Costco currently lists Gold Star at $65 per year and Executive at $130 per year before tax. Executive members can earn a 2% reward on eligible purchases, up to $1,250. Before membership tax, the $65 upgrade reaches break-even at $3,250 in eligible annual spending; applicable tax raises that threshold. Check Costco's current membership terms and reward exclusions before calculating your own threshold.
Estimate value from the purchases that qualify for the Executive reward, not your total Costco spending. The cap, eligible categories, exclusions, and membership fees may change; verify them with Costco before renewal.
Costco gas may be cheaper than nearby stations, but the gap changes by location and day. Compare the posted price at your local Costco with another station you would use, then account for extra driving and waiting time. Gas does not earn the Executive 2% reward.
Compare unit prices with other stores for products your household already uses. Bulk sizes are worthwhile only when the quality, quantity, storage needs, and amount you will use suit your household; spoilage or unused items can erase a lower unit price.
Costco currently lists an auto and home insurance broker service that can provide multiple quotes. Availability, insurers, and prices depend on where you live and your circumstances. Compare the coverage and total premium with other quotes before switching.
Costco services such as optical, pharmacy, and tire centres have their own availability, pricing, and terms. Compare current local prices and check any membership requirements or included service with Costco and other providers.
The biggest risk with any Costco membership is impulse buying. A warehouse trip can make it easy to buy more than planned. Set a budget and bring a list so bulk purchases do not create storage, waste, or cash-flow problems.
Costco describes a membership satisfaction guarantee, but refund and downgrade terms apply. Read the current membership conditions before relying on a refund to offset the Executive fee.
Side-by-Side
Gold Star vs Executive — Which Costco Membership Fits You?
Both tiers unlock the same warehouse, gas bar, pharmacy, and optical departments. The The 2% reward covers the upgrade fee at $3,250 in eligible annual spending before membership tax.
Tier 1
Gold Star
The standard Canadian membership. Full warehouse access, no rebate on purchases.
Tier 2 · 2% Reward
Executive
Adds a 2% reward on eligible purchases (capped at $1,250/yr). Check current additional benefits before assigning them a value. Both tiers have a membership satisfaction guarantee.
Worth It If You...
- Households whose local unit-price comparisons and bulk storage support the fee
- Regular drivers who fill up weekly near a Costco gas bar
- Members whose eligible annual purchases exceed the current Executive break-even amount
- People who can obtain insurance quotes through the service in their location
- Households that regularly use the optical, pharmacy, or tire centre
Skip It If You...
- Singles or couples in small apartments without bulk storage space
- Infrequent shoppers who visit less than once or twice a month
- People far from a Costco location or without a car to haul bulk goods
- Anyone who struggles with impulse buying at big-box stores
- Anyone whose local Costco price and eligible-purchase savings do not cover the membership fee
Pros
- +Compare local fuel prices and eligible-purchase rewards before choosing a tier
- +Compare Kirkland products with alternatives by quality, unit price and household use
- +Executive 2% reward on eligible purchases up to the current published cap
- +Costco insurance broker service can provide multiple quotes where available
- +Optical, pharmacy and tire centre prices can be compared with local alternatives
- +Generous return policy on most items
Cons
- −Membership fees are paid before any savings accrue
- −Executive is worthwhile only when eligible rewards exceed the added fee
- −Bulk sizes impractical for small households and limited storage
- −Impulse buying risk from the treasure-hunt store layout
- −Insurance availability and premiums depend on your province and profile
- −Gas does not count toward the Executive 2% rebate
The Bottom Line
Costco can be good value when your local prices and eligible purchases justify the current membership fee. Compare household use with current membership terms and reward exclusions before renewing.
What to Read Next
Get Canadian money tips in your inbox
New guides, tools, and savings strategies. Free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.