5 Secret Shopping Perks Only Costco Members Know About
Updated: Mar. 07, 2018Your Costco card has more perks than just big savings on bulk items. Here are five lesser-known benefits you need to know about before your next visit.
Any savvy spender will argue Costco is a shopper’s paradise. Steep discounts on bulk items? Count us in! But being a Costco member has more perks than scoring big savings and chowing down on a delicious Costco hot dog after checkout. Before your next trip to the megastore, here are five unexpected perks only Costco members can take advantage of.
On a budget? Here are 11 tips every savvy grocery shoppers should know.
1. “Earn” On Discount Gift Cards
When it comes to gift cards, what you pay for is what you get, right? Not at Costco. The store sells gift cards to restaurants, movie theaters, and more for less than their face value. Right now, you can buy two $50 gift cards to Shogun or four $25 gift cards to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for $79.99. The difference is basically free money.
2. Save on Vacations
Costco wants to make every experience a little lighter on your wallet–including your next vacation. The store has partnerships with companies like Best Western and Hyatt, so it has access to great group discounts you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. With deals on cruises, theme parks and much more, all you need to do is start packing your bags.
We’ve rounded up a few more ways to save on your vacation.
3. Buy a Car for Less
It doesn’t matter if you’re vying for a sedan or an SUV, shopping for a car is expensive and time-consuming. Costco’s Auto Program partnered with over 3,000 dealerships so you can buy a new or preowned car with ease. The best part? You don’t have to negotiate the price down with the salesman; Costco already did it for you.
4. Get Water Delivered to Your Doorstep
Not a fan of tap water? Forget filling (and refilling) your Brita pitcher; Costco will keep you hydrated. Once you choose between spring, purified, and artesian water, Costco will deliver bulk bottles for as little as $6.49.
Did you know some beverages actually dehydrate you?
5. Take Advantage of Costco’s Insurance Policies
Thanks to Costco’s Health Insurance Marketplace, buying insurance doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck. Members can receive reasonable quotes on health, dental and vision plans. And if you’re buying a home or getting a new car, Costco partnered up with Ameriprise to ensure your new investment is covered, too.
Our list is only scratching the surface of all the great perks Costco offers its members. If you don’t have a Costco card, why not sign up? Memberships start at $60 per year, and as you can see, it can easily pay for itself.
Need budget friendly meals? These recipes are big on flavor and easy on the wallet.
70 Budget-Friendly Dinners That Are Big on Taste
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
What could be more comforting (or easy!) than a slow cooker mac and cheese? Nothing! This cheap dinner idea is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish, and I've never met anyone who didn't ask for second helpings. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
How do you save money on groceries? Share your tips with us! 
Au Gratin Ham Potpie
We first had Aunt Dolly’s potpie at a family get-together. We loved it and were so happy she shared the recipe. Now, we make it almost every time we bake a ham. —Mary Zinsmeister, Slinger, Wisconsin Find out our smartest ways to save money at the grocery store.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Dinner
Cleanup is a breeze with this creamy spinach chicken. To make things even easier, tear the spinach with your hands instead of cutting it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen These are the things experts want you to know about grocery shopping on a budget.
Baked Swiss Chicken
Canned soup, white wine, Swiss cheese and crushed croutons dress up the chicken breasts in this elegant entree. Ideal for unexpected guests, it requires only a few ingredients. The creamy sauce is excellent with garlic mashed potatoes or rice. —Beverly Roberge, Bristol, Connecticut Learn Grandma's best tips for sticking to your grocery budget.
Grandma’s Tomato Soup
This recipe is my grandmother’s. Originally, she even made the tomato juice in it from scratch! Gram had this recipe cooking on the stove every time I visited her. She enjoyed making this tomato soup and other favorite dishes for family and friends, and she made everything with love. —Gerri Sysun, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Hay and Straw
This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, it's pretty, too. This colorful pasta dish combines julienned ham, Parmesan cheese, peas and linguine.—Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
Cowboy Stew
I had this cheap dinner idea in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Because it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey Looking for a dessert for later? Try this vintage poor man's cake recipe.
Air-Fryer Lemon Chicken Thighs
These air-fryer lemon chicken thighs remind me of Sunday dinner. The lemon and herb butter really makes the chicken flavorful and juicy! If you don’t have an air fryer, the chicken can be baked in the oven at 400° for about 45 minutes. —Alyssa Lang, North Scituate, Rhode Island
Hungry Man’s Baked Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are topped with bacon, veggies, pulled pork and goat cheese for a unique take on a baked potato dinner. Yes, you can eat healthy on a budget! Here's how.
Hamburger Stir-Fry
Here's a quick, easy hamburger stir-fry that uses ground meat instead of the traditional beef strips. It has a nice sauce and is different enough to feel like a treat for the taste buds! —Kathi and John Horst, Westfield, New York Here's where to find the best deals at your supermarket.
Sausage Sweet Potato Sheet-Pan Dinner
This healthy, foolproof weeknight supper is naturally gluten-free, uses one pan and is on your table in no time! This sausage sweet potato sheet-pan dinner is also easily adaptable to seasonal fruits or veggies. —Melissa Erdelac, Mama Gourmand Discover our favorite cheap and healthy meals.
Cheese Chicken Soup
Kids won’t think twice about eating their vegetables after tasting this cheesy soup. It's a delicious but cheap dinner! —LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa
Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry
This mildly flavored ramen noodle stir-fry combines tender strips of chicken with vegetables and popular ramen noodles. I came up with this ramen noodle recipe when I wanted a quick-fix meal for myself. Sometimes I change the vegetables or substitute ground turkey for the chicken. —Dawn Boothe, Lynn Haven, Florida
Chicken Biscuit Potpie
This hearty chicken potpie recipe with biscuits takes just 10 minutes to assemble before you can pop it in the oven. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas Pick a budget-friendly dessert to finish off your cheap meal!
Sheet-Pan Pork Supper
I created this pork tenderloin sheet-pan dinner to suit our family's needs. It's so quick and easy to clean up since you use one pan for everything! Use any variety of small potatoes—fingerlings or other colored potatoes are a fun and delicious option. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Sausage and Squash Penne
I love using frozen cooked winter squash because the hard work—peeling, chopping and cooking—is all done for me. —Jennifer Roberts, South Burlington, Vermont If you like finding cheap recipes, you'll love these dinners for under $10.
Southwestern Casserole
I've been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole recipe for years. It tastes wonderful, fits nicely into our budget and, best of all, makes a second one to freeze and enjoy later. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Cast-Iron Sausage Pizza
This shortcut cast-iron pizza starts with frozen dough. Add you family's favorite toppings for variety. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Rosemary-Apricot Pork Tenderloin
You'll be surprised at how quickly this dish comes together for an easy weeknight meal. And with very little effort, you'll have tender and juicy meat that begs to be added to a salad or sandwich the next day. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Chicken Cheddar Stuffing Casserole
This tasty chicken stuffing casserole is chock-full of homey, comforting flavor! It’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, plus it’s so quick to assemble using handy pantry items. —Cathy Smith, Wyoming, Michigan
Mushroom Pasta Carbonara
I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom carbonara. I serve it with a side salad and rolls to make a complete meal. —Cindi Bauer, Marshfield, Wisconsin
Chicken Parmesan Pizza
This tasty pizza is the perfect combo—quick and easy to make, and a winner with even picky eaters. It's a handy option for a family dinner on a busy night or for the center of the table at a kids' party. —Karen Wittmeier, Parkland, Florida
Easy Hamburgers
These easy hamburgers come together in a snap. Grill and then add your favorite toppings. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Conga Lime Pork
Dinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Beef & Pepper Skillet
I love Mexican-inspired food. I also enjoy experimenting with recipes like this one and making them healthier—and downright good! —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Refried Bean-Taco Pizza
I like to make pizza, and this one is my favorite. I use a ready-to-use pizza crust when time is tight. If you like taco salad, you'll love this. —Mary Detweiler, Middlefield, Ohio
Sassy Chicken & Peppers
This quick and healthy chicken and peppers recipe tastes like a naked taco and is bursting with fresh flavors. And it can all be prepared in the same pan for easy cleanup—it's a win-win! —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina
Slow-Cooker Salisbury Steak
These flavorful "steaks" fit into everybody's budget. A special friend shared the recipe, and I think of her each time I make it. —Susan Wright, Mineral Wells, West Virginia
Soupy Chicken Noodle Supper
At least once a week my six-year-old son, also known as Doctor John, hands me a “prescription” for chicken noodle soup. Needless to say, I'm always happy to fill it. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Taco-Stuffed Pepper Cups
These taco-stuffed peppers are ready in record time. The bell peppers create a colorful container for this meal. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
Spinach and Cheese Lasagna Rolls
These Italian-inspired roll-ups are fast and fun to make. They may look elegant, but they are also very kid-friendly (and budget-friendly, too!). —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario
Chicken Caesar Florentine
I adapted this dish from my favorite chicken Caesar salad recipe. It has many of the same ingredients as the salad: croutons, grated Parmesan, chicken, and creamy Caesar dressing. This makes the perfect comforting meal on a busy weeknight. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Southwest-Style Shepherd’s Pie
I was born in Montreal and lived in New England and the Southwest, so I’ve merged these influences into recipes like this shepherd’s pie with turkey, corn and green chiles. —Lynn Price, Millville, Massachusetts
Sausage Pasta with Vegetables
I made this for our pastor one night. He loved it so much we nicknamed it “Jason’s Pasta.” It’s a sneaky way to get our kids to eat more veggies. —Suzie Foutty Mansfield, Ohio
Simple Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
This chicken enchilada recipe is one of the first dishes I created and cooked for my husband right after we got married. He was so impressed! We fix these creamy enchiladas for friends regularly. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tater Tot Casseroles
Ground beef, sausage and cheese make this tater tot casserole with green beans a crowd-pleaser. Cayenne pepper and hot Italian sausage give it a pleasant kick. —Ryan Jones, Chillicothe, Illinois
Slow-Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
“Foolproof” is a perfect way to describe my barbecue pork recipe. With just four ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make these fabulous sandwiches with very little effort. —Sarah Johnson, Chicago, Illinois
Honey-Mustard Breaded Chicken
I get bored with the same old breaded chicken, so I came up with this simple recipe. The coating adds fast flavor to tender chicken cooked on the stovetop. —Laura Theofilis, Leonardtown, Maryland
Cassoulet for Today
French cassoulet is traditionally cooked for hours. This version of the rustic dish offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet, too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
Quick Fettuccine Alfredo
This simple fettuccine Alfredo recipe combines heavy whipping cream Parmesan and Romano cheese or a creamy, cheesy sauce that'll come together in minutes. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana
Kentucky Grilled Chicken
This Kentucky grilled chicken is perfect for an outdoor summer meal, and my family thinks it's fantastic. It takes about an hour on the grill but is worth the wait. I use a new paintbrush to mop on the basting sauce. -Jill Evely, Wilmore, Kentucky
Great Northern Bean Stew
This thick and hearty stew with great northern beans is sure to chase the winter chills away. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Chicken Sausages with Polenta
I get a kick out of serving this chicken sausage dish—everyone's always on time for dinner when they know it's on the menu. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells
You could call this a comfort food mashup made in heaven. Jumbo stuffed pasta shells are loaded up with cheeseburger goodness in a dish that will soon become a family favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Easy Chili Verde
I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, Utah
“Everything” Mashed Potato Casserole
The everything-mashed potato casserole seemed to evolve over a year and it’s a great dish to take to a covered dish event. If I need to keep it warm for a longer time, I sometimes place the mixture into a Crockpot and then add the sour cream, bacon, cheese and chives. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia These are the best cheap crock-pot meals that are a must-try.
Potluck Fried Chicken
This Sunday dinner staple is first fried and then baked to a crispy golden brown. Well seasoned with oregano and sage, this classic is sure to satisfy diners at church potlucks or late-summer picnics. I love fixing it for family and friends. —Donna Kuhaupt, Slinger, Wisconsin
Bean Burritos
I always have the ingredients for this cheesy bean burrito recipe on hand. Cooking the rice and shredding the cheese the night before save precious minutes at dinnertime. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This easy chicken fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. —Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Tilapia Florentine
Looking for a way to get a little more heart-healthy fish into your family's diet? You'll win them over with this quick and easy entree. —Melanie Bachman, Ulysses, Pennsylvania
Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole
Because this ground beef hash brown casserole is practically a meal in itself, I simply pair it with a salad and dessert. —Rochelle Boucher, Brooklyn, Wisconsin
One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Who likes cleaning up after making mac and cheese? Not this girl. This one-pot mac and cheese is a family favorite, and my 3-year-old is thrilled to see it coming to the dinner table. We love to add sliced smoked sausage to this creamy mac recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Air-Fryer Black Bean Chimichangas
These chimichangas get a little love from the air fryer, so they’re much healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. Black beans provide protein, and the recipe is a smart way to use up leftover rice. —Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
Beef & Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
This recipe is special to me because it’s an easy one-pot meal that tastes like you spent the whole day in the kitchen. My family loves it. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
This is a fabulous slow-cooker ranch chicken recipe that we have passed around to all our friends, especially those who have young children. It's wonderful for a cold winter night or a hot summer day when you don't want to turn on the oven. Serve it as a weeknight family dinner or for a large group. —Sonya Stark, West Jordan, Utah
Taco Puffs
I got this Taco Puffs recipe from a friend years ago. I still make these cheesy sandwiches regularly for dinner alongside a steaming bowl of soup or a fresh green salad. Any leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch. A helpful hint: Plain refrigerated biscuits seal together better than buttermilk types. —Jan Schmid, Hibbing, Minnesota
Dill Pickle Hamburger Pizza
My husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pizza with mayo and dill pickle juice topping. People who try it always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
Spaghetti Pie Casserole
My family adores this spaghetti casserole. It's old-timey comfort food. This is how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese. —Patricia Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Mexican Beef-Stuffed Peppers
I grew up eating stuffed peppers and thought my husband would immediately love them as well. He didn't at first, but then I created this slow-cooked recipe. Because he loves fajitas and tacos, I created these peppers with all his favorite flavors tucked inside. —Nicole Sullivan, Arvada, Colorado
Spinach Pizza Quesadillas
This simple five-ingredient dinner is special to me because my daughter and I created it together. You can make variations with other veggies you might have at home. It's a smart way to get kids to eat healthier. —Tanna Mancini, Gulfport, Florida
Angel Hair Primavera
I love to make this when summer is in full swing and the vegetables are at their very best. You can substitute almost any vegetable when in season and at my house, this dish is almost never the same. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Baked Feta Pasta
There's a reason this recipe went viral on TikTok! Baked Feta Pasta is about to become a new household favorite. It's simple to throw together and incredibly creamy and delicious. —Sarah Tramonte, Taste of Home Associate Culinary Producer
Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole
This is a rich and tasty combination of all the Tex-Mex dishes blended into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in only half an hour! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
Garden Vegetable Primavera
Although I enjoy this dish throughout the year, it's even more special when I use my garden to supply the vegetables. A splash of white wine and a sprinkle of fresh basil really add flavor. I have also roasted the vegetables and mixed in chicken breasts with scrumptious results. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Hearty Vegetable Beef Ragu
This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes, and it's something that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Traditional Boiled Dinner
Corned beef is a real treat in our family and we love the savory flavor the vegetables pick up from simmering in the pickling spices in this delicious boiled dinner. —Joy Strasser, Mukwonago, Wisconsin
Beer Can Chicken
You'll be proud to serve this stand-up chicken at any family gathering. Treated with a savory rub and then roasted over a beer can for added moisture, it’s so tasty you’ll want to call dibs on the leftovers! —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Shepherd’s Pies
When you need a real meat-and-potatoes fix, try this hearty layered casserole that blends from-scratch mashed potatoes with cream cheese and a meat filling. Your favorite barbecue sauce gives the dish an extra tang. —Cindy Kliskey, Pepperell, Massachusetts
Black Bean Chicken with Rice
This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon
Smothered Burritos
My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri
Apple Balsamic Chicken
I just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this dish. It's easy to prepare and after cooking in the slow cooker, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Pressure-Cooker Spicy Beef Vegetable Stew
This zesty ground beef and vegetable soup is flavorful and comes together so quickly. It makes a complete meal when served with warm cornbread, sourdough or French bread, if you can squeak in a few more calories. —Lynnette Davis, Tullahoma, Tennessee
Instant Pot Whole Chicken
We love rotisserie chicken, and now with a pressure cooker, I can have it ready to eat in an hour or so. I combined several recipes to come up with this favorite. If you are new to the kitchen tool, this is a perfect recipe to begin with since it is so easy. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Sausage Potato Skillet
Growing up, I would eat this sausage and potato skillet recipe almost every day. I could never get enough of my favorite meal! —Amelia Bordas, Springfield, Virginia
Polenta Chili Casserole
Our Test Kitchen created this delicious vegetarian bean and polenta bake that combines spicy chili, mixed veggies and homemade polenta. It's a warm and comfy casserole that is sure to please everyone, vegetarian or not.
Walking Tacos
These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
Garlic Spaghetti
I make this family-favorite garlic spaghetti at least a couple of times a month. It's wonderful with a salad and fresh Italian bread. —Jackie Messina, Chardon, Ohio
Enchilada Casserole
Every time I serve this dish, I get satisfied reviews—even from my father, who usually doesn't like Mexican food. Plus, it smells delicious while baking. —Nancy VanderVeer, Knoxville, Iowa Next Up: Take a look at these cheap breakfast ideas.
Originally Published: February 22, 2018
