Costco has always been recognized as one of the brands with lower gas prices on the market. If you want to save money and time, you might want to read this before you get a membership.
Despite recent inflation, growing labor costs, and gasoline prices, Costco maintains affordable rates with a business model that minimizes marketing and merchandising expenses through a straightforward, no-frills approach.
Unlike some other grocery shops, Costco is a warehouse-style store with broad aisles filled with bulk supplies that customers can pack onto industrial-sized shopping carts and dollies. Its stores lack elaborate displays and a luxury vibe.
Things to know before buying gas at Costco
According to GasBuddy, Costco gas prices are almost 20% less than those at the typical gas station in your community. Although there is not a gas station at every Costco, if there is, you should use it frequently, as the Kirkland-branded gas is regarded as a Top Tier fuel, and you will save money that way too.
Only Costco members can buy gas
Costco gas is available to Gold Star, Executive, and Business memberships, but there are two exceptions in case you want to buy gas as a non-member.
First, there is a neat workaround for anyone who wants to save on petrol without acquiring a membership: you pay using a Costco Shop card. Costco Cash is easily purchased online or in-store by a member. Besides getting discounted gas prices at Costco, it also allows users to shop in the warehouse.
The second exception is gas in New Jersey. As per state legislation, residents of this state do not have to be Costco members to purchase gasoline.
Is Costco gas that cheap?
Yes. The people at GasBuddy.com claim that, compared to other stations, Costco gas is typically 19.8 cents less expensive per gallon.
Use the Costco Visa and Get 4% Back on Gas
In addition to benefiting from Costco’s low gas costs, you can also get 4% cash back with the Costco Anywhere Visa from Citi. Keep in mind that this credit card also offers 4% cash back on gas at all gas stations, not just Costco.
What are the Costco gas hours of operation?
Costco’s gas stations generate relatively little to no revenue; hence, the store is not always open. Typically, it opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m.
Gas stations can get busy (avoid weekends)
Avoid weekend fill-ups if you can. Buying gas on a weekend could be a nightmare, as waiting times could take hours. To avoid this, the best time to get gas at Costco is on weekdays between 10-11 in the morning.
The truth behind Costco gas low prices
With gas prices steadily rising, many people wonder how the Costco warehouse chains can still keep their prices that low. Many answers come to mind, but the real reason is simple.
The warehouse just has devoted consumers. Membership sales account for over 75% of the chain’s earnings, and you have to be a member to buy their gas. Costco can afford to charge significantly less for its goods and services than its rivals because its low gas costs, along with other amazing bargains on everything from food to gadgets, attract new members.
Costco gas stations are strategically placed near the shop, which encourages people to enter. As a result, each time a member visits to fill up their gas tank, they are likely to spend a few dollars on food or other household goods, such as these Kirkland items that you should always buy at Costco.
The easiest way to make sure you are getting a good deal on fuel is to look at warehouse clubs like Costco and compare rates in your area. You may save time and money on fuel purchases by using apps like Gas Buddy in conjunction with scheduling the optimal time to visit your warehouse club.
