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Diehard members already know that saving money at Costco is easy, but it’s not necessarily guaranteed. With a long list of good deals, you can easily overspend even when trying to pinch pennies.

Luckily, you can follow a few simple tips to maximize your savings, allowing you to splurge guilt-free on the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo at the end of your Costco run.

1. Make a list and stick to it

I’m a big fan of lists. Without them, I don’t think I’d get anything done during my workday or accomplish any long-term goals. They’re also very useful for keeping me on track when I’m shopping.

It’s tempting to browse the Costco aisles looking for great deals — and you’ll certainly find them — but that’s a quick way to bust your budget, too. Instead, jot down everything you need to buy on your next Costco run — and stick to it.

Sure, you’ll miss out on a few bargain buys. But if the point is to keep as much money in your bank account as possible, passing up a few deals will be worth it.

You could be earning cash back rewards on your Costco runs. Click here to review our list of top credit cards that offer big rewards at Costco.

2. Use the Costco app to find the best deals

To ensure you’re saving the most at Costco, you should consider using the store’s app. The Costco app includes special savings sections for in-store and online deals, recent price reductions, and special treasure hunt deals.

I also like that you can view past receipts for both in-store and online purchases. One of the best ways to make sure you’re sticking to your budget is to regularly look at your spending, so viewing receipts can tell you if you’re staying on track.

As a bonus, you can create your shopping list within the app, making it easier to stick to your spending plan!

3. Fill up on Costco gas

Costco gas prices are one of the best deals around, with the warehouse club’s gas stations often selling fuel for much cheaper than local stations. For example, the Costco gas station near me is selling a gallon of unleaded gas for just $2.66 right now, compared to the gas station two blocks away for $2.99 — that’s $0.33 cheaper per gallon!

There’s no guarantee the large gap between my local station and Costco prices will always be there. But if it is, I could save $161 annually based on the average 489 gallons Americans use each year. You can even use the Costco app to view the gas prices at your local Costco store.

You can maximize your gas savings with the right credit card. Click here to view our top gas and grocery credit cards.

4. Plan out your meals so you can buy in bulk effectively

Food prices increased by 10% in 2022 and nearly 6% last year, leaving many families’ food budgets strained. Costco is well known for its bulk food options, but buying groceries in bulk probably only saves you money if you have a large family or are smart about planning your meals.

My family regularly plans our weekly meals to use meat for two meals and ensure we have leftovers for busy nights. Using the Costco app to build your shopping list makes it easier to plan. And adding up the cost in the app will help you figure out whether the cost per meal fits into your grocery budget.

With a little planning, Costco is a fantastic place to save money. Making a list, using the Costco app, and planning your meals will help you maximize your savings on each trip, helping you bring down those stubbornly high grocery costs.

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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Chris Neiger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.