Image source: Getty Images
Costco is known for its low gas prices, which help you keep more money in your bank account when you fill up. But there’s more to know when you fill up at the big-box store than just competitive prices.
Here are three surprising things about Costco gas stations you may not be aware of that could help you make a more informed decision every time you fill up.
1. You don’t always have to be a member to buy Costco gas
Since Costco requires you to pay an annual membership fee to benefit from its offers, it is probably not surprising that you generally You need a membership to buy gas there, but there’s a surprising way to get around this rule.
If you have a Costco Shop Card, you can fill up at Costco gas stations regardless of your membership status.
A Shop Card is Costco’s version of a gift card. Only Costco members can buy Shop Cards, but if a friend or family member is a member and you aren’t, you can give them a few hundred dollars to buy themselves a few Shop Cards. You can then use them throughout the year whenever you want to take advantage of Costco’s low gas prices.
2. Costco gas has a one-way street with long hoses, so it doesn’t matter which side you use
If you’ve never filled up at Costco, there’s another peculiarity that might surprise you: At Costco gas stations, traffic is only one-way.
While most gas stations require you to decide which direction to drive to the pump based on the location of your gas tank, that’s not the case at Costco.
Instead, at the big box store, you only have to drive one way, but there are super-long hoses so you can fill your tank from either side of the vehicle. This allows you to get to and from the gas station much faster, meaning that buying gas at Costco is not only cheap, but convenient.
3. Costco gasoline is TOP TIER™ certified
Kirkland Signature Fuel has been certified to meet TOP TIER™ performance standards. This is a special distinction, and fuel certified as TOP TIER™ must meet strict guidelines for rigorous fuel purification.
Basically, Costco gasoline uses special deposit control additive formulas that are better for your car’s engine. The additives help keep the engine clean, can help you get better gas mileage, and protect your vehicle’s parts so they last longer.
Convenience and better quality gas at a lower price are two big benefits of pulling out your credit card and filling up at Costco—and now you know you may even be able to do it without a membership if you can find someone to purchase a Costco Shop Card for you.
Top Credit Cards to Use at Costco (and Everywhere Else!)
If you shop with a debit card, you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. These versatile credit cards offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco, and are rated by our experts as the best cards of 2024 because they offer hefty sign-up bonuses and excellent cash rewards. Plus, you’ll save on credit card interest because all of these picks include a competitive 0% interest period.
Click here to read our expert recommendations for free!
We strongly believe in the Golden Rule, and editorial opinions are solely our own and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the advertisers involved. The Ascent does not cover all offerings in the market. Editorial content on The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool’s editorial content and is produced by a different team of analysts. Christy Bieber does not own any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns a position in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
