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As of today, a Costco membership costs either $65 or $130 annually, depending on the membership level. While it’s not a fortune, it’s not nothing, and sharing a membership with someone else may seem like the best use of your resources.

If you split the cost of a membership with another person or occasionally allow someone to use your membership card, there’s no judgment from us. We understand how tricky sticking with a household budget can be, even if you’re using one of the best budgeting apps. However, we thought it might be interesting to take a closer look at whether sharing equals saving money.

Someone’s missing out

Let’s say you shop in-store with your best friend’s Costco card. Sure, you have access to the products on the shelf, but you don’t have access to all the benefits available to the person whose name is on the card. Here’s a little of what you’re missing:

• Travel discounts
• Tire discounts
• Home, auto, and pet insurance
• Special coupons
• Costco Membership Prescription Program discounts
• Photo print discounts, including photo books, calendars, cards, posters, and more
• Bottled water delivery
• Vehicle purchase discount

If the cardholder is an Executive member, they can earn 2% on all eligible purchases, up to $1,250 annually. A member who regularly shops at Costco can easily earn enough back to pay for their annual membership — and more.

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In other words, you may be able to purchase a bag of apples or 25 pounds of rice, but you’re overlooking a wide range of other discounts that could benefit your bottom line when you use someone else’s membership card. These discounts and perks could be worth getting a membership of your own.

The risk could cost someone their membership

If you’re a Costco member who allows others to use your membership to shop, the cost may be higher than expected. Recently, Costco implemented new rules regarding identification. Members must now stop at the entry to scan their cards, and cashiers may ask to see a picture ID at checkout.

Costco has long made it clear that memberships are non-transferable, meaning members aren’t supposed to give their cards to someone else to use. You’re permitted to bring up to two guests to the store during each visit as long as you’re the one purchasing the items.

And if you’re the primary member, you can assign your household card to one other person who lives in your home. However, sharing your card with someone else is grounds for Costco to revoke your membership and refund your membership fee.

If you count on Costco to keep your household budget on track, consider what losing your membership might mean for your finances. In most instances, sharing is a good thing. However, you may not find that to be true if you’re still sharing a Costco card with someone else.

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

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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.Dana George has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.