Costco?

[Callie]

My mom and I just signed up yesterday. They are switching to visa April 1st.
Also if you are an educator, they offer a special sign up!

 

[goofyernmost]

I like Costco too, however, BJ's is better if for no other reason then they allow you to use outside coupons and they have a wider selection of Brand Name items, not just one. Example: Peanut Butter! At Costco's you will only find one brand, whereas at BJ's you can chose between Peter Pan and Skippy. Not much difference in quality, but, some, like me, like to be able to go with the one I like best.

 

[GaryDis]

Since I no longer live near Costco, and there are just two of us, it's getting harder to justify a membership.

But you can order online from costco.com without being a member, though it may cost a bit more.

 

[cijay]

... although there are several levels that give you more perks and cost more.

Gee, like Scientology! LOL.

 

[bcla]

I like Costco too, however, BJ's is better if for no other reason then they allow you to use outside coupons and they have a wider selection of Brand Name items, not just one. Example: Peanut Butter! At Costco's you will only find one brand, whereas at BJ's you can chose between Peter Pan and Skippy. Not much difference in quality, but, some, like me, like to be able to go with the one I like best.

Costco might have a name brand alongside their house brand. And breakfast cereal is something that can be hard to just stock one brand. Alcohol is another section where it's a wide selection of similar items.

Oh - the place I love is Costco Business Center. There are apparently less than a dozen in the US. Any Costco member can shop there, but it's generally geared for the business and resale customer. They have things like retail packages of snacks. I liked having single serve packs so I wouldn't be tempted to pig out on a box of Cheez-Its. The prices were actually quite similar to buying at retail store sale prices. The best deal I recall was a 60 pack of mini-pretzels for $5.99. They also have local delivery. We get deliveries from them where I work - including business supplies as well as snacks and beverages for the kitchen.

 

[Pembo]

We joined for their dog food. It is less expensive and a good quality. I think I am one of the only people that buys one item when I go there.

 

[Dan Murphy]

When is Costco changing to visa? We were going to join last year but you needed an AE and we don't like AE. We will join when they start accepting visa since that's our Disney card.

April

 

[wishesuponastar]

Will Costco accept any Visa or do we have to sign up with the Visa from Costco?

 

[bcla]

Will Costco accept any Visa or do we have to sign up with the Visa from Costco?

It's supposed to be any Visa.

 

[wishesuponastar]

I just called Costco and they said they are pretty sure it can be any Visa just like they accepted any American Express.

 

[goofyernmost]

Being single and not having a need to buy in bulk or even the place to store it, I belong to BJ's primarily to get the cheaper gas prices. I regularly buy about 3 or 4 items about every two months. I have done the math and so far I pay for the membership in gas savings plus. I also buy car tires from them. That usually pays the membership twice over for that year. If I get to the point of not being on the road as much, I might not really have a need for a membership. My local BJ's is less then a mile from my home and they are about to open a new Costco about three miles away. The only draw that Costco has for me is that their hot dogs are better. (steamed rolls) BJ's have the same hot dog brand, but, the rolls are sometimes dry.

 

[Forum Jumper]

We have been members for so long I can't remember but I thought you didn't have to be a member to use the store. You could pay a higher price. Maybe that was Sam's Club if you got a trial pass.

You don't have to be members to utilize the pharmacy or the eye doctor for exams. You just tell them at the door that you are going to those departments.

We mostly use Costco for paper products and fresh foods (fruits and veggies). I am a coupon shopper and I can usually find better prices with sales at other stores.

 

[Christine]

We have been members for so long I can't remember but I thought you didn't have to be a member to use the store. You could pay a higher price. Maybe that was Sam's Club if you got a trial pass.

You don't have to be members to utilize the pharmacy or the eye doctor for exams. You just tell them at the door that you are going to those departments.

Around here, it's BJs that let's you shop for 5% higher without a membership. I don't ever remember Costco doing that. They are also really strict about letting you just walk around and look without a membership. BJs never cared (at least where I live).

 

[bcla]

Around here, it's BJs that let's you shop for 5% higher without a membership. I don't ever remember Costco doing that. They are also really strict about letting you just walk around and look without a membership. BJs never cared (at least where I live).

Sam's Club has public days where they charge star for nonmembers. Costco sells items on their website to anyone for a small premium.

 

[Forum Jumper]

Sam's Club has public days where they charge star for nonmembers. Costco sells items on their website to anyone for a small premium.

That must have been what I was thinking of.