Costco Customers Just Discovered They Can Use Their Membership To Score Discounted Home Insurance And Cheaper OTC Medication
Costco Customers Just Discovered They Can Use Their Membership To Score Discounted Home Insurance And Cheaper OTC Medication
More Than Just Bulk Buying
When most people think of their Costco membership, they often think about the giant pallets of paper towels or the warehouse-sized tubs of peanut butter they can get. But the truth is, that little membership card unlocks a surprisingly wide range of perks that go beyond the grocery aisles—and it's time you took full advantage of it.
1. Travel Packages at Members-Only Prices
Despite the popularity of travel, Costco’s packages are one of the most under-utilized perks! Costco Travel offers vacation packages, cruises, and rental car deals exclusively available to members, often at rates you won’t see anywhere else. You can book everything from all-inclusive resort stays to European tours directly through the Costco Travel website, too.
2. Discounted Auto Insurance
Through its partnership with CONNECT, Costco members can access discounted auto insurance rates. Much like other providers, the savings can be significant depending on your driving history and location, so it's worth getting a quote before your next renewal.
3. Lower Home Insurance Rates
Costco also partners with CONNECT to offer home insurance to its members at pretty solid rates. It doesn’t matter if you're a homeowner or a renter looking for coverage—getting a quote only takes a few minutes and could save you a hefty amount on your annual premiums.
4. Affordable Prescription Medications
We all know that medication can cost a hair-raising amount, but Costco's pharmacy is open to the public for prescriptions. That means members enjoy even greater savings on a wide range of medications. If you’re a little wary, try to shake those fears; the warehouse club consistently ranks among the lowest-priced pharmacies in the country.
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5. Cheaper Over-the-Counter Medications
Kirkland Signature includes tons of OTC medications with the same active ingredients as name brands, only they’re way cheaper. You'll find everything from allergy tablets to pain relievers sold in bulk, which stretches your dollar even further.
6. Optical Services and Eyewear
Having a little trouble seeing? Costco's optical centers offer eye exams, contact lens fittings, and a solid selection of frames! Best of all, they clock in at significantly lower prices than everyday optical shops. While non-members can also receive eye exams, members get exclusive access to the discounted eyewear.
7. Hearing Aid Services
Hearing aids can cost a fortune, but Costco's centers provide professional hearing tests and a wide range of hearing aids at much lower prices. You aren’t sacrificing quality, either; the staff is licensed, so you're receiving professional-level care alongside the member savings.
8. Discounted Gift Cards
We’d all love to treat our loved ones, but not at typical prices! Believe it or not, Costco regularly sells discounted gift cards for popular restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues. A typical deal might offer $100 worth of dining credit for around $79.99.
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9. Identity Theft Protection
Costco has partnered with identity-protection services to offer members discounted plans that monitor personal information and alert them to suspicious activity. People often think it won’t happen to them, but given how common data breaches have become, an extra layer of security is worth paying for.
10. Executive Membership Cashback
It’s true—upgrading to an Executive Membership costs more annually, but it also rewards you with 2% cashback on most Costco purchases throughout the year. If you’re a frequent member, that reward can easily exceed the cost of the upgrade itself.
11. Car Buying Made Easier
No one likes having to haggle with car salespeople, and with Costco's Auto Program, you won’t have to. Your card can connect you with participating dealerships that offer pre-negotiated pricing on new and used vehicles. Members have reported saving hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars through the program.
12. Home and Business Services
Members can access discounted rates for anything from solar installation and security systems to flooring. It’s always daunting to trust a middleman to handle the vetting, but Costco vets its partners, so you’ll work with reputable companies.
13. Mortgage and Refinancing Assistance
Did you know that Costco offers a mortgage program that gives members access to competitive rates? It’s true! Do yourself a favor and take advantage; you can compare multiple loan offers in one place, and even a modest reduction in your interest rate can translate to thousands of dollars saved.
14. Discounted Theme Park Tickets
Costco always sells discounted tickets to theme parks, sporting events, concerts, and movie theaters. That’s not even the extent of it—they also sell them in bundled packages for extra value. If you’re lucky, you’ll find deals on tickets to major attractions like Universal Studios!
15. Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is something many owners wish they'd gotten before an unexpected vet bill, and now you can get it much cheaper with Costco. The program’s offered through a reputable provider and covers a range of treatments for your furry family members.
16. Small Business Resources
Business owners can take serious advantage of the membership, too. You can score office supplies in bulk, discounted shipping services, and even payroll processing. An Executive Membership makes even more sense given how fast cashback rewards accumulate on business-related spending.
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17. Health Screenings
Some Costco locations partner with health providers to offer discounted immunizations, health screenings, and wellness services. You’ll be able to get a screening either in-store or through affiliated providers, and members can also find health products in bulk at competitive prices.
18. Tax Preparation Software Discounts
Hey, we all hate doing our taxes, but Costco offers members discounted access each tax season on software, making it one less headache to manage! The savings can be pretty crazy compared to buying them at full retail price, so if you file your own taxes, it's a deal worth looking for.
19. Discounted Moving Services
Never underestimate the expense of moving. Before you tear out your hair, remember that Costco's partnership with moving companies gives members access to pre-negotiated rates. The program also connects you with vetted movers, too.
20. Broader Online Shopping
Costco’s site carries a wide range of products that aren't available in warehouses, which is already good enough, but members also score exclusive pricing that the general public can’t. And, if you think about it, pairing online purchases with an Executive Membership's cashback reward can make for some serious savings.
