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The U.S. Sun has explained the different membership subscriptions on offer.
- Chris Bradford, Senior News Reporter
- Chris Bradford, Senior News Reporter
DRIVERS can cover the cost of their Costco membership fee and they don’t even need to venture in-store, money-saving experts say.
A standard subscription sets shoppers back $60 for the year and they can take advantage of a range of benefits – from cheaper produce to travel and fuel perks.
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Experts say drivers can save around 20 cents per gallon when filling their tanks at Costco fuel stations.
David and Susan Schwartz, the authors of The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A-Z, predict that drivers only need to clock up 7,500 miles over the year to pay for their membership.
Explaining their workings, they used the $60 figure and divided this by the 20 cents per gallon saving, which totaled 300.
And, the average fuel economy of a car is around 25 miles per gallon.
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They multiplied the two numbers, which totals 7,500 miles in the year.
Drivers would have to clock up 144 miles in a week.
This equates to around 20 miles a day if they are on the road all seven days in the week.
“You don’t even have to go into the warehouse and you’re already saving money,” Susan Schwartz told CNBC.
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“If you only drive 7,500 miles a year, you’ve paid off your regular Costco membership.”
She said the 25 miles per gallon figure is conservative.
Meanwhile, experts at The Ascent suggest drivers will need to fill up their tanks around 25 times a year to cover their membership fee.
Costco member stunned after new policy is now ‘required’ – and it’s bad news if you don’t have a smartphone
They estimated drivers can save around $2.47 if they top up their tank with 14.5 gallons of gas at Costco compared to re-fueling at other stations.
Costco also offers its executive membership which costs $120.
Shoppers pay a $60 membership fee plus another $60 to upgrade it.
Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers
Here is a breakdown of the store cards on offer to customers from various retailers and their benefits
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Costco:
- Gold Star Membership: $60 per year, shop all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
- Executive Membership:$120 per year, annual 2% reward, additional discounts and benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store, and get two additional cards for household use.
- Sign up for a Costco Membership here
Sam's Club:
- Club Membership:$50 per year, bonus offers, same-day delivery, instant savings, Sam's Club Mastercard, members-only fuel savings, tire and battery center, complimentary membership, and add-on memberships.
- Plus Membership:$110 per year, all benefits of Club membership plus Sam's Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and pharmacy and optical savings.
- Sign up for Sam's Club Membership here
Target:
- Target Circle:A free-to-join reward program allowing users to earn 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards when an eligible purchase is made, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps out your community.
- Target Circle Card:A credit, debit, or reloadable account card that gives users 5% off in-store and online as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping, and an additional 30-day returns window. Formerly Target RedCard.
- Sign up for Target Circle here
Walmart:
- Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto car, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and go in-store, and early access to deals and product releases.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
Executive membership cards are valid at Costco warehouses worldwide and subscribers can score a yearly 2% reward.
Members have told how they save $60 every time they shop at the warehouse.
But The U.S. Sun has reported how some members are considering ending their subscriptions.
Bookworms have been left incandescent with rage after reports claimed Costco warehouses will stop selling tomes all year round.
Instead, the chain will only sell books between September and December.
Read More on The US Sun
The store layout change is set to come into force in January 2025, per The New York Times.
Furious Costco members have threatened to pull the plug and toying with the idea of shopping at rivals such as Sam’s Club.
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Topics
- Cost of living
- Costco
- Money saving
- Money US
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