For most shoppers, a Costco membership is all about bulk groceries, giant packs of paper towels and the occasional $1.50 hot dog. Memberships currently start at around $60 a year for a basic plan, or $120 for an Executive tier, which offers additional perks like 2 percent cashback on eligible purchases. Signing up is straightforward: customers can join online or in stores, and memberships typically cover a household, allowing two people to use the account.
But behind the store's oversized aisles lies a surprising range of lesser-known perks, some of which could save members hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. From discounted vacations to cut-price prescriptions - even caskets - here are some of the most unexpected benefits hiding in plain sight.
Cheap Eye Exams and Surprisingly Affordable Glasses
One of the most overlooked perks is Costco's optical service. Eye exams typically cost between $70 and $100 without insurance - often far cheaper than traditional optometrists. But the real savings come with glasses. Frames and lenses are usually priced well below competitors, making it a go-to for budget-conscious shoppers. Even better, Costco will adjust your glasses for free - even if you didn't buy them there - which is a rare and very handy service.
Prescription Savings - Even Without Insurance
Healthcare costs can add up quickly, but Costco's Member Prescription Program offers major discounts - sometimes up to 80 percent off medications. What is more surprising is that even customers with good insurance occasionally find Costco's cash price beats their copay. It's a little-known option that can make a big difference for anyone managing ongoing prescriptions, as well as generic medications, common vaccines, booster shots, numerous pet medications, and medical supplies.
Gas Prices That Can Pay for Your Membership
Fuel is another area where Costco quietly delivers consistent savings. Members get access to Costco gas stations, which are often 10 to 30 cents per gallon cheaper than nearby competitors. That might not sound like much, but it can translate to around $3 to $7 per tank for larger vehicles - and even more over time. For drivers who fill up regularly, those savings can quickly add up, in some cases covering the cost of the annual membership fee alone. Most Costco warehouses have an accompanying gas station, with more than 600 nationwide.
Discounted Vacations with Unexpected Extras
Costco Travel is one of the retailer's best-kept secrets. Members can book discounted vacation packages, hotels, cruises and rental cars - often bundled with perks that aren't available elsewhere. These can include resort credits worth $50 to $200, complimentary meals, room upgrades and even waived resort fees, which can save $30 to $50 per night. For frequent travelers, those extras can turn into serious savings.
Insurance for Almost Everything
Costco doesn't just help you save on groceries - it also offers a wide range of insurance products at discounted rates, with savings of up to 10 percent. Members can access home, auto, renters, life, pet and even business insurance, all in one place, making it a convenient one-stop shop. Its life insurance offering, called Member Advantage Life, includes policies ranging from $100,000 to $5 million in coverage, with 10, 20 or 30-year terms. Premiums are lower for the first five years before adjusting - a structure that can help keep early costs down. Meanwhile, Costco's travel insurance packages are also competitively priced, typically costing around 5 percent to 6.5 percent of the total trip cost - often significantly cheaper than competitors like Allianz, which can charge closer to 13 percent.
Big Discounts on Everyday Services
Beyond the big-ticket items, Costco members can unlock savings on smaller - but still useful - services. These include around 25 percent off Budget truck rentals, which can easily offset the membership fee during a single move. There are also major discounts on photo services, including up to 51 percent off Shutterfly products like holiday cards, prints and photo books - a perk many members use year after year.
Yes… Even Caskets
Perhaps the most unexpected perk of all: Costco sells caskets. Starting at around $1,300 with shipping included, they are often far cheaper than those sold by funeral homes. And thanks to regulations from the Federal Trade Commission, funeral homes are legally required to accept caskets purchased elsewhere - without charging extra fees. Some of the current caskets on offer include the 'mother's casket' in a rose hue, the 'President casket' in dark wood and the 'prime rose' casket complete with floral detailing. It's an unusual offering, but one that underscores just how far Costco's value proposition goes.
