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The basic Costco membership costs $65 per year, and you pay $130 per year for the Executive membership, which gives you 2%. refund in your purchases.

No matter which membership you purchase, if you shop at Costco regularly, you can more than get your refund by: saving for groceries and daily shopping. But if these signs apply to you, you may not be getting as much value from your membership as you deserve.

1. You don’t fill up your gas tank at Costco

Costco’s gas stations sell some of the cheapest gasoline in town. If you don’t fill your car while shopping, you’re missing out on a lot.

But it’s not just the low price of Costco gas. It is also of high quality.

Costco’s fuel carries the TOP TIER designation. This means it is designed to clean your engine and provide better performance.

Now, you may be aware that as an Executive member you are not eligible for Costco’s usual 2% cash back at the pumps. Long lines to fill may deter you from waiting.

But if you use the right credit card at the pump, you can get enough cash back to make up for the fact that you don’t get anything from your Executive membership. Click here for a list of the best credit cards to use at Costco.

2. You don’t book your vacation through Costco

Costco doesn’t just sell physical products, it also sells experiences. And there’s a lot to gain from booking a vacation through Costco. If you haven’t already, you might want to take a look and see what packages are available.

First of all, Costco’s travel packages are generally competitively priced. And many include extras like cruise or holiday credits that can save you even more. Or, you may be eligible for a Costco Store Card (the store’s version of a gift card) as a thank you for your reservation.

Unlike gas purchases, travel purchases through Costco like that Eligible for 2% cashback through executive membership. And that can put a lot of free money in your pocket. If you book a $3,000 trip, you get $60 of it back.

3. You don’t buy Kirkland Signature products because you are unfamiliar with the brand

Whether it’s food, cleaning supplies, or over-the-counter medications, it’s not uncommon to be loyal to the brands you’re used to. But you could miss out on big savings if you don’t give Costco’s Kirkland Signature house brand a try.

Costco specifically aims to price Kirkland products at 20% or more off compared to national brands. It is also known that Costco stands behind all the products it sells. If you purchase something with a Kirkland label and it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can usually return it for a full refund.

Costco is one of the only stores that charges people for access. If you’re going to spend this money, you can make the most of your membership. You can get more value from your products by filling up your tank, booking vacations, and loading up on Costco’s Kirkland products.

The best credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer great rewards everywhere, including Costco! this card It stands out among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you can earn and unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add in the competitive 0% interest period, and it’s no surprise that we awarded this card with the Annual Free Best Credit Card award.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We are firm believers in the Golden Rule; therefore, editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers in the market. Motley Fool Money’s editorial content is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different team of analysts.Maurie Backman It has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a feature disclosure policy.