6 Hidden Costco Discounts Most Shoppers Miss
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Costco is known for bulk savings, but not every discount is clearly labeled. Some price cuts are built into how items are marked. Others show up through limited-time promotions or in-store differences shoppers may not notice.
A closer look at how Costco prices and promotes products can help members find extra ways to save on everyday purchases. Here are six hidden Costco discounts most shoppers miss.
Monthly Member Discounts
Costco runs monthly discounts through its Member Savings program. The savings are applied automatically at checkout, so shoppers don’t need coupons.
The deals change often and include groceries, snacks and household staples. They are available in the warehouse and online.
Many shoppers don’t check them before heading to the store. Taking a quick look ahead of time can help shoppers build their lists around what is already on sale.
Location-Based Price Drops
Costco prices are not always the same from one warehouse to another.
Store managers can mark down items based on local inventory, demand or the time of year. That means the same product might be cheaper at one location than another.
These price drops aren’t widely advertised and are usually only visible in the store. The same item can ring up at a different price depending on the warehouse.
Clearance Price Endings
Some Costco price tags end in .97. That small detail can signal a markdown.
It usually means the price has been reduced from its original cost. The discount is already built in. No extra steps at checkout. Once those items sell through, the lower price is usually gone.
In-Store Markdowns
Some Costco price tags end in .00 or .88. These are widely reported to be tied to deeper, store-level markdowns. In many cases, the price has been cut to clear out remaining inventory.
There is no sign or label calling it out. It just shows up on the tag. That is why it is easy to miss. The lower price is already built in, so what shoppers see is what they pay.
Kirkland Brand Savings
Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label, and it is often priced lower than comparable name brands.
In many cases, the products are made by the same manufacturers or use similar ingredients. That means shoppers can get a similar product for less without changing what they buy.
Kirkland items are available across categories, from groceries to household basics.
Executive Membership Rewards
Costco’s Executive Membership gives 2% back on most purchases, including groceries, electronics and travel. It costs $130 a year, or $65 more than the basic plan. Costco states spending about $3,250 a year can cover that difference.
That won’t be hard for most shoppers. The average American household spends $170 a week (roughly $8,840 a year) on groceries, according to the latest Food Industry Association data.
The catch is the reward comes later, not at checkout, so Costco savings can be easy to miss in the moment.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Apr. 15, 2026. Prices and availability may vary by location.
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