A Costco Gold Star membership costs $65 per year in 2026. The Executive membership is $130 per year and pays 2% back on qualifying Costco purchases. Costco last raised prices in September 2024 — the first increase since 2017. Here’s what each tier includes and how to decide which is right for you.
Costco Membership Prices (2026)
| Membership Type | Annual Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Star | $65 | Occasional shoppers, households spending under $3,250/year at Costco |
| Executive | $130 | Regular Costco shoppers spending $3,250+/year |
| Business | $65 | Small business owners (includes add-on cards for business associates) |
| Business Executive | $130 | Business owners spending $3,250+/year |
The household card (one included per membership) lets a second household member at the same address shop at Costco. Additional household cards are not available — the two cards are the limit per membership.
Costco Gold Star vs. Executive Membership
| Feature | Gold Star ($65/yr) | Executive ($130/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse access | ✅ | ✅ |
| Costco.com shopping | ✅ | ✅ |
| Costco gas | ✅ | ✅ |
| Costco Travel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Optical, pharmacy, hearing | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2% annual reward | ❌ | ✅ (up to $1,000/year) |
| Included household card | ✅ (1 card) | ✅ (1 card) |
Is the Executive Membership Worth It?
The Executive upgrade costs $65 more per year. To break even, you need to earn $65 in the 2% annual reward:
Break-even calculation: $65 ÷ 2% = $3,250 in annual Costco spending
| Annual Costco Spend | Executive Reward | Net Benefit vs. Gold Star |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $20 | −$45 (not worth it) |
| $2,000 | $40 | −$25 (not worth it) |
| $3,250 | $65 | $0 (breakeven) |
| $5,000 | $100 | +$35 |
| $10,000 | $200 | +$135 |
| $50,000 | $1,000 (max) | +$935 |
A family buying groceries, household supplies, and gas at Costco typically spends $400–$600/month ($4,800–$7,200/year) — well above the $3,250 breakeven point for Executive. The Executive reward pays out as a Costco cash voucher each February.
What the 2% Executive Reward Applies To
Qualifying purchases for the 2% reward include:
- Warehouse purchases (groceries, household goods, electronics, clothing, gas)
- Costco.com purchases
- Costco Travel bookings
- Costco-contracted services
The 2% reward does not apply to: alcohol where prohibited by law, gift cards, tobacco, purchases through third-party sellers on Costco.com, or fees (membership fees, delivery fees).
Costco Membership Price History
| Year | Gold Star | Executive |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $55 | $110 |
| 2017 | $60 | $120 |
| 2024 (Sep) | $65 | $130 |
The September 2024 increase of $5 (Gold Star) and $10 (Executive) was modest by historical standards and was Costco’s first increase in seven years.
Other Costco Benefits Included With Any Membership
Costco Gas: Typically $0.15–$0.35/gallon cheaper than nearby gas stations. A 15-gallon fill-up saving $0.25/gallon saves $3.75 per trip — about $225/year for a once-a-week fill-up. That alone nearly covers the Gold Star membership cost.
Costco Travel: Members-only pricing on vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and hotel bookings that’s often lower than Kayak or Expedia.
Costco Pharmacy: Prescription drug prices that rival or beat GoodRx for many common medications, without a separate membership.
Costco Auto Program: Negotiated pricing below MSRP on new vehicle purchases through dealer partners.
Optical and Hearing: Discounted prescription glasses, contacts, and hearing aids.
Costco vs. Sam’s Club vs. Amazon Prime Membership
| Club | Annual Cost | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Gold Star | $65 | Best food quality, Kirkland brand, gas |
| Sam’s Club | $50 | Cheaper membership, Walmart proximity |
| Sam’s Club Plus | $110 | 2% reward + cash back, free shipping |
| Amazon Prime | $139 | Online delivery, streaming, no warehouse |
The FTC requires membership clubs to clearly disclose all membership terms and automatic renewal policies. Costco memberships auto-renew annually — you’ll receive a renewal notice 30 days in advance.
Compare all warehouse club options in our Costco vs. Sam’s Club and Amazon Prime vs. Walmart Plus guides, and see how a Costco membership fits into your monthly budget.
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