Looking for a one-stop shop to score amazing deals and save big on your family’s groceries and household items? If so, it’s time to know how to sign up for Costco and get that Costco membership.

Costco is one of my favorite places and, if I’m being honest, is a bit of a happy place for me. I almost always go alone and while many times I know exactly what I’m looking for and try to get in and get out. Other times I love to cruise the aisles and see what new things they have.

Whether you’re new to the world of Costco or you’re a seasoned shopper, our budget-conscious advice will help your family stretch your dollars further.

Your family budget is likely missing key items, be sure to include these 7 forgotten expenses

How to Sign Up for Costco Membership

Photo: Costco

The first step on your journey to becoming a savvy Costco shopper is obtaining a membership. Here’s how to sign up:

  1. Select the Right Membership Type: Costco offers two primary membership types: Gold Star at $60, and Executive $120. The Gold Star membership is the standard option, while the Executive membership offers additional benefits like an annual 2% reward on qualified Costco purchases. We are Executive members and easily recoup the additional $60 cost each year with our rebate check.
  2. Visit the Nearest Costco Location: Locate the nearest Costco warehouse to your home. You can easily find this information on the Costco website. Visiting in person is a great way to get a feel for the store and speak to the friendly staff.
  3. Fill Out an Application: You can complete the membership application at the store or online. Gather the necessary information, including your name, address, and contact details, before filling out the application.
  4. Pay the Membership Fee: Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to pay the annual membership fee. The cost varies depending on the type of membership you choose.
  5. Receive Your Membership Card: Once you’ve paid your fee, you’ll receive your Costco membership card. This card will serve as your access key to the treasure trove of savings that Costco offers.

Now that you’re officially a Costco member, it’s time to dive into the world of budget-conscious shopping.

How to Sign Up for Costco and Budget Your Trips

how to sign up for costco, build your budget so you reduce impulse purchases
Getting staples at Costco can be a major savings for families, as long as you are able to use it all before it goes bad. Photo by Family Fun Money.

Costco is known for its bulk shopping, and while it can save you money in the long run, it’s essential to budget for your trips to ensure you’re getting the most out of your membership without overspending. Here are some budgeting tips:

  1. Create a Shopping List: Before you head to Costco, make a list of the items your family needs. Stick to your list to avoid impulsive purchases. I’m usually pretty good at this, though occasionally I’m guilty of making that impulse buy.
  2. Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend at Costco each month. This budget should consider both your essential needs and any extra purchases. I use my phone’s calculator to keep a running tally of everything that goes into my cart. That way if I need to make any decisions I know where I stand compared to my budget.
  3. Compare Unit Prices: Costco often displays the unit price for items, making it easy to compare the cost per ounce or unit with other stores. Use this information to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
  4. Avoid Overstocking Perishables: While buying in bulk can save you money, be mindful of perishable items. Only purchase what your family can consume before they go bad. Made this mistake before!
  5. Use Costco’s Online Shopping: Take advantage of Costco’s online shopping option to find exclusive deals and discounts not available in-store.

Understanding Costco’s Seasonal Product Schedule

Costco is known for its seasonal offerings, and understanding their product schedule can help you save money and make the most of their special deals. Just today, I was in Costco and saw Christmas garland on sale for $39.99, down from $49.99. I picked up two. So, here are some key points to keep in mind:

  1. Costco’s Seasonal Aisles: Costco rotates seasonal products throughout the year. Be on the lookout for these seasonal sections where you’ll find items like outdoor furniture, holiday decorations, and more.
  2. Early Holiday Shopping: If you’re planning for the holiday season, Costco often stocks holiday-themed items early. Um, hello, Christmas in October! Shopping ahead can save you time and money when the holidays roll around.
  3. Know When to Stock Up: Pay attention to the time of year when specific products go on sale. For example, grilling equipment is often discounted during the summer, while winter gear is on sale during the colder months.

We recently did a family trip to Disneyland, here’s how we saved money at the Happiest Place on Earth

Deciphering Costco Price Signs

how to sign up for costco, know what the signs mean. Different pricing and symbols indicate key information
At Costco, the cents matter. Each sign gives the shopper specific information about the product and whether it will be staying in stores long. Additionally, symbols like the asterisk can provide indications on whether it is a seasonal, discontinued or other speciality item. Photo by Family Fun Money.

Costco uses price signs to convey valuable information about their products. Knowing what these signs mean can help you make informed decisions:

  1. Price Ending in .99: Items with a price ending in .99 are regular-priced items.
  2. Price Ending in .97: Products ending in .97 are clearance items, and they may be discounted more than other items.
  3. Price Ending in .00 or .88: These prices indicate manager markdowns, usually meaning that the item is on clearance and may be an excellent deal.
  4. Asterisk on the Price Tag: Look for an asterisk (*) on the price tag, which indicates that the item is discontinued. These items may be significantly discounted.
  5. Price Changes: Keep an eye on the prices of items you regularly purchase. Costco frequently changes prices to offer the best deals.

Maximizing Your Savings with Kirkland Signature

One of the best-kept secrets at Costco is their Kirkland Signature brand. Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label, offering a wide range of high-quality products at a fraction of the cost of name brands.

Here’s what you need to know about this money-saving gem:

how to sign up for costco, consider the Kirkland Signature brand to save money on dozens of items
The Kirkland Signature brand is incredibly popular and includes everything from wine, to paper products, food and much more. Photo by Family Fun Money.

Grocery Staples: Kirkland Signature covers all the basics in the grocery department. From pantry staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods to organic options and specialty items, Kirkland Signature provides quality products at lower prices. You’ll often find their extra virgin olive oil, coffee beans, and nuts to be particularly good deals.

Household Essentials: For household products, Kirkland Signature offers an array of items. Their laundry detergents, paper towels, and toilet paper are known for being both effective and cost-efficient. You can also find trash bags, cleaning supplies, and dishwasher detergent under the Kirkland Signature label.

Health and Wellness: Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand extends into the realm of health and wellness. They offer vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications that meet high standards. These products are often priced much lower than comparable name brands, allowing you to maintain your family’s health without breaking the bank.

Baby and Kids: Parents can find great savings on baby and kids’ essentials through Kirkland Signature. From diapers and baby wipes to children’s vitamins and snacks, these products are both reliable and budget-friendly.

How to sign up for costco, finding fun things like Pac-man
The fun of Costco is finding things like this Pac-Man full size arcade are always enjoyable at Costco. Photo by Family Fun Money.

Clothing: Costco even offers a Kirkland Signature clothing line. While their selection may not be as extensive as a dedicated clothing retailer, you can still find high-quality basics such as t-shirts, socks, and jeans at a fraction of the cost of designer brands.

Electronics: Kirkland Signature isn’t just about groceries and everyday items. In the electronics department, you can find items like batteries and even high-definition televisions with the Kirkland Signature label, often priced more competitively than name brands.

Wine and Spirits: If you enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail, Kirkland Signature has you covered. Costco’s private label offers a selection of wines, liquors, and beers that are often highly rated by experts and come at a significant discount compared to premium brands.

Kirkland Signature has earned a strong reputation for providing quality products that can help your family save money without compromising on quality. In fact, many name-brand companies actually make the Kirkland Signature products. The next time you’re shopping at Costco, keep an eye out for these items, as they’re often the secret to significant savings on your overall shopping bill.

Don’t forget Costco travel to book trips to places like the Royal Sonesta Kauai

Shopping at Costco can be a fun and (for me) enjoyable experience. Knowing how to keep impulse buys in check, keep a budget and plan accordingly, Costco can be a major cost saver for you and your family.

This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own. I may receive compensation from advertisements when you click on links to those products on this page.