I received my annual membership renewal for my Costco membership today. Since I am an “executive” member, also enclosed was my rewards certificate — for $36.57. The price difference between a regular and an executive membership is $50. Of course, you get the added benefit of being able to enter the store an hour before the masses and you earn rewards based on how much you spend. So, to make it worthwhile, I needed to earn a reward of $50. I was $13.43 short. Looks like I’ll need to make more Costco runs this year.
Perhaps I will, since I’m on this home lunch health kick now and have been eating more fruits and vegetables which I tend to buy at Costco. A recent discovery: mandarin oranges. I totally love them! In my opinion, they make a better choice over valencia oranges because of its compact size; thin, easy to peel skin; and delightfully sweet taste. Which reminds me, I need to make a run to Costco tomorrow…
We just got ours as well. Last year we broke $200 (“Did we buy a car or something?”), this year it was around $160. On one hand, it’s nice to be “rewarded” — but then you realize a big reward means you probably spent a fortune at Costco. And we most certainly did, and do every year. It’s scary.
Then again, Jen just has to take one “emergency” supply run to Star Market for some groceries for me to realize how much we’re saving by buying (and freezing!) in bulk. We’re not buying plasma TVs or anything, after all, just staples like meat, veggies, canned stuff and paper products. Of we didn’t have Costco, we’d probably be sunk!
When your family grows, and I know it will, you’ll get your $13.43 easy.
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we have this too and more than pay for our membership ..i think it’s my generation that hoards…that’s why my house is so cluttered!!
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I don’t do this one, but I do have the American Express Costco Rewards card which gives back 3% on eating out, 2% on travel, 1% on everything else (including Costco). I got $77.85 back for last year, vs. the $50 plus tax for Costco membership, so I think it was worth it. The vast majority of the reward ($53.23) was definitely for eating out.
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ooh, i’ve yet to see one of these checks (hasn’t been a year since i gave in & went the exec. route)…can’t wait for mine. i have my eye on a dyson vacuum (sounds like i’m a domestic goddess wannabe. oy vey.)
oh, and the costco rewards card is now doing 5%for gas! some solace for gas prices that are now pushing 4bucks a gallon!
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Hm. I don’t know if my Costco card does 5% back on gas; my Pentagon FCU one does, and up to $1200 a year in gas/auto purchases, so does my Discover Gas (and I’m lighting that one up already):
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