Quick Answer: Yes, Costco gas is members-only. You need a valid Gold Star ($65/year) or Executive ($130/year) membership to purchase fuel at Costco gas stations. Exception: Non-members can use Costco Shop Cards (gift cards) to buy gas without a membership. This members-only policy helps Costco maintain competitive pricing that averages 53 cents below competitors. In 2024, Costco sold $30 billion worth of gas, proving members value this exclusive benefit.
Why Costco Gas Is Members-Only
Costco operates on a membership-based business model that extends to all services, including fuel. This strategy allows them to offer significantly lower gas prices than traditional stations while maintaining TOP TIER™ quality standards.
The Membership Advantage:
By limiting gas purchases to members, Costco creates value that justifies the annual membership fee. The company doesn’t rely on fuel profits alone—membership fees account for approximately 75% of Costco’s profits. This model lets them price gasoline aggressively while still maintaining profitability.
Exclusive Access Benefits:
Members enjoy more than just lower prices. The members-only policy reduces crowding at pumps, maintains service quality, and ensures faster fueling during extended operating hours. With 914 Costco warehouses worldwide offering gas, members have convenient access nationwide.
Costco Membership Types and Gas Access
Understanding which membership gives you gas access helps you choose the right level for your needs. Both membership tiers provide full fuel access with different additional benefits.
Gold Star Membership ($65/year):
- Full access to all Costco gas stations
- Purchase regular, premium, and diesel fuel (where available)
- Standard warehouse shopping privileges
- Two membership cards per household
- Digital membership card via mobile app
The Gold Star membership represents the most affordable entry point to Costco gas savings. For frequent drivers, the annual fee pays for itself within weeks through fuel savings alone.
Executive Membership ($130/year):
- All Gold Star benefits included
- 2% annual reward on qualified Costco purchases (including gas)
- Early warehouse access: 9am entry (vs 10am for Gold Star)
- $10 monthly grocery credit for $150+ orders
- Additional exclusive member perks and offers
Executive members account for 74.2% of Costco’s net sales despite representing about half of total members. The 2% cashback on gas purchases adds significant value—on $4/gallon gas, you earn 8 cents per gallon back, boosting total savings beyond the already-low pump price.
How to Access Costco Gas Stations
Accessing Costco gas stations requires proper identification and payment methods. Understanding the process ensures smooth transactions every time.
Step-by-Step Access Process:
- Pull up to any available pump – Extra-long hoses reach either side of your vehicle
- Insert your membership card – Physical or digital membership card from the app
- Select your payment method – Visa cards, PIN debit, or Shop Cards accepted
- Choose fuel grade – Regular (87 octane), Premium (91-93 octane), or diesel
- Begin fueling – Self-service at all locations
Digital Membership Cards:
You can use your digital membership card from the Costco mobile app at gas pumps. Simply scan the barcode from your phone—no physical card needed. This convenience matches modern shopping expectations while maintaining security.
Extended Hours: A Major Membership Benefit (2025)
Costco significantly improved gas station access in early 2025 by extending operating hours. This enhancement demonstrates their commitment to member convenience and value.
Current Extended Hours (2025):
- Monday-Friday: 6:00am – 10:00pm (16-hour window)
- Saturday: 6:00am – 8:30pm (14.5-hour window)
- Sunday: 6:00am – 7:30pm (13.5-hour window)
Impact on Members:
The extended hours led to record-breaking results. CEO Ron Vachris reported two all-time highest gallon sales weeks in April 2025 following the schedule expansion. Members now fuel up before dawn or late evening without rushing, significantly improving the membership experience.
Check specific hours at your location since some regional variations exist, particularly in California and Hawaii.
Non-Member Access: The Shop Card Exception
While Costco gas is primarily members-only, one official workaround exists for non-members: Costco Shop Cards.
How Shop Cards Work:
Costco Shop Cards function as prepaid gift cards that work at gas pumps and inside warehouses. A Costco member must purchase and load the card, but once loaded, anyone can use it—membership not required.
Shop Card Details:
- Available in denominations from $25 to $2,000
- Work at all Costco gas stations nationwide
- Can be reloaded by members multiple times
- No expiration date or dormancy fees
- Function like cash at the pump
Practical Use Case:
Members often give Shop Cards to family members, college students, or employees who don’t have personal memberships. This allows non-members to benefit from Costco’s lower gas prices without paying for membership themselves.
What Happens If Your Membership Expires
Membership expiration affects your gas station access immediately. Understanding the grace period and renewal process prevents inconvenient pump rejections.
Expired Membership Policy:
Once your membership expires, you cannot purchase gas at Costco stations. The pump system validates membership status in real-time—expired cards get rejected instantly.
Renewal Options:
- Online renewal: Instant reactivation through Costco.com
- In-warehouse renewal: Visit membership desk before fueling
- Phone renewal: Call Costco membership services
- Auto-renewal: Set up automatic annual renewal to avoid lapses
Grace Period:
Costco typically offers a brief grace period (usually 2-3 months) during which you receive renewal reminders. However, pump access stops on your exact expiration date. Renewing promptly ensures uninterrupted gas access.
Payment Methods at Costco Gas Stations
Understanding accepted payment methods prevents delays at the pump. Costco maintains specific payment policies for efficiency and security.
Accepted Payment Options:
- Visa credit cards – All Visa-branded cards work
- Costco Anywhere Visa Card – Earns 4% cashback on gas
- PIN debit cards – Most major banks accepted
- Costco Shop Cards – Prepaid cards for members and non-members
- Mobile payments – Apple Pay and Google Pay (must link to Visa)
NOT Accepted:
- Cash (pumps are card-only)
- Mastercard credit cards
- American Express
- Discover cards
- Checks
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card provides maximum value with 4% cashback on gas purchases (up to $7,000 annually, then 1%). On $4/gallon gas, this adds 16 cents per gallon savings on top of Costco’s already-low prices.
The Value Proposition: Is Membership Worth It for Gas?
Many people question whether a Costco membership pays for itself through gas savings alone. The math proves compelling for regular drivers.
Break-Even Analysis (Gold Star $65):
Assuming 50 cents/gallon average savings:
- Monthly fuel: 50 gallons (typical driver)
- Monthly savings: 50 × $0.50 = $25
- Annual savings: $25 × 12 = $300
- Minus membership: $300 – $65 = $235 net savings
The membership pays for itself in just 2.6 months. The remaining 9+ months represent pure savings. For households with multiple vehicles, savings multiply accordingly.
2024 Sales Volume:
Costco sold $30 billion worth of gas in 2024—a staggering figure proving members heavily utilize this benefit. This volume helps Costco maintain competitive pricing through economies of scale.
Costco Gas Quality Standards
Members receive more than just low prices—they get premium quality fuel that meets or exceeds industry standards.
TOP TIER™ Certification:
All Kirkland Signature gasoline meets TOP TIER™ performance standards. This certification means Costco fuel contains deposit control additives that exceed EPA minimum requirements.
Quality Benefits:
- Engine cleanliness – Prevents harmful deposit buildup
- Better fuel economy – Clean engines run more efficiently
- Reduced emissions – Cleaner combustion lowers pollutants
- Enhanced performance – Maintains manufacturer specifications
- Longer engine life – Reduced wear from deposits
Source and Supply:
Costco purchases fuel from major refineries and distributors in each region. Despite lower prices, the gas comes from the same sources supplying premium-branded stations. Costco adds deposit control additives on-site, maintaining quality while controlling costs.
Station Design and Member Experience
Costco gas stations feature member-focused design elements that improve convenience and efficiency.
Station Features:
- Extra-long hoses – Reach either side of your vehicle easily
- Wide lanes – Accommodate all vehicle sizes including trucks and RVs
- One-way traffic flow – Reduces confusion and improves safety
- Multiple pumps – Most stations offer 16-24 fueling positions
- Self-service operation – Fast, efficient fueling process
- Certified attendants – Always available for assistance
Peak vs Off-Peak Times:
Members report shortest waits during early mornings (6am-8am) and late evenings (8pm-10pm). Weekend mid-mornings typically see the longest lines. Check our real-time tracker before visiting to plan around busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costco gas for members only?
Yes, Costco gas stations require a valid membership. Only Costco members can purchase fuel, with the exception of using Costco Shop Cards (gift cards), which allow non-members to access pumps.
Can I get Costco gas with a basic Gold Star membership?
Yes. Gold Star membership provides full gas station access at all Costco locations. You don’t need Executive membership to buy fuel—both tiers offer complete fueling privileges.
What happens if my Costco membership expires?
Your gas station access stops immediately when membership expires. The pump validates membership status in real-time. Renew online, in-warehouse, or by phone to restore access.
Can I use my phone instead of a physical membership card?
Yes. Digital membership cards work at gas pumps. Download the Costco app and scan your digital card barcode at the pump—no physical card needed.
Can I buy Costco gas without my physical membership card?
Yes, if you have the Costco mobile app. Your digital membership card works identically to the physical version. Alternatively, use a Costco Shop Card which doesn’t require any membership card.
Can non-members buy gas at Costco?
Non-members can only purchase gas using Costco Shop Cards (gift cards purchased by members). Otherwise, membership is strictly required to access Costco fuel stations.
Is Executive membership worth it just for gas?
For high-volume drivers, yes. The 2% cashback on gas purchases can offset the $65 membership upgrade cost. If you spend $3,250+ annually on Costco gas, the Executive membership pays for itself through fuel rewards alone.
How much does Costco membership cost in 2025?
Gold Star membership costs $65/year and Executive membership costs $130/year as of 2025. Both provide full gas station access with Executive adding 2% cashback rewards.
Ready to start saving on gas? Check current Costco gas prices at 600+ locations with our real-time tracker. Find diesel stations if you drive a diesel vehicle. Browse our complete Costco guides for more membership tips and fuel-saving strategies.
