The most common mistakes Costco customers make that end up costing them more money on every purchase

If you want to save even more money during your trip to Costco, these are the shopping mistakes you should avoid.

Brendan McDermid

Update: May 18th, 2026 10:39 EDT

Costco is one of the most popular warehouse retail chains in the United States. It has become a top choice for consumers looking to save money by buying products in bulk.

However, there are several common mistakes shoppers often overlook that can keep them from maximizing their savings. Here’s what to watch out for.

Mistakes to avoid at Costco and smart shopping tips

One of the biggest mistakes Costco shoppers make is ignoring Kirkland Signature products. The store’s private-label brand offers dozens of items at lower prices compared to many well-known national brands, often with similar quality.

Another way to save money at Costco is to grab a meal at the food court instead of eating at a restaurant before or after shopping. The chain’s famous hot dog combo remains one of the most affordable meal deals available.

The next tip applies not only to Costco, but to any grocery or retail store. Bringing a shopping list helps prevent impulse purchases and keeps you from walking in for one item and leaving with a receipt totaling hundreds of dollars.

Planning your Costco visit is also important. Try to avoid weekends, which are usually the busiest shopping days. If possible, shop on weekdays and later in the evening when the store is typically less crowded.

Not exploring every aisle can also be a costly mistake. Skipping sections of the store may cause you to miss items on your list or overlook better deals than you would find at other supermarkets.

View this post on Instagram

How much do Costco memberships cost in 2026?

To shop at Costco, customers must have a membership. Costco currently offers three membership tiers in the United States: Gold Star, Business, and Executive.

All Costco members receive access to benefits such as discounted contact lenses, travel packages, and other services. Executive members receive additional savings on select Costco services and Costco Travel packages. Memberships also provide access to discounted gas prices at Costco fuel stations.

Gold Star Membership

The annual Gold Star membership costs $65 per year. It can be used by up to two people over the age of 18 who live at the same address.

Business Membership

The annual Business membership also costs $65. It is designed for business owners who want to purchase products for commercial use, personal use, or resale purposes.

Executive Membership

The Executive membership costs $130 per year and includes two household cards. This tier offers additional savings on Costco services and select Costco Travel packages, along with an annual 2% reward on eligible Costco purchases.

Executive members also receive access to exclusive shopping hours that are not available to Gold Star members.