How Much Is A Costco Membership In Ontario

So, there I was, standing in the checkout line at Costco, my arms struggling to keep a mountain of toilet paper and frozen pizzas from toppling over. The guy behind me, let's call him Bob, strikes up a conversation. "First time here?" he asks, eyeing my cart. I laugh, "No, but it feels like it every time I see the bill!"

And that's when Bob drops the bomb. "You know, you could be saving a lot more if you had a membership." I blink, taken aback. I mean, I knew Costco had memberships, but I'd always just assumed they were for, well, members. You know, the ones with the special card and the secret handshake.

But Bob, bless his heart, was right. I was paying a premium for not having a membership. So, I decided to dive into the world of Costco memberships. And here's what I found out, just for you, dear reader.

What's in a Membership?

Costco offers two main types of memberships in Ontario: Gold Star and Business.

Gold Star Membership

This is the one I was missing out on. It's for individuals and families, and it comes with a few perks:

• Discounts - You get access to those sweet, sweet wholesale prices.
• Credit Card - You can apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Capital One, which offers cashback rewards.
• Travel Services - Costco Travel offers vacation packages and cruises at member-exclusive prices.

Now, here's the kicker. As of 2021, a Gold Star Membership in Ontario costs $60 per year. That's right, sixty bucks. For a year.

Costco membership cost 2024: Fee increase starts Sunday, Sept. 1

Business Membership

This one's for businesses, obviously. It comes with all the perks of a Gold Star Membership, plus a few extras:

• Higher Limits - You can spend more at Costco, which is great if you're buying in bulk for your business.
• Business Services - Costco offers business services like payroll and insurance.

The Business Membership costs $120 per year, but if you're running a business, those extra perks might just pay for themselves.

But Wait, There's More!

Costco also offers Executive Memberships, which are like Gold Star Memberships but with extra perks. For $120 a year, you get:

• 2% Reward on most purchases, up to $1,000 per year.
• Exclusive Savings on select items and services.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "$120? That's a lot more than $60!" And you're right. But remember, Bob? The guy in the checkout line? He told me he saves that much in a year just by shopping at Costco. So, if you're a frequent shopper, an Executive Membership could pay for itself.

We Can't Believe How Much A Costco Membership Cost When It First Came Out

So, Is It Worth It?

That, dear reader, depends on you. If you're a once-a-month shopper, you might not see the benefits of a membership. But if you're like me, buying in bulk and visiting Costco regularly, it could be a game-changer.

And hey, if you're still on the fence, Costco offers a free trial of their memberships. You can sign up, shop, and see if the savings are worth it. No strings attached.

So, there you have it. The lowdown on Costco memberships in Ontario. I hope this helps you make an informed decision, and maybe next time you're in the checkout line, you'll be the one sharing your wisdom with the newbie.

Until next time, happy shopping!