Image source: Getty Images

If you’re a Costco member or thinking of becoming one, you’re probably already aware that the warehouse club has great deals on gas. In fact, the savings on fuel is one reason why many people join Costco in the first place.

Although you may be aware that Costco’s gas is cheap, you may not know a few other details about fueling up at your warehouse club. Here are three facts about Costco gas stations that you should learn if you want to be a more informed consumer.

1. Stations are one way

At most gas stations, you have to be strategic when pulling up to a pump to make sure the gas hose is on the correct side of your vehicle. But that’s not the case at Costco.

Costco stations are one-way, which means all the traffic flows in the same direction. You can pull up to whatever pump happens to be open, and Costco’s extra-long fuel hoses will still make it possible to fill up your vehicle.

This may be weird and a little confusing the first time you go, but the warehouse club has indicated that it opted to keep stations one-way in order to make things more efficient. You can get in and out of the station faster.

2. You don’t get the Executive rewards on Costco gas

While there’s a lot to love about Costco gas, there’s one downside: If you’re an Executive Costco member, you get 2% rewards on most of your purchases at the warehouse club. Sadly, gas is not one of those purchases. This can be a major disappointment if you get gas at Costco regularly and are hoping to earn rewards when you fill your tank.

The good news is you can earn cash back on Costco gas purchases — click here to check out the best credit cards for Costco. We’ve hunted down cards that allow you to maximize the rewards you earn on gas and other warehouse club purchases so you can rack up rewards whenever you’re fueling up, whether you’re filling your tank or finding delicious snacks to fill your belly.

You can also check out our complete Costco guide for other tips on making the most of your Executive membership, even when you can’t use gas purchases to max out your rewards.

3. The gas is TOP TIER

Finally, you may be surprised to find that the gas at Costco isn’t just cheap but is also really high quality. In fact, it’s been awarded the TOP TIER designation, which means it’s a better quality fuel product that can help you maintain your vehicle by keeping your engine cleaner.

Getting cheaper gas at a station that’s more convenient is a win-win, so you should be happy to learn these details about both the gas quality and the fact the station is one way.

Just remember that you aren’t going to get those Executive rewards so you don’t end up disappointed. If getting cash back on gas purchases is a priority for you, use a credit card that will make that happen.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.