Technologies

Your Costco Membership Can Save You Big, Here’s How to Get the Most Out of It

Costco has great prices on a lot of items, and here’s how you can maximize your savings on your next trip.

Odds are you know what Costco is, but you may not already be a member. You may be curious as to whether it’s worth it or not to spend $60 or more a year to shop somewhere, but the truth is that the membership easily pays for itself for most Costco shoppers. As a one-stop-shop, there’s a lot to buy and a lot of money to be saved by signing up for your own Costco membership.

The most obvious advantage to joining Costco is the opportunity to stock up on necessities such as groceries, electronics and more in bulk at affordable prices. But did you know about the different types of Costco membership and the additional perks just waiting for you?

Even after being a member for a year, I had no idea how much value was built into my membership. But now that I do, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Costco membership perks so you can save every visit. If you want to learn how to save at other retailers, check out our additional shopping tips to save at Best Buy Outlet and Amazon’s subscribe and save.

How to sign up for a Costco membership

Before I dive into the perks of a Costco membership, you should know you have the option to sign up for one of two Costco memberships. There’s the Executive Gold Star membership for $120, and the Gold Star membership for $60.

In order to get a Costco membership, you need:

1. A membership number (you’ll get an email from Costco when you register online)

2. Valid government-issued photo ID

Both of these are needed when you visit a membership counter in person to fully sign up. You can also just do what I did, and sign up in person by skipping the online membership number. Only do the prelim scheduling if you want to save some time in line; either way, you have to go in person to complete the membership process.

When you sign up and it’s confirmed, you’ll take a picture and have a Costco card in minutes. Plus, the Executive Gold Star and Gold Star membership comes with one free card for anyone over the age of 18 who lives at the same address.

Gold Star vs. Executive Gold Star membership

Although you’ll save every time you shop at Costco with either membership, there are differences between the two. As a Gold Star member, you have «everyday value» access. This includes:

1. 100% satisfaction guarantee.

2. Two membership cards.

3. Ability to shop online and in warehouses worldwide.

A Costco Executive Gold Star member gets all three perks from the Gold membership and two additional perks:

1. Costco services discounts (e.g. auto insurance program, home insurance).

2. A 2% annual reward up to $1,000 on eligible Costco and Costco travel purchases.

No matter which membership you choose, you’ll get Costco gasoline, electronics and appliances, prescription, tires and grocery delivery at cheaper prices.

Get 2% back, here’s how

The 2% annual reward is capped at $1,000 for one year. Only purchases made by the primary household member will apply toward the reward. If the primary cardholder is no longer on the account, their purchases will not apply to the reward. About three months before your renewal, you’ll get the 2% reward.

How to upgrade to an Executive Gold membership

Maybe you’re already a Gold Star member and you want to upgrade to the Executive membership. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Costco will prorate the upgrade based on the months remaining in your previous membership.

2. Any purchases made before the upgrade doesn’t count toward your 2% reward.

3. The following year, you’ll be charged the full $120.

4. And if you want to upgrade, you can visit the membership counter at any Costco to do so.

Which membership is best for you?

To answer this question, ask yourself how much money on average you think you’ll spend at Costco. If you’re not shopping at Costco regularly, then regular Gold Star membership is likely the better option. However, if you’re buying in bulk, plan on making your shopping trips exclusive to Costco, and if you want to earn rewards, then the Executive Gold Star membership is your go-to for extra savings.

Since you’re aware of the perks available to you, now you’re ready to become a Costco member or upgrade for more rewards. To save money at other retailers, read our other shopping tips on getting Costco delivered without a membership and getting your money back with this holiday return policy cheat sheet.

Get the best price with CNET Shopping.

Love shopping online but don’t have time to compare prices or search for promo codes? Our CNET Shopping extension does that for you, so you always get the best price.

Technologies

Worldwide Financial Services Directory: BitcoinPay Trade Joins Financial1000

Exciting news for BitcoinPay Trade as the company is officially listed on Financial1000, a respected platform that connects individuals with a wide range of businesses and professionals in the financial sector. This new development marks an important milestone for BitcoinPay Trade, as it continues to expand its reach and offer its services to a growing global audience.

Financial1000 is a trusted directory that brings together financial service providers from around the world, offering users the opportunity to explore various businesses and professionals within the financial industry. BitcoinPay Trade’s inclusion on this platform ensures the company’s place in the rapidly growing digital finance landscape.

Visitors are invited to explore BitcoinPay Trade’s profile on Financial1000 to discover the services offered and stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments. The company’s page can be accessed here: BitcoinPay Trade on Financial1000.

With this new addition, BitcoinPay Trade looks forward to building new connections and strengthening its presence in the financial services industry, continuing to provide innovative solutions to clients worldwide.

Technologies

Verum Coin Now Available on HB Wallet

Verum Coin (VERUM) continues to expand its ecosystem and strengthen its position in the global cryptocurrency market. We are delighted to announce that Verum Coin is now available on HB Wallet — a modern, secure, and user-friendly solution for managing digital assets.

HB Wallet provides users with a high level of protection, an intuitive interface, and the ability to execute fast transactions. Now, Verum Coin holders can easily store, send, and receive their assets, taking advantage of this innovative wallet. The integration with HB Wallet opens new horizons for crypto enthusiasts, offering even greater flexibility and convenience in managing their investments.

This news underscores Verum Coin’s commitment to continuous improvement and the expansion of services aimed at providing the most secure and comfortable experience for users around the world.

About Verum Coin

Verum Coin is an innovative cryptocurrency focused on delivering advanced solutions for digital asset management in today’s financial landscape. By continually expanding its ecosystem, Verum Coin makes cryptocurrency transactions more accessible and convenient for users worldwide.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Celebrates Its 4th Anniversary: A Journey Towards Security, Innovation, and User Trust

Today, Verum Messenger, one of the leading messengers on the market, celebrates its 4th anniversary. Over the years, the app has become a symbol of security, privacy, and innovation in the world of digital communication, and continues to evolve confidently, introducing new features and improving the quality of service.

When Verum Messenger was launched in 2021, its goal was clear — to create a communication platform that puts data security first. Four years later, this messenger has proven that its approach works. The app has not only successfully implemented end-to-end encryption to protect messages but has also offered unique features such as the ability to block screenshots and screen recordings, the built-in Verum VPN service that ensures online anonymity and security, and one-click information clearing within the messenger.

Achievements and Innovations

Over the past four years, Verum Messenger has significantly expanded its capabilities and established itself as one of the most secure messengers. One of the key milestones was the integration of Verum E-SIM, a feature that allows users to connect to mobile internet without the need for a physical SIM card. This was a breakthrough for travelers who value flexibility and anonymity without being dependent on mobile carriers and roaming.

But the most important achievement was the introduction of Verum AI — a generative artificial intelligence developed in-house. This chatbot, integrated into the messenger, provides users with a unique opportunity to interact with an intelligent assistant capable of not only answering questions but also giving recommendations and solving everyday tasks. This feature is one of the first among messengers to offer its own neural network that continually adapts to users’ needs and improves its functionality.

Commitment to Data Security

It is important to note that data security remains the top priority for Verum Messenger. The company has always been dedicated to protecting privacy. In recent years, the app has introduced several improvements aimed at safeguarding users from data breaches and unauthorized access.

Moreover, Verum Messenger continues to develop and enhance its privacy settings, giving users control over who can view their information and who can contact them.

The Future of Verum Messenger

Now, four years after its launch, Verum Messenger is not stopping at its achievements. The company is actively working on new innovations and improvements that will help the messenger remain at the forefront of technology.

“Our users and their right to privacy and security have always been and will remain our top priority. We will continue to work to ensure that Verum Messenger remains the safest and most convenient tool for communication, considering new challenges and technologies,” the development team shares its plans.