FAQs
As gasoline prices fall, Costco does not lower prices at the same pace it raises them when prices are climbing. This allows the company to recoup some of the profits lost by doing the reverse when prices were rising.
Why do people like Costco gas so much? ›
It's good for your car
The fact that gas is cheaper at Costco doesn't mean it's lower in quality. The company offers Kirkland Signature gasoline, which is formulated to improve vehicle performance and fuel economy. Costco says the gas also reduces emissions, making it better for the environment.
Does Costco gas really save money? ›
Consumer Reports (subscription required) came out with a study in 2022 stating that Top Tier gas is worth the extra price. The good news is that Costco gas is already Top Tier and is often the cheapest station.
What is the benefit of getting gas at Costco? ›
Buying gas at Costco can save you money -- typical savings are around $0.20 per gallon. It makes stopping at the warehouse club more convenient -- you can buy groceries and fuel up your car. The higher quality of Costco gas could help your vehicle run more smoothly.
Does Costco gas have water in it? ›
Costco's electronic sensors continuously monitor our underground storage tanks for water. We physically inspect and take chemical samples of our tanks at least weekly to confirm there is no contamination.
Does Costco make money on their gas? ›
The short answer is that unlike pretty much every other retail business that sells gasoline, Costco doesn't care about making money from its gas pumps. In fact, Costco typically sells its gas at a moderate loss. Why would Costco do this? It's not an act of charity.
Is Costco gas really top tier? ›
Costco is listed as a TOP TIER™ gasoline retailer. Find out more at www.toptiergas.com. Kirkland Signature™ Gasoline contains five times the EPA detergent requirement in both regular unleaded and premium grades, and is formulated to clean your engine and help your vehicle run like new.
Is it worth driving to Costco for gas? ›
The data shows that Costco's prices aren't typically the absolute cheapest, but they're always significantly less expensive than the "average" price. This means you're more than likely getting a deal when you get gas from Costco versus another random gas station in your city.
Who makes Costco gasoline? ›
Costco does not purchase its gasoline from a single supplier; we receive our gasoline from the same major refineries and distributors that supply all of the gas stations in your area. All Costco gasoline is fully guaranteed to meet or exceed the standards of the major branded outlets.
What is the best day to buy gas at Costco? ›
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.
Buy Gas on Monday or Tuesday
Be strategic about the days you fill up at the pump. “For gas, Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the cheapest days to fill up your tank as demand is lower at the beginning of the week,” Anderson said.
Do you get 2 cash back on Costco gas with an executive membership? ›
Gas purchases, for example, do not earn you cash back as an Executive member. Neither do cigarette purchases or alcoholic beverage purchases in certain states. Additionally, Costco Shop Cards (Costco's version of a gift card) won't be eligible for cash back, and neither will postage stamps.
Does Costco gas pay for itself? ›
Using a little back of the envelope math, David and Susan conservatively estimate that a member would only need to drive 7,500 miles per year while exclusively buying Costco gas before their membership pays for itself.
Is it worth getting a Costco card just for gas? ›
Generally speaking, buying gas at Costco is significantly cheaper than doing so at a traditional gas station. The typical driver can save more than $100 per year. Buying gas at Costco can justify a membership all by itself.
Do Costco members get discounts on gas? ›
Price check. Quality gas is important, yes, but so is price. Costco Gas Stations offer consistently low, member-exclusive prices. With the Costco app, you can check Costco gas prices on your phone.
How good is Costco fuel? ›
Costco fuel stations are well-maintained by our capable attendants so you may be confident that the fuel going into your car is clean. Costco uses fuel filters in the petrol pumps to catch particles or debris larger than 10 microns in diameter. For comparison, the average human hair is seventy microns thick.
How does Costco keep gas low? ›
Why is gas so cheap at Costco? The answer is simple: they just have very loyal customers. To purchase their gas, you have to be a member, and membership sales make up about 75 percent of the chain's profit.
Is Costco gas cheaper in the USA? ›
Generally speaking, buying gas at Costco is significantly cheaper than doing so at a traditional gas station. The typical driver can save more than $100 per year. Buying gas at Costco can justify a membership all by itself.
Why is the Costco gas lines always so long? ›
“Consumers see this as a customer-friendly convenience, but in truth, they help reduce congestion at the pumps, which allows more cars to pass through the pumps, which allows Costco to sell more gas,” says Bines. “It's a win-win, but only because it first benefits the consumer.”