Costco has a ton of great perks that can make warehouse membership well worth it. You probably already know about some of these benefits, like bargain prices on grocery items, free samples, and delicious food court treats that are easy on your bank account.

But, the warehouse club also offers some surprising benefits many people don’t know about or take full advantage of. To make sure you’re getting the most value from your membership, check out these four unexpected perks.

1. You can score discounts at other retailers

A Costco membership can help you save on things you buy at other places. That’s because you can often buy discounted gift cards. For example, it’s possible to buy a $500 Southwest gift card for $449.99 as of the end of December 2023. Or you could purchase $100 worth of Domino’s Pizza gift cards for $79.99.

These are just a few of many examples. It’s well worth checking out Costco’s selection of gift cards, both online and in store, regularly to see if any of them are for retailers or restaurants where you tend to shop or eat. If they are, the savings you get at these other retailers could more than justify the cost of Costco’s $60 annual basic membership fee.

2. Your car may last longer

I’m not going to pretend I know anything about cars or gasoline or gas additives. But, I do know that Costco’s Kirkland Signature Gas is a higher quality than the products sold by many competitors.

Specifically, Costco gas is TOP TIER™, which many auto manufacturers recommend. It also contains additives that Costco says have been lab-tested and proven to keep engines cleaner and performing well.

This means that not only can you get great prices on gas at the warehouse club, often saving about $0.20 per gallon, but you could also get better performance from your car and an engine that lasts longer. Since cars are so expensive these days, the unexpected benefit of better fuel could more than justify the cost of a Costco membership by itself.

3. Products are protected with extended warranties

When you buy products, you typically expect them to be covered only by the manufacturer’s warranty. But, if you’ve purchased them at Costco, you may get even more protection.

Specifically, Costco will extend the manufacturer’s warranty for up to two years from the date you bought an item or had it delivered to you. Eligible items include:

• Computers
• Televisions
• Protectors
• Major appliances

If Costco’s extended warranty helps cover your repair bills or even replace an appliance that’s stopped working soon after you bought it, this can really help keep your credit card bills down.

4. Free technical support is on offer

Finally, Costco offers free technical support through Costco Concierge Service for eligible products, including certain electronics and appliances. There’s no separate sign-up required to take advantage of the technical support and you can just call 1-866-861-0450 for assistance (be ready to provide your member number and the product details).

These are all perks that you might not expect when you join Costco, but that can end up saving you a lot of money over time. Be sure to take advantage of them to make the most of your membership.

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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.Christy Bieber 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.