There are two types of Costco memberships for individuals: the Gold Star membership and the Executive membership. The Gold Star, which is the basic option, costs $60 a year. At this level, members can shop inside warehouses and online, get two membership cards per household, and enjoy a lengthy list of perks (like access to the food court, the pharmacy and eye center, the tire center, travel deals, and more). At $120 a year, the Executive membership costs twice the price. However, it comes with a 2 percent annual reward, a free subscription to Costco Connection magazine, and all the benefits of the Gold Star option. The price of both memberships hasn’t changed since June 2017, which is almost five years. Typically, the warehouse chain ups membership rates every 5.5 years, according to analysts. Based on history, it’s about time for membership rates to increase, but the timing is unfortunate. Inflation and grocery bills are skyrocketing as the pandemic stretches into two years. According to predictions, members should expect to pay $5 more for the Gold Star membership and $10 more for the Executive membership beginning sometime this year. Membership costs aren’t only increasing at Costco, but also at another top retailer in the grocery space. This isn’t the only thing different at Costco—here are 5 Changes Members Need to Know About Right Now. This story has been reprinted with permission from Eat This, Not That!
