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5 Secret Shopping Perks Only Costco Members Know About

Your Costco card has more perks than just big savings on bulk items. Here are lesser-known benefits you need to know about before your next visit.

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costco
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A savvy spender’s paradise

Every careful buyer knows that Costco is a shopper’s paradise. Steep discounts on bulk items? Count us in! But being a Costco member has more perks than scoring big savings and chowing down on a delicious Costco hot dog after checkout. Before your next trip to the megastore, here are five unexpected perks only Costco members can take advantage of. These are secrets Costco employees won’t tell you.

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Costco wholesale warehouse shopping aisle for coupons and discounted gift cards, a members only club.
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Earn on discount gift cards

When it comes to gift cards, what you pay for is what you get, right? Not at Costco. The store sells gift cards to restaurants, movie theaters, and more for less than their face value. Right now, you can buy a $100 Chuck-E-Cheese gift card for $75, or four $25 Build-a-Bear gift cards for $79.99. The difference is basically free money.

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Hyatt Sign
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Save on vacations

Costco wants to make every experience a little lighter on your wallet–including your next vacation. The store has partnerships with companies like Best Western and Hyatt, so it has access to great group discounts you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. With deals on cruises, theme parks and much more, all you need to do is start packing your bags. You should always buy these Kirkland items at Costco.

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Car Showroom
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Buy a car for less

It doesn’t matter if you’re vying for a sedan or an SUV, shopping for a car is expensive and time-consuming. Costco’s Auto Program partnered with over 3,000 dealerships so you can buy a new or preowned car with ease. The best part? You don’t have to negotiate the price down with the salesman; Costco already did it for you.

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Costco Truck
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Get water delivered to your doorstep

Not a fan of tap water? Forget filling (and refilling) your Brita; Costco will keep you hydrated. Once you choose between spring, purified, and artesian water, Costco will deliver bulk bottles for as little as $6.49.

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Costco Card in Wallet
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Take advantage of Costco’s insurance policies

Thanks to Costco’s Health Insurance Marketplace, buying insurance doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck. Members can receive reasonable quotes on health, dental and vision plans. And if you’re buying a home or getting a new car, Costco partnered up with Ameriprise to ensure your new investment is covered, too.

Our list is only scratching the surface of all the great perks Costco offers its members. If you don’t have a Costco card, why not sign up? Memberships start at $60 per year, and as you can see, it can easily pay for itself. Next, read about the secret code behind Costo’s prices.

Taste of Home
Originally Published on Taste of Home