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Let’s say you spent $130 to become a Costco Executive member. You use your membership card to shop in-store and occasionally order something online. However, you have a nagging feeling that you’re not getting your money’s worth.

Perhaps all you need is a reminder of the benefits you might be missing out on, or maybe it’s time for a few fresh ideas to inspire you. Here are a few ways to maximize your Costco Executive membership.

Double-dip cash rewards

As an Executive member, you earn a 2% reward on each qualified purchase, up to $1,250 annually. Think you can’t spend enough to earn the entire $1,250? Don’t forget that all qualified Costco, Costco.com, and Costco Travel purchases count toward your total.

A check is sent to you two months before your membership renewal date. You can hand it to the cashier on your very next Costco shopping trip or save it for something special, like a new appliance, trampoline, or sectional furniture. Since the reward never expires, you don’t have to decide immediately.

Why stop with 2%, though? Why not maximize your rewards by paying for your Costco purchases with a Visa that gives you cash back?

If you’re looking for such a card, you may want to check out some of our favorite cards for Costco spending. Don’t forget, though, Costco only accepts Visa in store (and just Visa and Mastercard at Costco.com).

Often overlooked perks

Executive membership is the more exclusive of the two Costco membership options. If you’re overlooking any of these benefits, you’re not maximizing your Executive membership.

Travel benefits

Executive members receive better travel benefits, including rental cars, hotels, vacation planning, and travel products. As mentioned above, booking travel through Costco as an Executive member earns you a cool 2% cash back. Plus, Executive members are the only Costco members to receive special extras on select vacations.

For example, Executive members who book a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise receive a $50 shipboard credit per person and a digital Costco Shop Card.

Home insurance

Purchase your home insurance through CONNECT, and, as an Executive member, you’ll receive extras like home lockout assistance and home glass repair reimbursement. And because CONNECT is a branch of American Family Insurance, you can be sure that your insurance company is financially secure.

Auto insurance

Executive members who insure their vehicles through CONNECT can also access free roadside assistance. The next time you have a flat tire or dead battery, you can depend on roadside assistance to get you back on the road.

Costco Connection magazine subscription

As an Executive member, you’ll receive a monthly copy of Costco Connection in the mail. Costco Connection offers everything from health tips to business advice and recipes.

As a Costco member, chances are that you’re careful with your finances and typically make decisions that are good for your bottom line. You may pay more to be an Executive member, but you also have access to deeper discounts and the kinds of perks that reward you for upgrading.

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!

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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.Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Mastercard, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2025 $370 calls on Mastercard and short January 2025 $380 calls on Mastercard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.