Costco isn’t just a store — it’s a secret world for deal hunters.
You walk in for milk and paper towels, and somehow walk out with a kayak, 6 pounds of almonds, and a giant teddy bear.
But here’s the truth: most Costco shoppers miss the best deals entirely.
That’s because Costco has a few hidden rules, codes, and timing tricks that regular shoppers never notice — but insiders swear by.
We’ve collected the 10 weirdest, most surprising Costco hacks that can save you real money and help you shop smarter every single time.
1. 🧾 Prices Ending in .97 Are Secret Markdowns
Look closely at the price tags next time you’re in Costco.
If an item’s price ends in .97, that’s a hidden clue — it means it’s been marked down by a store manager.
Costco doesn’t announce these discounts publicly. They’re not in the coupon books or on the app.
They’re quiet clearance deals, often up to 50% off the regular price.
🟢 Pro tip: If you see .97, grab it. It likely won’t be restocked, and the discount is real.
2. 🌟 The “Asterisk Code” Means It’s Disappearing Forever
Every Costco price tag has secrets, and the biggest one is the little asterisk (*) in the top right corner.
That small star means the product is discontinued or won’t be restocked.
Once it’s gone, it’s gone — even employees won’t be able to order it again.
So if you find a favorite snack, shirt, or tech gadget with that tiny star, buy it in bulk or you might never see it again.
3. 💊 No Membership? You Can Still Use the Pharmacy and Eye Center
Here’s a shocker: You don’t need a Costco membership to use certain services.
Anyone — member or not — can use the pharmacy, eye exam, or hearing aid center.
And the prices are often lower than chain pharmacies even with insurance.
So, if you want to save on prescriptions, Costco can help — no card required.
4. 🥶 The “Back Wall Rule” for Big Savings
Have you noticed how the best deals are always in the back of the store? That’s not by accident.
Costco’s layout is designed to make you walk past impulse buys first — TVs, clothes, snacks — before you reach the essentials.
The back wall is where you’ll find fresh meat, seafood, and produce — often at wholesale prices far below grocery stores.
🟢 Tip: Go straight to the back when you enter. You’ll find the real value items before you get distracted.
5. 💡 Watch for .49 or .79 — They’re Secret Vendor Deals
While .97 means a clearance, prices ending in .49 or .79 signal special deals negotiated directly with suppliers.
These are limited-time offers that usually vanish after a few weeks.
Think of them as “temporary insider discounts” — great for stocking up on seasonal products or high-end brands.
6. 🧴 Bring a Reusable Container for Samples (Yes, People Actually Do This)
Costco samples are legendary — but here’s something even veteran shoppers don’t know.
Some experienced members bring small reusable cups or containers to collect leftover sauces, snacks, or dips from the sample stations.
It sounds weird, but it’s a zero-waste hack that helps you taste everything and even take a bit home.
🟢 Fun fact: Costco staff don’t mind as long as you’re polite and not taking too much.
7. 📅 Best Time to Shop: Tuesday or Wednesday Morning
If you’ve ever been stuck in a weekend crowd at Costco, you know it’s chaos.
The best time to shop? Tuesday or Wednesday morning.
That’s when the store is freshly stocked after the weekend rush, and the aisles are quiet.
You’ll get first pick on new inventory — especially electronics, bakery items, and produce.
8. 🛍️ Split Your Membership the Smart Way
Costco memberships include two cards per household — one primary and one free household card.
If you live with a friend, partner, or relative, you can split the cost legally.
🟢 Example:
A $60 annual membership becomes $30 each if you share.
It’s a simple, budget-friendly trick most people overlook.
9. ⛽ Gas Up Before You Shop
Costco gas stations are one of the chain’s best-kept secrets.
Members often save 10–30 cents per gallon compared to nearby gas stations — which can add up to hundreds per year if you drive often.
🟢 Tip: Go early in the morning before the main store opens to avoid long gas lines.
10. 🎁 Use the Gift Card Trick to Shop Without a Membership
Here’s a loophole: you can buy Costco Shop Cards (gift cards) online without having a membership — and use them in-store or online.
That means you can shop at Costco prices without paying for a membership.
Perfect for testing out the store before committing to the annual fee.
🏖️ Bonus Hack: Costco Travel Can Beat Expedia
Few members realize Costco runs its own travel agency — and it’s incredible.
You can find bundle deals on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacations that sometimes beat Expedia, Priceline, or Booking.com.
Plus, if you pay with your Costco credit card, you get additional cash back and travel protections.
🟢 Example:
A five-night all-inclusive Cancun package was recently $400 cheaper through Costco Travel compared to public booking sites.
💰 Bonus Tip #2: Return Policy Magic
Costco’s return policy is famously generous — and a little weird.
You can return almost anything at any time, even years later.
Electronics have a 90-day limit, but for most items — food, clothes, or even a mattress — Costco often says yes to a refund.
Just don’t abuse it, or you might get flagged in their system.
🍕 Bonus Tip #3: The Food Court Secret Menu
Costco’s food court is already legendary, but insiders know there’s more.
Some locations let you ask for “half and half” pizzas, secret menu combos, or even extra toppings on your hot dogs at no extra cost.
And yes, the $1.50 hot dog-and-drink combo hasn’t changed since 1985 — and Costco’s CEO says it never will.
Final Thoughts: The Real Costco Secret
The truth is, Costco is designed to hide its best deals behind the ordinary ones.
The people who take a few extra minutes to learn the secret codes, timing tricks, and membership loopholes are the ones saving the most money.
Next time you’re in the warehouse, keep your eyes open — and remember these weird little hacks.
Because at Costco, every price tag tells a story, and the smartest shoppers know how to read it.