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Just having a Costco membership opens the door to all kinds of savings that you probably had no idea were even possible. But did you know that there are even more ways to save at Costco? It's true.
Between coupon stacking, cash back offers, and even more savings when purchasing direct from Costco, there are even more ways to stretch your budget without breaking a sweat. Here are my top five favorites.
1. Cash back apps
If you already use cash back apps like Ibotta, you know how much money you can get back from simply buying the things you were planning to buy anyway. It can be pretty impressive -- I've already gotten hundreds of dollars back in just the last couple of years.
But what you may not know (I certainly didn't) is that you can get cash back from Ibotta atCostco. Although there are generally fewer offers on Ibotta for items in your Costco store, it's still worth looking into before you go shopping. Add offers you would normally buy and let the good times roll.
Ibotta isn't the only cash back app out there, though. Check out ourcurated list of these great cash back apps that can save you money every single time you shop.
2. Cash back credit cards
Along with cash back from cash back apps, Costco happens to be magical in that there are several credit cards that offer cash back when you shop there. So whether you buy a new couch or a giant box of frozen ramen, you can earn 2% to 3% cash back with rewards cards suited to your Costco needs.
Check out our favorite credit card–based strategy for saving even more money at Costco and see if it could work for you!
3. Instacart gift cards through Costco.com
Instacart is Costco's partner for its Same Day Delivery service, which includes a mark-up on many items in order to make the delivery free, minus the tip (you should always tip your driver). But you can currently get a $100 Instacart gift card at Costco.com for just $79.99.
This discount will more than cover the upcharge, getting you in-store pricing without the trip to the store. That's pretty cool, if you ask me.
4. Maximizing your Costco Direct orders
Some people include their big purchases in their Costco saving strategies, and it's really a good plan. Right now, there's a stackable savings offer available on items available through Costco Direct, which include a whole range of bulky items like couches, appliances, televisions, and even a home greenhouse.
Buy two Costco Direct items from the website and save $100 off your order, buy three and save $200, buy four and save $300, and buy five or more Costco Direct items and you'll save $400 off the top. These items are delivered directly to your door, which makes it that much better of a deal.
5. Costco Executive membership
A lot of people know they can save money with their Costco Gold Star memberships simply by shopping in the store, but fewer are aware of how much they can save by upgrading to a Costco Executive membership.
If you already have a Gold Star membership, you can upgrade for an extra $65. You'll get a 2% rebate on almost everything you buy in the store, with a few exceptions and a few rules you have to follow, up to $1,250 total each year.
Saving money at Costco is incredibly easy
Walking into Costco usually means saving money, but using any -- or all -- of these additional savings tactics will make the value that much sweeter. With the holidays upon us and the cold winter winds around the corner, there's no better time to find extra ways to save than right now, and it might as well be with Costco.
Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America's favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.
Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it's no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Kristi Waterworth has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
