costco “front register” purchases (meaning gas, travel, costco.com and some others are excluded) for at least six months out of the year (July through December).

Are you sure about this? I have never bought anything at Costco.com, but may soon buy a gazebo is from there. I would use the Freedom card to get the 5% cash back. This site seems to indicate I could do so:https://ultimaterewardspoints.chase.com/freedom/?AI=33524596. Gas, travel, and services are clearly excluded. Website purchases appear to be included.

Thanks for the correction! Costco.com is included in the 5% cash back.
From:
https://creditcards.chase.com/freedom/merchants?jp_cmp=cc/68525/ema/EM06529/Body_Textlink_4
"Purchases made through the checkout on the wholesale club merchant's website (EX. Costco.com, BJs.com, Samsclub.com)

Vagabond76

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Re: Costco membership question
« Reply #9 on: October 16, 2016, 11:09:50 AM »
I might check with Chase regardless.  The difference between 1% and 5% back on a $1300 purchase is over $50.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!