Costco membership fees in the USA at a glance
The two primary Costco membership tiers in the United States are Gold Star (now branded as Membership) and Executive. As of the latest published pricing, Gold Star costs $60 per year and Executive costs $120 per year. Both renew automatically and include household cardholders at no extra listed fee. Fees are typically reviewed annually and may change without notice. Note that certain limited-time offers, employer or association discounts, and special programs may alter effective pricing. Below is a concise verified reference for base pricing and renewals.
| Membership Type | Annual Fee (USD) | Renewal Behavior | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Star (Membership) | $60 | Automatic renewal | Household cardholders typically included; may vary by offer |
| Executive | $120 | Automatic renewal | Household cardholders typically included; may vary by offer |
Membership types and core costs
In the USA, the two main Costco membership categories are Gold Star and Executive. Additional options such as Business memberships and special programs (for example, AARP or military-related discounts) may be available through specific channels or promotions. The standard Gold Star membership provides shop access, while Executive includes higher rewards. Pricing is subject to change, and regional variations are uncommon but possible. Cardholder additions are generally included within household membership benefits.
Standard memberships: Gold Star and Executive
Gold Star ($60/year) is the entry-level membership, suitable for most individual and household shoppers. Executive ($120/year) adds extra benefits like higher rebates and certain purchase opportunities. Both typically renew automatically using the same payment method unless canceled before renewal. For the most reliable current pricing and any limited-time offers, confirm on Costco’s official site or at the warehouse.
Who is included in a household membership
A household membership covers residents of a single primary residence. Additional cardholders in the same household generally do not incur extra charges beyond the base fee. If a household’s circumstances change or if you require clarification on dependents, contacting Costco customer service can help. Business or other organizational purchases may follow different structures and are not covered under standard household memberships.
Where and how to buy or renew
You can join or renew Costco membership in several ways: online via the Costco.com account center, by phone through member services, via the Costco mobile app, or in person at a warehouse. Payment methods typically include major credit and debit cards. Digital memberships activate immediately upon purchase, while physical cards are mailed within a few business days. Renewals are automated unless you opt to disable auto-renewal in your account settings.
Executive membership benefits and costs
Executive membership includes all Gold Star benefits plus additional rewards, often in the form of an annual rebate check. The higher annual fee is designed to offset part of the increased value you receive through these rebates and special opportunities. If you are considering Executive, compare the projected rewards and convenience against the $120 cost to determine if it aligns with your typical spending and shopping behavior.
Executive vs Gold Star: financial considerations
The decision between Executive and Gold Star often hinges on how frequently you shop and whether you can reasonably recoup the additional fee through rebates and exclusive offers. Because rebate amounts vary by year and purchases, there is no guaranteed break-even point. Review prior-year rebate estimates when available and project your expected purchases to evaluate which tier offers better value for you.
| Feature | Gold Star | Executive |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cost | $60 | $120 |
| Household cardholders | Included | Included |
| Auto-renewal | Yes | Yes |
| Primary benefit level | Standard shop access | Standard + higher rewards |
Fees, renewals, and managing your membership
Costco membership fees typically renew automatically each year. You can manage auto-renewal, view payment methods, and update your contact information through your Costco.com account or the mobile app. If you prefer not to auto-renew, adjust the setting before the renewal date to avoid continued charges. Current promotions or employer programs may temporarily reduce effective pricing; always verify terms at the time of enrollment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Costco membership cost for the first year?
A new Gold Star membership typically costs $60 for the first year, and Executive typically costs $120 for the first year. Promotional offers may temporarily change effective pricing for select channels, so check current conditions where you enroll.
Can I add extra cardholders to my household membership?
Additional cardholders residing at the same primary residence are generally included in your household membership at no extra charge. Additions outside the primary household or for business purposes may involve different structures and fees; consult Costco support for specifics.
Does Costco ever waive the membership fee?
Costco rarely waives annual membership fees. Limited-time promotions, employer or association partnerships, and special programs may reduce or defer costs for qualifying members. Review official offers for precise eligibility and terms.
What happens if I don’t renew before the expiration date?
If auto-renewal remains enabled, your membership will typically continue with uninterrupted access, and payment will be processed according to the saved method. If you disable auto-renewal, you’ll retain benefits until expiration and will not be charged further. Rejoining is available at any time at current rates.