Yes, a Costco membership can absolutely be worth it just for gas in 2026. Most members save $200 to $400 per year on fuel alone. That easily covers the $65 annual membership fee and puts extra money back in your pocket.
But the real answer depends on how much you drive and how close you live to a Costco gas station. Let’s break down the math.
How Much Can You Save on Costco Gas?
Costco gas prices run 30 to 63 cents cheaper per gallon than Shell, Chevron, and other major brands. In high-price areas like California, savings often exceed 50 cents per gallon.
Here’s what that looks like in real dollars. If you save 40 cents per gallon and fill a 15-gallon tank once a week, you’d save about $312 per year. That’s nearly 5 times the cost of a basic membership. Check today’s Costco gas prices to see current savings in your area.
Membership Cost Breakdown
Costco offers two membership levels in 2026:
Gold Star Membership ($65/year) — Gives you access to all Costco gas stations and warehouse shopping. This is all most people need for fuel savings.
Executive Membership ($130/year) — Includes everything above plus 2% cash back on Costco purchases, including gas. If you spend $3,250 or more at Costco yearly, this upgrade pays for itself.
Stack Your Savings with the Costco Visa Card
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card earns 4% cash back on gas at Costco stations (up to $7,000 per year). On $4 per gallon gas, that’s an extra 16 cents back per gallon on top of the already low prices.
Combined savings example: 40 cents cheaper per gallon + 16 cents cash back = 56 cents total savings per gallon. Learn more about Costco gas discounts and how to maximize them.
Simple Break-Even Calculator
To figure out if membership pays off for you, use this quick formula:
$65 ÷ your savings per gallon = gallons needed to break even
At 40 cents savings per gallon, you need to buy about 163 gallons yearly to break even. That’s roughly 11 fill-ups for a typical car. Most drivers hit this within 3-4 months.
Things to Consider
Location matters. If the nearest Costco gas station is far from your regular routes, the time and extra driving may eat into your savings. Use our Costco gas station locator to find stations near you.
Wait times vary. Peak hours on weekends can mean 15-30 minute lines. But early mornings (6-7 AM) and weekday evenings often have little to no wait. Find the least busy times at your local station.
Membership is required. You must have a valid Costco membership or Costco Shop Card to buy gas. No exceptions.
The Bottom Line
For most drivers, a Costco membership is worth it for gas alone. The fuel savings typically cover the membership cost within a few months. Everything else you save after that is pure profit.
If you drive regularly and live near a Costco, the math works in your favor. Track how much Costco gas costs at 600+ locations to calculate your potential savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper is Costco gas than other stations?
Costco gas is typically 30 to 63 cents cheaper per gallon than nearby competitors.
How many gallons do I need to buy to break even on membership?
About 163 gallons per year at 40 cents savings per gallon. Most drivers reach this in 3-4 months.
Is Costco gas good quality?
Yes. Costco gas is TOP TIER certified, meeting the same quality standards as Shell, Chevron, and other premium brands.
Can I buy Costco gas without a membership?
No. A valid Costco membership or Costco Shop Card is required at all fuel stations.
What credit cards work at Costco gas stations?
Costco gas stations accept Visa credit cards, most debit cards, and Costco Shop Cards. The Costco Visa earns 4% cash back on fuel.
