You’ve seen the TikToks. Giant rotisserie chickens for five bucks, massive jars of cashew butter, and those $1.50 hot dog combos that seem to defy every law of modern inflation. It looks like a fever dream of consumerism. But then you get to the door, and a very polite person in a vest asks for your card. You don’t have one. You’re stuck. Honestly, figuring out how to become Costco member isn't exactly rocket science, but there are a few quirks to the process—and the actual value of the card—that most people gloss over while they're daydreaming about bulk paper towels.
Costco is a club. It's a warehouse. It's a cult? Maybe a little.
But it's mostly a massive logistics operation that charges you for the privilege of walking through the door. If you’re tired of paying "convenience" markups at your local grocery store, you're probably ready to make the jump.
Picking Your Poison: Gold Star vs. Executive
First off, you have to decide how much you’re willing to pay up front. Most people start with the Gold Star Membership. It’s the basic entry-level tier. It costs $65 a year (since the price hike in late 2024). You get two cards—one for you and one for someone else in your household. That’s it. No bells, no whistles, just the right to buy 48-packs of toilet paper.
Then there’s the Executive Membership. This one is $130 a year.
Why would anyone pay double?
Because of the 2% reward. Basically, Costco cuts you a check at the end of the year for 2% of most things you bought. If you spend $3,250 a year at Costco—which sounds like a lot until you realize that’s only about $270 a month—the Executive membership pays for its own upgrade. If you spend more than that, you’re actually making money back. Plus, you get extra discounts on Costco Services like check printing or roadside assistance. It’s a math game. If you’re feeding a family of four, the Gold Star is probably a waste of money because you’d leave that 2% cash back on the table.
The Actual Process of Joining
You can do this online, but honestly, doing it in person is faster if you want your physical card immediately.
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If you go the online route, you visit the Costco website, pick your tier, enter your info, and pay. You’ll get a membership number. But you still have to go to the warehouse to get your photo taken and get the physical card. Pro tip: Don't wear a green shirt if you're picky about your ID photo; the background is often a weird blue or gray, and the lighting is "early 2000s DMV."
When you walk into the warehouse to join, head straight for the Membership Counter. It’s usually near the exit.
- Show your ID. They need to verify you are who you say you are.
- Pay the fee. They accept most forms of payment for the initial fee, but remember: once you're inside the warehouse, they only take Visa credit cards or debit cards.
- Smile for the camera.
- Grab your card and go.
It takes about ten minutes if the line isn't wrapped around the food court.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Household" Card
Costco says you get two cards. People often think they can give that second card to their buddy who lives across town. Technically, the rules state the second person must live at your same address.
They will check IDs.
If your "household" member has a different address on their driver's license, the person at the desk might give you a hard time. Some warehouses are chill; others are like the TSA. If you’re trying to split a membership with a roommate, make sure your IDs match the address you’re registering.
Is It Even Worth It?
Let’s talk real numbers. If you buy gas at Costco, the membership often pays for itself in six months just on the fuel savings. In many states, Costco gas is 20 to 30 cents cheaper than the Shell or Chevron down the street.
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But there’s a trap.
The "Costco Effect" is real. You go in for milk and eggs and come out with a $400 bill because you found a cool kayak and a 10-pound bag of frozen organic blueberries. If you struggle with impulse control, learning how to become Costco member might actually be the worst financial decision you make this year. You have to be disciplined.
The real value is in the Kirkland Signature brand.
Kirkland isn't "generic" in the way we usually think of it. Often, Kirkland products are manufactured by the big names. For example, it’s widely known in the industry (though rarely officially confirmed) that Kirkland coffee has been roasted by Starbucks, and their batteries have been linked to Duracell. You’re getting top-tier quality for a fraction of the price.
The "Secret" Ways to Shop Without a Membership
Maybe you aren't ready to commit. Maybe you have commitment issues. That’s fine.
There are loopholes.
If someone gives you a Costco Shop Card (their version of a gift card), you can walk in and shop without a membership. You just show the card at the door. However, only a member can buy or reload those cards.
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In many states, laws prevent clubs from requiring a membership to buy alcohol or use the pharmacy. If you’re just there for a bottle of Kirkland vodka (which is legendary) or a flu shot, tell the person at the door. They have to let you in. But don't expect to buy a rotisserie chicken on your way out; the cashiers will catch you at the register.
Also, the food court used to be open to everyone, but they’ve started cracking down. Most locations now require you to scan a valid membership card just to buy a slice of pizza.
Handling the Checkout Chaos
Once you’re a member, your first trip will be overwhelming.
The carts are huge. The aisles are massive. There are no signs hanging from the ceiling telling you where the bread is. This is intentional. It’s called a "treasure hunt" strategy. They want you to wander past the TVs and the jewelry to find the peanut butter.
When you get to the register, have your card ready. They scan it first. If you don't have a Visa card or a debit card, you’re going to have a bad time. They don't take Mastercard or Amex at the registers in the US.
And for the love of everything, don't throw away your receipt.
You’ll see a line of people waiting to leave. A staff member will look at your receipt and draw a little line on it. They aren't checking to see if you stole a TV; they're checking to make sure the cashier didn't double-charge you for something and that you actually have everything you paid for. It’s a loss-prevention and accuracy step.
Moving Toward Your First Trip
Becoming a member is basically a rite of passage for adulthood. It signals that you've officially reached the "I care about the price-per-ounce of laundry detergent" phase of your life.
If you're on the fence, start with the Gold Star. You can always upgrade to Executive later in the year if you realize you're spending more than you thought. Costco will even prorate the cost. And if you hate it? Costco has one of the best return policies in the world. They will literally refund your membership fee at any point if you aren't satisfied. There is zero risk.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your wallet: Make sure you have a Visa card. If you only carry Mastercard, you’ll need to bring cash or use a debit card.
- Audit your pantry: Take a look at what you buy most. If it’s mostly fresh produce for one person, Costco might not be for you—unless you can eat five pounds of spinach before it turns into green slime.
- Download the app: Once you join, the Costco app lets you keep a digital version of your card so you don't have to carry the plastic one.
- Scope the gas station: Before you head inside, check the line at the pumps. The best time to go is usually Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. Avoid weekends unless you enjoy sitting in a 20-minute line for fuel.
- Verify your "Household" member: If you're sharing the membership, make sure your partner or roommate has their ID updated to your current address before you go to the desk to save a headache.