Costco is a leading warehouse club offering significant savings on bulk goods, exclusive services, and a variety of membership options tailored to individuals and businesses alike. The Executive plan costs one hundred twenty dollars and gives two percent cashback on qualifying purchases.
Costco membership helps you shop smart. You get access to exclusive Costco store deals, low prices on groceries, and business services not found in regular supermarkets or warehouse clubs.
You can save time and money while buying in bulk. Below are all the important details about the Costco Business Membership. These points will help you understand the value and choose the best plan for your business.
Costco Business Membership Pricing and Plans
Costco lets you choose between two plans that suit different business needs. Your choice depends on how often you shop at Costco warehouses and what kind of rewards you want.
Business Gold Star Membership
Business Gold Star Membership is the basic plan and costs sixty dollars per year. This club membership lets you shop at any Costco warehouse and includes two membership cards.
Business Gold Star Membership allows you to buy tax-free merchandise if you have a resale license. This helps your business save up to hundreds of dollars each year on qualified items.
You also get access to Costco’s member benefits, including special prices on groceries, cleaning supplies, and Costco furniture. The plan is ideal if you are a new member or just starting out.
Business Executive Membership
Business Executive Membership costs one hundred twenty dollars a year. This upgraded professional membership includes everything from Gold Star, plus extra perks like cashback.
Business Executive Membership gives you two percent cashback on all purchases that qualify. Costco issues a reward once a year in the form of a Costco cash card. You can redeem it in-store or at Costco for more business shopping.
You also unlock access to members-only services, including Costco travel discounts, VIP vacation packages, and discounted merchandise like electronics or rotisserie chicken from the Costco food court. Executive members often use Visa cards or Amex to earn more from credit card points.
Hidden Costs and Considerations
Costco Business Membership brings many savings, but some extra costs are easy to miss. Being aware of these helps you manage your warehouse club subscription better.
Auto Renewal Policy
Costco Business Membership comes with automatic renewal. Your annual fee is charged to the card on file. If you forget to cancel before the expiration, you may be billed again.
You can sign in to your Costco online account and turn off auto-renewal anytime. Or visit a warehouse store and ask a cashier to update your membership details.
Additional Card Fees
Your plan includes two cards by default. If you want to give access to more employees, there’s a small fee per cardholder. This applies whether you run a large mart or a small office.
Only people in the same household or business can be added. The more people you add, the more dues you’ll pay, so check your needs before adding more cardholders.
Non-Member Surcharge
Costco lets non-members shop online but adds a five percent surcharge. This fee applies to all purchases made without signing in to a valid account.
This non-member surcharge includes groceries, Costco furniture, rotisserie items, and more. If you shop at Costco online often, getting a membership can save more than this extra fee.
Upgrade Costs
If you start with the Gold Star plan and later switch to Executive, you only pay the difference. This amount depends on how many months are left in your annual membership.
It is a smart move to upgrade early in the year. After you spend three thousand dollars, the cashback covers the membership fee. You can save money fast if your business shops in bulk.
Costco Shop Card Limits
Costco Shop Cards are like gift cards and are accepted in-store and on Costco. Non-members can use these to shop, but they cannot reload them.
Only current members can add balance to a Costco cash card. It works well as a gift or a way to let employees buy items without giving them your main card.
Executive Cashback Exclusions
Executive Membership offers cashback, but not every purchase qualifies. Costco food court items, gasoline, tobacco, and some subscriptions are excluded.
To avoid surprises, always check your flyer or Costco’s cashback policy. Your cashback may not apply to rotisserie chickens, hearing-aid centers, or hot deals promoted in limited-time offers.
How to Save on a Costco Business Membership
Costco gives you many ways to get the best deals on your business membership. Whether you use coupons, cashback, or warehouse promotions, you can save more than your annual fee.
Promo Codes and Discounts
Sometimes, Costco partners with deal sites like Groupon or Sam’s Club-style apps to offer sign-up bonuses. These may include twenty to thirty dollars off or a complimentary membership card for a family member.
Look out for flyers or Costco coupons in your inbox. These offers are usually limited-time and apply only to new memberships.
Executive Cashback
Business Executive members get two percent cashback on qualifying purchases. After you spend three thousand dollars, the cashback covers the annual fee.
Cashback is given as a reward certificate, not valid for return, but valid for redemption at Costco stores. Many shoppers use it during the holidays or to restock groceries at warehouse prices.
Tax Deductions
The annual fee for your Costco Business Membership may be tax-deductible. Many businesses count it as an operating expense, especially when shopping for groceries, office goods, or merchandise.
Check with your accountant to see if you qualify. To claim it, you must show that you used the membership for business-related purchases only.
Use Member-Only Services
Costco Wholesale Corporation gives members access to many exclusive services. These include hearing aid centers, auto buying programs, concierge help, and business printing.
You also get discounted credit card processing, vacation packages, and flyer printing. These perks can save you hundreds over other retailers and supermarkets.
Buy in Bulk Wisely
Warehouse clubs offer great bulk deals, but only if you buy smart. Don’t purchase items that expire before you use them. Focus on items you need often, like groceries, paper, or cleaning products.
Businesses like cafés, salons, and event planners can save money on all purchases when shopping at Costco. Buying the right merchandise helps you avoid waste and maximize your savings.
Share the Membership Benefits
Cardholders can be added to your account for a fee. This allows your staff to shop at Costco independently. Many warehouse stores let staff check out using their own cards, even during busy times.
Sharing your business benefits helps you get more done. Just make sure each employee understands the return policy and how to shop at Costco with their card.
FAQs
Q. How much does a Costco Business Membership cost?
The Gold Star plan costs sixty dollars a year. The Executive plan costs one hundred twenty dollars and includes cashback rewards, exclusive member deals, and low warehouse prices.
Q. Can I add employees to my business membership?
Yes, you can add employees as cardholders. There is a small per-person fee after the first two cards.
Q. Is the Costco Business Membership worth it?
Yes, if you spend over two hundred fifty dollars per month. You can save money on groceries, office supplies, and Costco-branded products.
Q. Can I shop at Costco without a business membership?
You cannot shop without a membership. However, you can redeem a Costco Shop Card or visit with a friend who holds a valid membership.
Q. How do I cancel my business membership?
You can cancel online, by phone, or at the customer service counter at any Costco location. Costco’s return policy allows for a full refund on membership dues.

Kasen Blackwood is a renowned cost-saving expert specializing in membership program optimization, warehouse club memberships, and discount strategy development. He delivers expert insights on smart spending, frugal living, and money-saving techniques, helping individuals and families maximize savings through warehouse clubs like Costco, membership programs, and strategic discounts.