Costco Executive Membership- worth it for discounted price?

[frannn]

I got a new Costco membership on Living Social (like Groupon) for the regular price of $55, less a $20 cash card and coupons that are supposed to be mailed for a few free items. Even if the coupons don't arrive, I spent $35 on the membership. When I went to the store yesterday to get my card, they offered me an additional $20 cash card to upgrade to Executive, where you also get 2% back on purchases at the end of your year. If you don't earn enough to cover the additional $55 upgrade fee to upgrade for Executive, they will "make up the difference" themselves. I did it because they told me some untruths- that I would get an additional 10% off on rental cars, that the 2% check would not have to be used at Costco, it could be cashed out, and finally, that the 2% would be earned on gas (our's doesn't have a gas station anyway). I'm debating asking them to reverse my upgrade. Should I keep it cause I got it at a discount, and am guaranteed at least to get the $55 back, or did they lie about that also?

 

[disneymagicgirl]

You are guaranteed the money back, that's true.
Sounds like the person was mix and matching the credit card with the exec upgrade. The gas thing isn't true, except with the American exp. The rental car thing isn't unless it comes off automatically when you log in. I have never seen it as a separate line item on my invoices.
I know the amer exp rebate check can be cashed out. For the life of me I can't remember what the exec rebate looks like. They are two separate things. I spend plenty there to just use my rebates at the store so has never been an issue.
I'd keep the exec level, personally. I love it!

 

[frannn]

I spent more than expected yesterday without even trying - over $300 , so maybe it will end up being worth it. I didn't buy a ton of stuff we didn't need, just needed to replenish some stuff- cooking tins, ziplocs, light bulbs, etc. Seems like decent prices, just had to buy bulk, of course. I normally spend almost $200 weekly at the supermarket so if the extra non perishable stuff I bought lasts a bit, it will be worth it.

 

[CMNJ]

You can cash out the Costco rebate check just like American Express reward coupon. I think you do it at the service desk if you aren't buying anything. I have never done that in all the years I have been an executive member but I have used the check/rebate to pay for my groceries and gotten cash back for the balance if only buying a small amount.

 

[JenzyHP]

You will get the $55 back so there is no risk.

 

[Juliet25]

I had the same LS promotion and ended up doing the upgrade too. I honestly don't see how it will be worth it for me though. I don't see my 2% check surpassing $55, but I figured I come out $20 ahead because of the extra cash card so I went ahead and signed up for it.

The information on the gas was incorrect, but I did book a car through Costco travel and saved $64, which is 10%. Whether or not I could have found that discount on my own is up for debate, but there are discounts available; you have to book them through Costco though.

 

[hollypoast]

All of those claims are true. I've been a Costco member since 2004. I love Costco and will probably be a member for as long as there is a store near me. Their produce and meats are amazing good quality. They will take back anything, anytime. (except electronics, too many people were scamming the system) They pay and treat their employees well. I LOVE Costco. As long as you use your membership (and why wouldn't you) you will easily get your investment back.

 

[hsmamato2]

I WISH I had gotten an extra $20 for getting the executive! I also wish I had gotten exec. years ago....it's a no brainer for how I shop,esp. that I'm guaranteed to make the amount back no matter what..... I did get an extra set of free stuff coupons when I upgraded,so that's cool- I usually go about once a month and spend at least 300.00 each visit.... I love Costco!

 

[Judique]

Keep it. You can always get your money back if you find it not working for you.

 

[MillauFr]

The executive membership is a great deal. The 2% back ends up paying for the membership for our family.