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
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Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
What could be more comforting (or easy!) than a slow cooker mac and cheese? Nothing! This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish, and I've never met anyone who didn't ask for second helpings of the cheesy dish. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
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
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Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans
I learned how to make this dish from friends in Genoa, Italy, where they're known for creating tasty combinations of veggies, pasta and beans. You can sub feta cheese to give this a Greek twist. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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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
Find out our smartest ways to save money at the grocery store.
Cheesy Bow Tie Chicken
Here's a super-simple dish that tastes like it's straight from a nice Italian restaurant. Spinach-artichoke dip is usually available in supermarket delis. It comes frozen, too. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package directions before dinnertime. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
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Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet taste of Carolina barbecue chicken. In fact, my sons are more likely to show up to dinner if they know I'm serving this slow cooker recipe. —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Chicken & Bacon Tart
If you’re one of those folks who think bacon is a food group, you’ll love this weeknight-friendly twist with a sweet and spicy kick from jalapeno jelly. Crisp puff pastry and store-bought chicken strips make prep work goof-proof! —Simple & Delicious 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
Yes, you CAN eat healthy on a budget! Here's how.
Peas & Pasta Carbonara
Using cream cheese to fortify the sauce speeds up cooking time and will have you eating my take on this old-time classic carbonara recipe in about 30 minutes. —Celeste Brantolino, Lenoir, North Carolina
Italian Pesto Pizzas
These individual pizzas, ready in 30 minutes or less, give you good reason not to call out for dinner. The pesto base makes the kitchen smell wonderful while it’s baking. —Kelly Evans, Kalamazoo, Michigan
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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 as healthy—and downright good!—for my family as possible. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
When I make this tasty chicken lasagna at home, I use a whole bottle of Buffalo wing sauce because my family likes it nice and spicy. Increase the pasta sauce and use less wing sauce if you prefer. —Heidi Pepin, Sykesville, Maryland
Refried Bean-Taco Pizza
When I’m in a rush, I take advantage of convenient prepared pizza crust to create this Mexican-style pizza. If you like it spicy, add a little chopped jalapeno pepper to the skillet when cooking the beef. —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
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
Feta Stuffed Peppers
One of my favorite meals when I was younger was a recipe my mother made called Quick Chili Rice Casserole. I put a Greek spin on it and stuffed it in a pepper. It works great paired with a garden salad and fresh bread. —Sacha Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo
Everyone in my family loves when I make this dinner...even my kids! What's great about this recipe is that you can add vegetables you have on hand to make it heartier, such as corn, peas, or diced red bell pepper. —Monica Werner, Temecula, California
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
Pork & Ramen Stir-Fry
I normally serve a traditional stir-fry, but I wanted to change it up. Ramen noodles are a quick sub for the rice, and we really like the crisp-tender bite from fresh broccoli and a package of coleslaw mix. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
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
Chicken Taco Pie
This is truly a family fave and is perfect for a busy night of rushing to soccer, swimming lessons or scouts. I put it together in the morning and pop it in the oven when we get home. —Karen Latimer, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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
Spinach-Stuffed Chicken with Linguine
Worthy of an anniversary or an unexpected promotion, this elegant stuffed and rolled chicken looks gorgeous and tastes delicious. —Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen
Spanish Beef Hash
This tasty blend smells so good as it cooks that it lures people into the kitchen from all over the house. —Thomas Reynolds, Tampa, Florida
Muffin-Cup Cheddar Beef Pies
My kids love these beef rolls so much. I always make extra since they heat up so quickly. I give them their choice of dipping sauces—spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing are the top picks. —Kimberly Farmer, Wichita, Kansas
Family-Favorite Fried Chicken
I was never impressed with the fried chicken recipes I'd tried, but then I started to experiment and came up with one that my whole family loves. Once you taste it, you'll know why! —Samantha Pazdernik, Breckenridge, Minnesota
Beef and Bean Burritos
This recipe made it through the pickiest taste testers: my kids! They absolutely hate beans, but love, love, love these plump burritos. —Mindy Culver, Post Falls, Idaho
Super Quick Chicken Fried Rice
After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Champagne Cajun Tilapia
We think the champagne dressing in this recipe is yummy on almost anything, but it’s excellent with this lovely fish. The tilapia is perfect in tacos, too! —Bernadette Bennett, Waco, Texas
Chicken Sausages with Peppers
Chicken sausage is a lower-calorie alternative to its pork counterpart, but it doesn't skimp on the bold, savory flavors you love. Try it with sweet, crunchy bell peppers for a fast and healthy dinner. —Deborah Schaefer, Durand, Michigan
Chili Mac & Cheese
This Mexican/southwestern casserole of comfort food is high on taste and low on the scale of difficulty—a delicious combination. —Mary Aguilar, Shelby, Ohio
Cassoulet for Today
Traditionally cooked for hours, this cassoulet recipe offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet, too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
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
Tex-Mex Pasta
After a recent surgery, I wasn’t able to stock up on groceries. One night, I looked in my pantry and created this. The results were fabulous! —Michele Orthner, Lethbridge, Alberta
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
Parmesan Baked Chicken
This no-fuss recipe has been a longtime hit with my family. After a few minutes of prep, the oven does the rest of the work. —Janet Faldowski-McFarlan, Gahanna, Ohio
Taco Salad Tacos
I was making tacos one night and noticed I was out of spicy taco sauce. Using a combination of spices and fat-free Catalina salad dressing saved our family taco night. —Cheryl Plainte, Prudenville, Michigan
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
Healthy Hoppin' John
We love Hoppin' John, so I developed this new (and faster) version. I like to mix my chopped green onions in with the hot cooked rice before serving. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
Mexi-Mac Casserole
Here’s one of my favorite all-in-one meals that uses items I typically have in the pantry. Green chilies give it just a little bite, but it’s easy to swap in a spicier can of tomatoes if you want to turn up the heat. —Jan Conklin, Stevensville, Montana
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
Hearty Portobello Linguine
If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll love this entree! It turns any night into a special occasion. I like to serve it with fresh bread and a crisp white wine. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Light Mexican Casserole
A must-try dinner: Here's a healthy layered casserole using whole wheat tortillas, lean beef and more veggies than traditional recipes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tater Tot Casseroles
Ground beef, sausage, cheese, and, of course, Tater Tots make this classic casserole a crowd-pleaser. Cayenne pepper and hot Italian sausage give it a pleasant kick. —Ryan Jones, Chillicothe, Illinois
Super-Stuffed Mexican Potatoes
These taters are packed! Your whole family will enjoy these hearty stuffed Mexican potatoes. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
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
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 start laughing 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
Roasted Chicken & Red Potatoes
Here's how long to bake chicken leg quarters. Pop this homey dinner in the oven for about an hour, then enjoy! It has so much flavor—the meat juices help cook the veggies just perfectly. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Pizza in a Bowl
On busy days, it's a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
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
Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of all the Tex-Mex dishes molded 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 Ragout
This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes—and one 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
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
Busy-Day Chicken Fajitas
When I don't have much time to cook supper, slow-cooker chicken fajitas are a flavorful way to keep my family full and satisfied. If you aren't cooking for young tastes, try spicing things up with medium or hot picante sauce. —Michele Furry, Plains, Montana
Bacon-Topped Mini Meat Loaves
Here's all the savory deliciousness of Mom's meat loaf in a single-serving size! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chicken and Rice Skillet
My Cuban mother-in-law makes the best Arroz Con Pollo, but it is very time consuming. This is my quick, weeknight version of the dish she makes. —Jacqueline Correa, Landing, New Jersey
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
Smothered Burritos
My brother-in-law teased that I only knew how to make five things using ground beef. 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
Beef Teriyaki Noodles
At our house, we love to combine fresh ingredients with a pantry product. This version starts with beef, onions, peppers and mushrooms, since we always have them on hand, but make the dish your own—bring out your inner chef! —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
Bubbly & Golden Mexican Beef Cobbler
Add whatever you like to this Mexican beef cobbler to make it yours—black beans, sour cream, even guacamole! —Mary Brooks, Clay, Michigan
Crispy Garlic-Broiled Chicken Thighs
These garlicky chicken thighs are also great on the grill. —Kelley French, Colchester, Vermont
Chili Hash
A little micro time, a dash in the pan and you'll have a satisfying meal for those "where-did-the-time-go?" kind of nights. Now you can put up your feet and relax! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Glazed Roast Chicken
I like to make this for weeknight dinners. You can make this roast chicken with apricot glaze or quince jelly. —Victoria Miller, San Ramon, California
Golombki
Tender cabbage rolls are stuffed with a delicious mixture of ground beef and onion. Instant rice and canned tomato soup speed along the prep work, and the long oven time gives you a chance to whip up a side dish and pour the wine. —Valerie Lipinski, Buffalo, New York
Chicken Thighs with Sausage
Whether you’re serving your family or special guests, this comforting entree hits the spot on cold winter nights. —Joanna Iovino, Kings Park, New York
Walking Tacos
These Walking Tacos are great for an on-the-go dinner, campfire meal or easy game night supper. The ingredients transform a bag of chips into a taco in a bag! —Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington
Microwaved Chicken Kiev
I fix these microwave-easy chicken breasts all the time and love the taste. —Dorothy LaCombe, Hamburg, New York
Cheesy Mexican Chicken Alfredo
I was hosting a baby shower and wanted to serve something everyone would enjoy. I created this recipe on a whim, so I was totally surprised that it turned out to be such a hit. —Tia Woodley, Stockbridge, Georgia
Chicken Salad Pizzas
Sometimes it just takes a little creative spin to get the kids to gobble up an otherwise grown-up dish. Add the word “pizza” to this pretty, piled-high salad, and you won’t have to worry about leftovers. —Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen