Latest responses to “Costco Executive Membership: Is It Worth It?” Copyright 2013, MoneyBlueBook.com 311060723 2013-03-07T18:25:30-08:00 TampaMom Remember the Executive Reward, is completely seperate from the AMEX rebate. We just got $700 back from Costco AMEX in the form of a rebate check which we cashed at Costco, and then today got notice that we will receive $73 from Costco for our Executive Award. Had we not been Executive members, we still would have gotten the $700 AMEX cash back rebate, we just wouldn't have gotten an Executive Reward. A regular membership offers no reward. So as long as your reward from Costco's Executive Membership is greater than the cost of the upgrade, it is worth it. 1082994 2011-10-19T11:05:07-07:00 Bill Anyone out there correct me if I'm wrong, but by my calculations, it seems the break even point for executive members who also have the Costco Amex card moves up from $2500 in purchases/year to $5000. Without the Amex card, you get back your executive membership fee($50) with $2500 in purchases, but considering you get 1% back with the Amex (with no fee), you get an additional $25 back at that spending level. So, with using the Amex card, you must spend at least $5000 to get $50 from Costco ($100 cash back minus the $50 for the executive membership fee), and to get $50 from Amex, which will cover the membership fee. 469730 2011-03-16T02:54:34-07:00 Karmickreator To Harvey calypso First off, I apologize for my peers lack of discretion and privacy in your situation. As far as the public shaming comment made, please understand that this is not an intentional act and is most likely a result of a lack of proper training of these employees. You make some very valid points and I would suggest speaking with a front end manager in the warehouse you experienced this. On a separate note sir, Your math seems a bit off to me. You said: "my net credit is really $80-$50=$30. $30 is .75% of $4000. ". You have failed to deduct the 2500 in purchases it took you to earn the $50 you also deducted. Algebra tells us we must deduct from both sides of the equation. In this case you omitted that. So your net $30 is profit was based on 2% of $1500 (your puchases that exceeded the $2500 break even point). Mr calypso, we are a company whos primary goal is to take care of our members. If we can do this by not only saving them money on prices but also give them money back for their membership fees wouldn't you be even happier and most likely shop even more? This is the reason for a rewards based membership like our executive level. If you change your mind and want to give it a shot it's always available to you and is always risk free 469750 2011-02-08T19:46:25-08:00 Melanie I agree with Harvey and Phil. The aggressive sales pitch at the checkout crossed the line into harassment long ago for me. I have asked repeatedly (>30 times) to not be asked again about this program, but my requests are ignored. When they start the pitch, I reply: "yes I know - I give you $50 now and then you give me my $50 back a year later; sorry not interested" but they continue to harass me about it. I have a great local grocery store that I also use and spend less than $2500/year at Costco. The rebate program is not worth it for me, but they keep asking. WTF. My Gold membership pays for itself based on the supplies I buy there. However, the stress of shopping at Costco is getting out of hand. I am quite sure that I will continue to be harassed while I am held captive at the register and I am on the verge canceling my membership over this issue. 409070 2010-11-19T17:04:35-08:00 Cramebame Also, as mentioned before dont forget about there other savings via Costco Travel, Auto Program, Auto/Home insurance, and many other various programs you can save so much money on these its a no brainer to stay a executive. Saving 1700-2200 on a car or truck, or 40-50 a month on car insurance pays for your 1 time a year fee even befor you get your check. Just ask the marketers at costco they can help you out. 409080 2010-10-19T02:23:48-07:00 Karmickreator To kb John is incorrect as long as ur friend is already a member. However he is correct if ur friend is NOT a member. The exec checks are not linked to a membership. So this means if you lost ur check someone else could use it... Or if u prefer to give it to a friend you can... Provided they are a member 408970 2010-10-14T18:24:25-07:00 John Frykman No. It must be redeemed at a Costco store for cash. Of course, you can immediately convert it to a Costco cash card which can be used anywhere in the store--gas, pharmacy, liquor store, etc., and then give the card to the friend. Or you can give them more or less money on the card than the rewards check. They do not need a membership to redeem the cash card for merchandise or cash. 409060 2010-10-13T18:14:22-07:00 Kb Can I give my Costco reward certificate to a friend to use it? 408810 2010-10-08T12:59:39-07:00 Amanda I used to have Costco's basic membership but I guess I was spending too much because they automatically upgraded me to executive. If you get gas there, buy tires, and stock up on food, I'd say it's worth it for the $100. I do a lot of online shopping, too. 408890 2010-09-27T19:13:46-07:00 karmickreator To sofaking nuts: Your 2 months after the check is issued begins to accrue towards next years check. Also keep in mind the amount you paid for the upgrade (pro rated amount or full $50?) and any services you used in order to really understand if the executive membership really benefitted you... as every family and situation is different.