Free tool
Enter what you spend at Costco each month to see if the Executive membership pays off, how big your 2% reward would be, and your break-even point.
| Monthly spending | Yearly 2% reward | Executive vs Gold Star |
|---|---|---|
| $150 | $36 | Gold Star is better |
| $271 | $65 | Break even |
| $400 | $96 | Executive saves about $31 |
| $600 | $144 | Executive saves about $79 |
For the full picture, read our guide on whether a Costco membership is worth it. If it is not for you, here is how to cancel Costco and get your fee back.
About $3,250 a year, or roughly $271 a month. At that point, the 2% reward equals the extra $65 you pay for Executive.
Costco lets you downgrade back to Gold Star and refunds the upgrade fee, minus any 2% reward you already earned. This makes it low risk to try.
Some purchases, such as gas and tobacco, and certain services do not count. Check Costco's current list before you decide.
Everyday Solutions
Is a Costco membership worth the fee? See the simple math for Gold Star and Executive, how much you need to spend, who saves the most, and when to skip it.
7 min read
Everyday Solutions
Learn how to cancel your Costco membership in a warehouse or by phone, how the refund works, what happens to Executive rewards, and how to just turn off auto-renew.
7 min read
Count warehouse and costco.com purchases. Leave out gas, since some items do not earn the 2% reward.
Stick with Gold Star. Executive would cost you about $5 more each year.
Yearly spending
$3,000
Your 2% reward
$60
Extra Executive fee
$65
Break-even spending
$3,250/yr
Based on a $65 Gold Star fee, a $130 Executive fee, and a 2% reward capped at $1,250 a year. Fees can change, so check Costco's site.