Image source: Getty Images
Costco is well-known for its cheap gas prices that help you keep more money in your bank account when you fill up your tank. But there’s more to know about getting gas at the warehouse club beyond competitive prices.
Here are three surprising things about Costco’s gas stations that you may not be aware of that could help you make more informed choices each time you fuel up.
1. You don’t always need to be a member to buy Costco gas
Since Costco requires you to pay an annual membership fee to take advantage of its deals, it’s probably not surprising that you generally need a membership to buy gas there. There is a surprising way around that rule, though.
If you have a Costco Shop Card, you’re allowed to fuel up at Costco stations, regardless of 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’re not, you could give them a few hundred dollars to buy you some Shop Cards. You can then use these throughout the year whenever you want to take advantage of Costco’s cheap gas prices.
2. Costco gas has a one-way direction with long hoses so it doesn’t matter what side you use
If you’ve never gotten gas at Costco, there’s another feature that could surprise you. Costco’s stations only allow traffic to flow one way.
While at most gas stations you have to decide which direction to pull up to the pump, based on where your gas tank is located, that’s not the case at Costco.
Instead, the warehouse club requires you to drive only in one direction, but provides super long hoses so you can fill up your tank from either side of the vehicle.
This enables you to get in and out of the gas station much more quickly, which means buying gas at Costco is not only cheap but also convenient.3. Costco gas is TOP TIER™ certified
Kirkland Signature Fuel has been certified to meet the TOP TIER™ performance standards. This is a special designation, and fuel certified as TOP TIER™ must follow strict guidelines for rigorous fuel detergency.
Basically, Costco gas uses special deposit control additive formulations that are better for your car’s engine. The additives help keep the engine clean and can help you get better gas mileage and preserve the parts of your vehicle so they last longer.
Convenience and better quality gas at a lower price are two major advantages of breaking out the credit cards to purchase your gas at Costco — and now you know you may be able to do that even without a membership if you can find someone to buy a Costco Shop Card for you.
Top credit cards to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
If you’re shopping 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 the best cards of 2024 by our experts because they offer hefty sign-up bonuses and outstanding cash rewards. Plus, you’ll save on credit card interest because all of these recommendations include a competitive 0% interest period.
Click here to read our expert recommendations for free!
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The post 3 Surprising Facts About Getting Gas at Costco appeared first on Retirely.