I’ve had an executive Costco membership for 10 years. It pays for itself — and then some.

• I’ve had a Costco executive membership for 10 years and think it’s worth every penny.
• The higher-tier membership comes with an annual 2% cash back reward.
• As an executive member, I also get access to special perks like early shopping hours.

Costco has always been a part of my life. I remember taking family trips to the warehouse as a kid and sharing soft-serve with my siblings.

When I moved away for college, I still asked my parents to take me to Costco, often “borrowing” their membership card for big shopping trips to stock up on food and household items.

Later, my partner and I went all in, splurging on our own executive membership and even getting the Costco Citi card.

Now, as adults, we’re at Costco multiple times each month, filling up on everything from gas to groceries. We make almost all our large purchases there, and have even booked Costco vacation packages.

As a longtime shopper, I can confidently say the benefits of a Costco executive membership are worthwhile. Here’s why I think it’s worth upgrading to the higher membership tier.

In my experience, the membership pays for itself

A standard Costco membership costs $65 a year, and the executive version is double the price at $130 annually. However, we recover the cost of the upgrade just by making qualifying purchases at the warehouse.

That’s because the executive membership comes with a 2% cash back reward, which allows shoppers to earn up to $1,250 back on qualifying pre-tax purchases.

To break it down, this means that if we spend about $3,250 a year at Costco, we earn back the cost of the executive membership upgrade. If we spend a little more, we’re making money to spend at the warehouse.

Once a year — about two months before our membership renews — Costco sends a cash back voucher, which can be redeemed on future purchases.

Plus, Costco has a membership satisfaction guarantee, meaning the company will refund the price of the membership at any time if you’re not satisfied with it.

We also get access to extra perks

In addition to the 2% cash back perk, Costco executive members can often access extra benefits.

For example, the company recently started giving executive members a $10 monthly credit to use on same-day delivery through Instacart. The credit is automatically applied at checkout when we spend $150 (before tax).

After returning home from vacation, this perk was a game changer. Instead of fighting the weekend Costco crowds to stock up on our favorite products, our groceries were delivered promptly to our doorstep. We were even able to snag a coveted rotisserie chicken.

And speaking of vacations, executive members also get extra benefits on trips booked through Costco Travel. A few years ago, I purchased an all-inclusive vacation package to Costa Rica.

As part of the deal, my friend and I each received $50 to use at the spa and a complimentary fruit basket for our room.

Plus, executive cardholders now get to shop earlier than other members

Earlier this year, Costco announced it would be opening its doors for an additional six and a half hours each week for US executive members.

Now, we can begin shopping at the warehouse an hour early on weekdays and Sundays. On Saturdays, we can enter half an hour earlier than other members.

We recently attended this special shopping hour on a Sunday and noticed a stark difference.

For example, my store typically has a line out the door to get in at opening, but we were able to stroll right in without bumping into anyone. We didn’t even have to wait in line to check out.

We’ll likely make it a habit to go during these exclusive hours, as it made for a much better experience overall.

I definitely think the executive membership is worth the price

I’ve been shopping at Costco for as long as I can remember, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Costco’s greatest draws are its ability to provide value for the price and an unbeatable customer experience. For my partner and me, paying for the executive membership is a no-brainer.

The 2% cash back means our $130 annual membership pays for itself. Plus, we love having access to all the premium perks.

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