Costco is more than just a bulk buys warehouse. It’s an airplane hangar filled with pretty much everything a modern person could want: electronics, games, clothing, furniture, jewelry, mattresses. You name it, and nine times out of 10, Costco sells it.
The sheer variety of products and services can make it challenging to take advantage of all of it. Veteran Costco members are likely saving hundreds and hundreds per year simply because they’ve learned the ropes and know what services to take advantage of. If you’re not there yet — or could use some help — here are five little-known perks to keep in mind.
1. Free technical care for electronic devices
Costco’s electronics are typically low priced and come with a wide 90-day return window. But what most members don’t realize is that Costco’s electronics also entitle you to free technical and troubleshooting support through its Concierge Service. This can really come in handy if you buy products that are notoriously stubborn or fail frequently (like printers).
What’s more, you get technical support indefinitely. This differs from other retailers, like Apple, which gives you support for a set amount of time after your purchase, like 90 days.
2. Easy rental car booking
If you dread renting a car, Costco’s rental car service might give you a new experience. Through Costco Travel, you can compare prices for multiple car rental companies online. The prices are honest, and car rental has no cancellation fees.
The experience won’t be flawless per se — since you still have to deal with the rental company in person — but Costco makes it a lot easier to compare rentals than doing the work yourself.
P.S.: If you’re an Executive member, you’ll get 2% in cash back on your rental.
3. Haggle-free car buying
Another little-known perk: Costco can help you buy a new or used car.
If you’re in the market for a vehicle, Costco’s Auto Program could be a convenient service. Costco pre-negotiates prices on cars at local dealerships. This eliminates one of the most stressful parts of buying a car: haggling. Plus, Costco members can get up to 15% off of parts, service, and accessories (maximum of $500 in savings per visit) at participating service centers.
4. Discounts on moving truck rentals
Moving homes — whether to a new state or just down the road — isn’t cheap. A local move could cost between $882 and $2,558, according to Home Advisor, while cross-country moves cost $2,404 to $6,864 or more.
Costco can help members cut some of this cost by offering a 25% discount on the retail rate of a Budget truck rental. Trucks can be as large as 26 feet and the promotion also includes a free additional driver, which would normally cost about $13 to $65 per day. Combine this with a top credit card for Costco and you could save some of that moving cost money for new furniture or home appliances.
5. Virtual care
Finally, you can save on virtual care appointments when you book with Costco’s partner, Sesame. The following are some healthcare services you can get at a low (Costco) price.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Virtual primary care visit | $29 |
| Virtual therapy visit | $79 |
| Health check-up (standard health panel and consultation) | $72 |
Data source: Sesamecare.com
As you can see, a Costco membership entails more than just $4.99 rotisserie chickens and $1.50 hot dog combos. Those, too, are great deals, but Costco’s services, like those mentioned above, can save you as much as a membership costs — sometimes more. These are just a few of the many Costco savings tips that can help you maximize your membership and save more on your monthly expenses.