When it comes to shopping at major retailers like Costco, being aware of potential hidden fees can save you both money and frustration. Understanding the fine print and taking proactive steps can help you avoid unnecessary charges that may catch you off guard. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the automatic surcharge at Costco and other fees that shoppers should be mindful of. By following our tips and suggestions, you can navigate the shopping landscape with confidence and ensure a seamless experience.
Some customers have started to find some hidden charges at Costco in certain cases, and some people on Reddit and TikTok have been sharing their experiences to help other shoppers to be aware of those hidden or tricky surcharges. One common scenario where shoppers may unknowingly incur a charge is when they forget to enter their membership number while placing an order online. Why is that? The reason is quite interesting.
The reason Costco is adding some extra charges to customers’ bills
In such instances, Costco may apply a five percent fee to the purchase, as I told you, when you forget to insert your account membership number. However, there’s a straightforward solution to reclaim your money if you’ve recently placed an order. It’s actually easy and the retailer returns the money in most of the cases.
Simply contact Costco’s customer service with your membership number and order details. Once they verify the information, they will promptly process a credit for the surcharge. And that’s it: they will put the amount in your favor for you to use it next time you shop at the supermarket.
Preventive unnecessary surcharges in your Costco bill
In the future, it’s as easy as double-checking your online order when placing it, and confirm that your membership number have been properly introduced, and it’s correctly typed. It is 12 digits and starts with either a one, three, or eight.
If you’re not a member, remember that you could become a Costco shopper by acquiring one of three different memberships: Gold Star, Business, and Executive. The Gold Star membership costs $60 annually and is suitable for individual shoppers. Business membership, priced at $60 per year, caters to small business owners and allows for additional cardholders. The Executive membership, priced at $120 annually, offers 2% cashback rewards on eligible purchases, along with other exclusive benefits. The membership fees enable access to Costco’s warehouse prices, bulk buying options, and a wide range of products, making it a cost-effective choice for both individuals and businesses.
Why does Costco add automatic charges?
Costco adds automatic charges to members’ accounts for their membership fees to generate revenue and offer lower prices on products. The annual membership fees help Costco maintain a sustainable business model while providing value to its customers. The membership model also reinforces loyalty among members and creates a sense of belonging to an exclusive club
Costco members can choose between two membership tiers:
- Everyday Value Gold Star membership: $60 a year
- Executive membership: $120 a year
Both membership tiers come with benefits such as discounts on products, services, and access to the Costco Auto Program, which connects members to local pre-vetted pre-owned-vehicle dealers offering prearranged pricing