7 Ways Retirees Can Save Money at Costco

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Shopping Share Share Close Mail Page URL https://money.com/how-retirees-can-save-money-costco/ Link copied! 7 Ways Retirees Can Save Money at Costco By: Marc Guberti Marc Guberti Marc Guberti is a personal finance writer who hosts Breakthrough Success, a podcast where he teaches listeners how to grow their businesses and achieve personal transformations. Has also written: 4 Easy Ways to Turn Costco Trips Into Monthly Savings The Smart Way to Buy in Bulk — and When It Pays Off These Hidden Benefits of Coupon Clipping Could Save You Tons 5 Lesser-Known Costco Perks — and How to Take Advantage 11 Senior Discounts That Could Save You Hundreds This Year See full bio Published: Mar 3, 2026 4 min read Shutterstock Costco offers some of the best discounts on various products and services — and taking advantage can be especially helpful for retirees who need to make their money last. Read on for how financially savvy older adults can free up space in their budgets with a Costco membership. Must ReadExperts are Bullish on Gold — Here's How to Get InRetirees: How a Small Gold Allocation Can Soften Losses When the Stock Market WobblesWarren Buffett on Market Volatility — and 3 Ways You Can Take Advantage How to save at Costco Here are seven ways you can lower your shopping bill at the big-box retailer. 1. Take advantage of the executive membership rebate Costco has an executive membership that costs $65 per year more than the basic membership, but depending on how much you shop, it could be worth it. The membership comes with an annual 2% reward on most purchases at the warehouse, online and for the company’s travel offerings. That means if you spend $3,250 per year at Costco, you’ll break even on the upgraded membership. 2. Research medication costs Costco negotiates directly with drug and medical device manufacturers and says that it passes along savings directly to customers. The company says customers receive “discounts on hundreds of popular medications — even generic medication” as well as exclusive member prices on certain prescriptions. If you shop at Costco, you may be able to save on your essential medications (and your pets’ medications, too).

Gold Investor Kit Offer: Sign up with American Hartford Gold today and get a free investor kit, plus receive up to $20,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases 3. Book travel deals Costco isn’t just for buying everyday items. You can also book vacations with Costco Travel to save money. Bundles may be cheaper on Costco than third-party sites, and you can find a wide range of options. Whether you’re looking to take a cruise, rent a car, or book a hotel and flight, using Costco’s Travel portal could help you save big. 4. Get your gas through Costco Filling your car’s tank at the gas pump can take a big chunk out of your budget. But Costco tends to offer lower gas prices than the average gas station. Pair your shopping trips with a trip to the Costco gas pump to save. Pet Protection: See How Spot Pet Insurance Can Help Your Dog or Cat 5. Purchase affordable hearing aids and eyeglasses Specialty stores often have higher markups for hearing aids and eyeglasses. However, if you buy these same items at Costco, you can potentially save a significant amount of money. 6. Assess the home services offerings Costco isn’t just a place to get your groceries and gas. You can also use its home services offerings for flooring and carpeting, window and door replacement, bathroom remodels, heating and air conditioning and much more. While you’ll want to compare the cost to other providers, you may be able to score a deal with Costco’s offerings. Some purchases come with a Costco shop card worth a certain percentage of your purchase, which can be applied to membership or merchandise. Extra Money: Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new active SoFi invest account 7. Buy in bulk Costco is known for its large quantities, making it a prime place to save by buying in bulk. You can stock up on household essentials like toilet paper and cleaning supplies, as well as non-perishable foods. If you don’t need hefty amounts of your purchases, consider splitting your items with a friend or neighbor so you both save. Must ReadExperts are Bullish on Gold — Here's How to Get InRetirees: How a Small Gold Allocation Can Soften Losses When the Stock Market WobblesWarren Buffett on Market Volatility — and 3 Ways You Can Take Advantage