Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Both Costco U.S. memberships include warehouse and Costco.com shopping, a household card subject to eligibility rules, and access to services such as pharmacy, optical, hearing aid centers, and gas stations. Executive costs $65 more per year than Gold Star and adds a 2% reward on eligible purchases, subject to exclusions and a $1,250 cap. Whether that upgrade pays off depends on qualifying spending and whether you use its additional service or travel benefits.
What Costco membership includes
Costco’s U.S. membership comparison lists the following access with both Gold Star and Executive memberships:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Shopping at Costco warehouses and Costco.com
- Access to Costco Business Centers
- Pharmacy, optical, and hearing aid center services
- Costco gas stations
- One household card, subject to Costco’s eligibility rules
Costco lists both tiers for use at its locations worldwide, but the prices and Executive reward terms below are from U.S. sources. Service participation and availability can vary by location, so check local terms before relying on a particular service. Costco’s membership comparison and services page provide current details.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Gold Star vs. Executive membership
| Feature | Gold Star | Executive |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee in the U.S. | $65 plus applicable tax | $130 plus applicable tax |
| Warehouse and Costco.com shopping | Included | Included |
| Business Center, pharmacy, optical, hearing aid center, and gas station access | Included | Included |
| Household card | One free card, subject to eligibility | One free card, subject to eligibility |
| Annual reward | None | 2% on qualified purchases, up to the current $1,250 maximum |
| Additional service and travel benefits | Standard access and offers | Additional benefits on selected Costco Services and Costco Travel; terms vary |
| Membership satisfaction guarantee | Costco says it will refund membership fees if a member is dissatisfied | Same stated guarantee |
Fees and the reward cap are current U.S. figures checked October 4, 2026; confirm them on Costco’s join page before enrolling, because terms can change. Costco Customer Service states that it offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will cancel and refund membership fees if a member is dissatisfied. Costco’s Executive Membership article was published March 16, 2026.
#1 Best Overall
How the Executive 2% reward works
The reward is not 2% back on every Costco purchase. Costco says it applies to qualified purchases made by the primary member and the active primary household cardholder. Most U.S. warehouse purchases qualify, but exclusions and state-specific rules apply. Purchases made before upgrading to Executive do not become eligible retroactively. Costco says the upgrade cost may be prorated for the remaining membership term.
Examples of excluded purchases include gasoline, membership fees, food court purchases, taxes and fees, some third-party transactions, and other categories listed in Costco’s terms. Prescription and alcohol eligibility can vary by state. For Costco Travel, reward accrual applies after travel is completed, requires Executive status when travel starts, and excludes some travel components. Check Costco’s Executive reward terms and reward FAQ for the current category rules.
Rank #2
- 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.
Estimate whether the upgrade fee could be offset
The listed U.S. fee difference is $65 per year. At a 2% reward rate, $3,250 in eligible annual purchases produces $65 in reward value: $65 divided by 0.02. This is a calculation from Costco’s published fee and reward rate, not a Costco-published spending benchmark. It assumes every dollar counted qualifies and does not account for taxes, refunds, timing, or the value of other Executive benefits.
- Count only likely qualifying purchases by the eligible cardholders.
- Exclude categories such as gas, membership fees, food court purchases, taxes, and fees.
- Do not count spending from before an upgrade.
- Assess service and travel benefits separately; their value depends on your use and applicable terms.
How to use and track the benefits
Shop and use local services
Use either tier for Costco warehouse and Costco.com shopping and access the listed member services. Confirm local participation, availability, and service-specific charges with the location before making plans; Costco’s benefit listings do not establish that every service is available at every location.
Rank #3
Check your reward estimate
Costco says the primary Executive member can view a current reward estimate after signing in to a Costco.com account. The estimate can help track progress, but the final reward depends on eligible transactions and Costco’s terms.
Understand reward timing and redemption
Costco’s FAQ says the reward is generally issued about two months before renewal. It can be used toward most merchandise at U.S. warehouse front-end registers; it is not an unrestricted cash rebate, and self-checkout is excluded. Costco also describes an online-use route: buy a Costco Shop Card at a warehouse using the reward. Check the current reward FAQ for issuance, exclusions, and redemption terms before relying on a particular method.
Rank #4
Other Executive benefits to consider
Executive members receive additional benefits on selected Costco Services and Costco Travel. Costco currently lists member-exclusive gas prices and selected tire-service offers, but participation, service scope, and terms vary. These are not guaranteed savings for every member: compare the applicable offer and your expected use rather than treating a listed benefit as a fixed dollar value. See Costco Services and Costco Travel for current availability and conditions.
Choosing between Gold Star and Executive
Gold Star may be the simpler choice if your expected eligible spending is well below the fee-equivalent threshold and the added service or travel offers are not useful to you. Executive may make sense if eligible spending could offset its $65 higher annual fee, or if you independently value its selected service and travel benefits. The reward alone cannot settle the decision: use eligible spending—not total household spending—and check exclusions, upgrade timing, and local offer terms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Space-Saving Design: Adds extra storage space without taking up cart room, keeping your snacks, phone and small items organized and within reach during shopping trips.
- Perfect Fit: Specifically designed to clip securely onto the latest carts, ensuring a snug, stable fit that won’t wobble while pushing the cart.
- Multi-Functional Storage: Features a tray, cup holder and built-in clip, providing versatile storage for snacks, drinks, phone, membership cards and receipts.Utilizes 3D-printed structural technology.
- Easy to Install: Simple clip-on design, no extra tools needed, just attach it to the cart firmly—takes only seconds to set up and use. Utilizes 3D-printed structural technology.
- Important Note: This is a third-party replacement part, Brand names are used only to indicate Compatible with Costco, This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brand owner.
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.
