Gold Star costs $65 a year; Executive costs $130 total, or $65 more. Executive can make sense if you spend at least $3,250 a year on eligible Costco purchases, because a 2% reward on that amount equals the upgrade fee. That is a calculated break-even—not a Costco-published threshold—and the reward excludes some purchases. Choose Gold Star if your qualifying spend is lower and you would not make up the difference through Executive’s service benefits.
Costco Gold Star and Executive membership compared
Costco’s U.S. comparison lists Gold Star at $65 annually and Executive at $130 total: the $65 Gold Star fee plus a $65 Executive upgrade fee. Applicable sales tax may apply. Both memberships include one household card and access to Costco warehouses and Costco.com. Executive adds a 2% reward on qualifying purchases, up to $1,250 per 12-month period, as well as additional benefits and greater discounts on select Costco Services. Costco membership comparison
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| Feature | Gold Star | Executive |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $65 | $130 total, including Gold Star and a $65 upgrade fee |
| 2% reward | Not included | On qualifying purchases; capped at $1,250 per 12-month period |
| Other benefits | Warehouse and Costco.com access; one household card | Gold Star access and household card, plus additional benefits and greater discounts on select Costco Services |
How much eligible spending makes Executive worthwhile?
For a Gold Star member deciding whether to upgrade, the relevant cost is the extra $65—not Executive’s full $130 fee. At a 2% reward rate, the calculation is $65 ÷ 0.02 = $3,250 in eligible annual spending. This is a simple break-even estimate: it assumes every dollar counted qualifies, excludes any value from service discounts, and does not mean Costco guarantees the reward will cover the upgrade fee. Costco membership comparison Costco Executive reward terms
- Below $3,250 eligible spend: Gold Star is generally the lower-cost choice unless you expect to save enough on Executive benefits or select services to justify the extra fee.
- Around $3,250: the calculated reward roughly matches the $65 upgrade fee, before considering timing, exclusions, refunds or service savings.
- Above $3,250: Executive may provide a reward greater than the upgrade fee, provided enough spending qualifies and you remain within the reward cap.
Costco caps the reward at $1,250. The calculation $1,250 ÷ 0.02 = $62,500 in eligible spending indicates where a flat 2% reward would reach that cap; it is a mathematical implication of Costco’s stated rate and cap, not a published spending threshold. Costco membership comparison Costco Executive reward terms
#1 Best Overall
- If they treat wholesale clubs like Disneyland, this card is their dream come true.
- The card is made of 300GSM material, with exquisite workmanship, high quality, smooth writing and no paper jam, making it your first choice
- Every card we create is a singular artwork, ensuring your blessings shine with both warmth and originality.
- Ample blank space inside allows you to pen your own heartfelt thank-you, favorite memories, making your wishes more warm and creative
- Thanks for visiting our shop! If you receive damaged products or other problems, you can contact us.
Which purchases count toward the 2% reward?
Do not use your total Costco spending as the estimate. Costco’s terms limit which purchases earn a reward and whose purchases count. The primary member’s purchases and those made by the active primary household cardholder count. Purchases made before upgrading do not qualify, and refunds on eligible purchases reduce the reward. Costco Executive reward terms Costco Executive 2% Reward FAQs
Costco lists exclusions that include membership fees, gasoline, food court purchases, Costco Shop Cards, postage stamps, various fees and taxes, Costco Services, some third-party transactions, and certain alcohol and prescription purchases in specified states. Pharmacy and over-the-counter purchases generally count only to the extent they are not covered by insurance, subject to Costco’s terms. Check the current terms for your purchases rather than assuming every category qualifies. Costco Executive reward terms Costco Executive 2% Reward FAQs
Rank #2
- ATTENTION PLEASE: We update the size(add size XXL, and sized up for other sizes), choose the size your usually weared
- Zipper fly closure, two warm hand pockets, ribbed hem cuffs, drawstring hood
- Long sleeve fully fleece lined hoodie sweatshirt, fleece lined include sleeves hood and hand pockets, super warm
- Winter autumn warm regular fit thicken heavy weight short windbreaker windproof super soft outerwear coat
- All items are US size, multi solid colors: Black, Dark Grey, Light Grey, Red, Wine Red, Dark Blue, refer to the size chart in product description
When and how does Costco issue the reward?
Costco says the reward is issued approximately two months before renewal, so it is not an immediate discount at checkout. Costco also states that the reward is not guaranteed to equal or exceed the Executive upgrade fee. Costco Executive reward terms Costco Executive 2% Reward FAQs
The Tool Desk
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Rank #3
- DELUXE MONOPOLY CARD GAME IN COLLECTIBLE TIN BOX: Play, display, or take it on the go! This special edition of the Monopoly Deal card game comes in a premium tin box
- PLAY IN 15 MINUTES: Experience the wheeling and dealing action of the Monopoly board game in a fast card game! It plays in as little as 15 minutes, so families can enjoy a quick game anytime
- COLLECT 3 PROPERTY SETS TO WIN: In this exciting strategy card game for kids and adults, be the first player to collect 3 complete Property sets to win
- SWAP, STEAL, AND SCHEME: Action Cards shake up the game. Use them to collect rent, swipe or swap properties, or collect money from other players when “It’s Your Birthday!”
- FAVORITE FAMILY CARD GAME: Easy to learn and play, this game for 2 to 5 players is a Family Game Night go-to. It’s a fun card game for parties, before dinner, after school, and holidays
A practical way to choose
- Start with eligible purchases. Estimate a full year of spending by the primary member and active primary household cardholder, not the household’s entire Costco bill.
- Remove excluded spending. In particular, do not count gasoline, food court purchases or membership fees; check Costco’s current terms for less common categories.
- Exclude pre-upgrade purchases. Only qualifying purchases made after upgrading count toward the reward.
- Compare the estimate with $3,250. That is the calculated annual eligible-spend level at which 2% equals the $65 upgrade fee.
- Add only benefits you expect to use. Executive’s additional benefits and select service discounts can affect the decision, but their value depends on your actual use.
These fees and terms are for Costco’s U.S. memberships; the cited information does not establish that international memberships have identical pricing or rules. Costco’s comparison notes that fees are subject to applicable sales tax. Pricing, reward exclusions and benefits may change, so verify the current terms before joining or upgrading. Costco membership comparison Costco Executive reward terms Costco Services and benefits Costco membership information
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ✦Material: The Top is extremely soft, stretchy, and skin-friendly, not see-through, offering the maximum comfort all day long.
- ✦Design: Designed with a flattering O-neck, short sleeves, and a flowy pleated front, this womens t shirt combines style and comfort, making it one of the best short sleeve shirts for women
- ✦Match: This womens summer tops are great to pair with a variety of jeans, shorts, skirts, pants, or leggings to create a casual and summer look. Wear it alone or layer it under a blazer, cardigan, or jacket for a stylish outfit in early spring.
- ✦Occasions: Perfect for Casual Daily/ Work/ Date/ Travel/ Home/ Vacation/ Shopping/ Street/ Party/ Out going. A Must-Have Item for Spring & Summer Wardrobe.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Machine wash in cold water, dry on low heat, or hang/line to dry. Iron on low settings
Rank #4
- 【Best Gift & Occasion】Women card holder wallet comes with a exquisite gift box and 6 greeting cards, It's a great idea as a special gift for Valentine's/Thanks Giving/Mother's Day, New Year, Christmas, birthday. Suitable for many occasions such as shopping, traveling, dating, tourism, working and daily use
- 【Convenient & Capacity】Size of the slim wallet is 3.15'' x 0.39'' x 5.51'', You can easily put it in your front pocket, backpack and crossbody bag. This thin wallet has 9 card slots, 2 ID window, 1 zipper pocket for cash and coin. Clear layout and bi-fold design is made for you to keep your things organized well
- 【Premium Quality & Function】This slim women wallet is made of premium lychee pattern PU leather, comfortable to the touch. Small wallet for women but enough capacity for daily use, such as credit card, ID, bus card, access card. Zip pocket for coins, cash, keys, etc
- 【RFID Blocking & Protection】This Women rfid Wallet is equipped with advanced military grade proprietary blocking material, which blocks RFID signals and protects you cards the valuable private information
- 【Customer Service Promise】If there are any issue, please feel free to contact us. We will reply to your questions within 24 hours and help to fix the issue. We are obligate to make sure that our customers are satisfied with our products and services
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
