🛒 Which Shopper Are You?
Family of 4+Almost certainly worth it. Bulk staples, gas, and Kirkland products make
the $65 back in one trip.
Couple / 2-PersonWorth it if you have storage space and buy non-perishables. Run the math
on gas savings alone.
Living AloneDepends heavily on storage space and discipline to use bulk items before
they expire.
Small Business OwnerStrong case. The Business membership gives access to resale pricing and
larger quantities.
$65
Gold Star membership
per year
per year
$130
Executive membership
per year
per year
2%
Annual reward,
Executive (max $1,250)
Executive (max $1,250)
92.1%
Canada/US renewal rate
(FY2026 Q2)
(FY2026 Q2)
Costco Canada raised its membership fees in 2024 for the first time in seven years — Gold Star went from $60 to $65, Executive from $120 to $130. A year and a half later, the renewal rate among Canadian and U.S. members sits at a striking 92.1%. That tells you something. But it doesn't tell you whether a Costco membership makes sense for your household. This is an honest, numbers-forward review — including what's genuinely worth buying, what to skip, and exactly who should and shouldn't join.
💳 Membership Tiers: What You Actually Get
| Tier | Annual Fee | Household Cards | 2% Reward | Gas Access | Instacart Credit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Star | $65/yr | 2 cards (1 household) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Most families, occasional shoppers |
| Executive | $130/yr | 2 cards (1 household) | ✅ Up to $1,250 | ✅ | ✅ $10/mo credit | Heavy shoppers spending $3,250+/yr |
| Business | $65/yr | 2 cards + up to 6 add-ons ($65 each) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Small business, resale buyers |
| Business Executive | $130/yr | 2 cards + up to 6 add-ons | ✅ Up to $1,250 | ✅ | ✅ $10/mo credit | High-volume business buyers |
Executive Break-Even Point
The Executive membership costs $65 more than Gold Star. It pays 2% back on
most purchases. To break even on that extra $65, you need to spend
approximately $3,250 at Costco per year (~$270/month). For
families regularly buying groceries, gas, and household goods, this is easily
exceeded — and the Executive tier typically pays for itself and then some.
🏆 What's Genuinely Worth Buying at Costco Canada
📊 Where Costco Saves You the Most (vs. Grocery Stores)
⚠️ What to Skip at Costco
✅ Who Should Get a Membership — and Who Shouldn't
| Household Type | Verdict | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Family of 4+ with storage space | ✅ Absolutely | Gas + groceries + Kirkland staples easily justify Gold Star |
| Couple with a car and storage | ✅ Likely yes | Gas savings alone can pay for the membership |
| Solo urban apartment dweller | ⚠️ Maybe | Only if you have storage and discipline on perishables |
| Solo — no car, no storage space | ❌ Probably not | Bulk items impractical; gas savings inaccessible; not worth $65 |
| Small business owner | ✅ Yes | Business Centre access, bulk pricing, resale privileges |
| Heavy shopper spending $3,250+/yr | ✅ Executive tier | 2% reward covers the $65 upgrade premium — upgrade immediately |
| Occasional visitor (2–3x/year) | ❌ Skip it | Membership fee exceeds savings from infrequent visits |
🎁 Current New Member Offer (expires Aug 30, 2026): New
Executive members get a $100 online voucher off a $250 costco.ca purchase
(promo code: COSTCO100). New Gold Star members get $50 off a $150 online
purchase (COSTCO50). Only for new members or memberships expired 18+ months.
These deals effectively offset the first year's cost significantly — check
costco.ca for current promotions.
💡 Costco Money-Saving Tips
-
1Use the CIBC Costco Mastercard. Costco only accepts Mastercard, debit, or cash — no Visa. The CIBC Costco Mastercard earns 3% cash back on restaurant and gas purchases, 2% on Costco purchases, and 1% everywhere else. New Executive members also get a $65 credit when approved for this card.
-
2Shop the Costco Instant Savings (flyer) items. Costco doesn't do traditional sales, but their monthly Instant Savings booklet offers deep discounts on rotating products — sometimes 20–30% off. These aren't advertised; check the booklet at the entrance or online before your trip.
-
3Use Costco Travel. Included with all membership tiers. Costco Travel is consistently competitive on vacation packages, rental cars, and hotels — often cheaper than booking directly. Executive members get additional service discounts.
-
4Use the Costco Pharmacy. Lower dispensing fees than most chains. Accessible without a warehouse membership in some provinces — check your local warehouse. Prescription savings can be significant for regular medication users.
-
5Don't forget the satisfaction guarantee. Costco will refund your membership at any time if you're dissatisfied. Their return policy on products is legendarily generous (no time limit on electronics and most goods). This removes almost all financial risk from joining.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Gold Star
$65/yr — families,
most households
most households
Executive
$130/yr — if you spend
$3,250+/yr at Costco
$3,250+/yr at Costco
Gas Savings
5–15¢/L cheaper
= $200–400/yr
= $200–400/yr
Rotisserie Chicken
~$7.99 — half the
price of other stores
price of other stores
Best Kirkland Buys
TP, olive oil, nuts,
laundry, vitamins
laundry, vitamins
Skip at Costco
Spices, electronics,
mattresses, apparel
mattresses, apparel
Renewal Rate
92.1% — among
highest in retail
highest in retail
Risk-Free
Full refund anytime
if unsatisfied
if unsatisfied