amex travel vs costco travel

Costco Travel: What You Need to Know to Save Money

Costco Travel makes planning a vacation easy, but does it really save you money? See how it compares against other top travel sites.

• Why Costco Travel is a Good Deal
• Car Rentals

Let's face it. Traveling is expensive and planning is a hassle.

If you are anything like us, you look high and low for travel deals . And if you are a Costco member, your hunt could be over.

Yes, the same warehouse where you shop for granola bars and toilet paper in bulk offers travel discounts. The idea is that you would save money by bundling together things like flights, hotel, car rentals, and even dining and activities.

Discounts combined with high-quality Costco service, is it the recipe for a fabulous vacation?

And does it really save you money?

In our review of Costco Travel, we will tell you what you can expect from their travel agency. Let's find out just how good the deals are.

Bonus : Costco Travel is a great way to save money. But did you know, you can travel for cheap with miles and points? Join our FREE travel course to learn how to travel the world with points.

Free Self-Paced Course: How to Travel the World with Points

What is Costco Travel

Exclusive to Costco members, Costco Travel offers convenient vacation package deals to popular destinations around the world . Many even including dining, activities, and resort credit. Costco is able to offer such good discounts because they use their immense buying power to score deals with hotels, theme parks, cruises, etc.

Note : Costco Travel is different from other online travel agencies (such as Orbitz or Expedia). It does not offer individual flight bookings or a night at a specific hotel. It's all done as part of a vacation package. Airfare can be added to almost all vacation packages and cruises. But you can choose to book your own independently too if you want.

Here's what you can get with Costco Travel:

Did you know : The top 5 international destinations visited by Americans are (in order): Mexico, Canada, UK, Dominican Republic, and France.

All pricing for their packages are upfront with all taxes included. So there are no surprise charges when you're ready to pay.

All Costco Travel employees are trained travel professionals. So you get the expertise of both a well-known price negotiator with a well-versed travel agent. They're available to help you plan the trip the way you want.

How Costco Travel get their deals : We all love shopping at Costco because you pay less when you buy in bulk. The same concept applies. Costco has huge buying power and is able to score discounted rates when they buy hotel rooms, cruises, theme park tickets, etc. in bulk (basically, they get a discounted group rate). The savings are then passed on to their members.

How to Get Better Deals with Costco Travel

Before we start, here are some more tips on how to use Costco Travel to get the best deals. Feel free to click to jump to the sections.

Can you purchase Costco Travel for someone who is not a Costco member? Yes. If you're a member, you can book a trip for a non-member with your membership. Or, if you're not a member but has a friend who is, you can use their membership to book a trip and pay with your own credit card.

Costco Membership Options

Before we dive into the specifics, keep in mind that you must be a Costco member.

However, you can see the packages and prices as a non-member. So you can browse and if you decide the membership is worth the savings, you can then join and book your trip.

Tip : Costco will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied. All the more reason to try out Costco for yourself.

There are three membership levels:

You can even gift someone you know with an annual membership by buying it online on Costco's website. This could be the perfect present for a friend or family member who likes to travel a few times a year or more.

Note: As an Executive Member, you get 2% cash back on all purchases. Select Costco Travel purchases including vacation packages, cruises, rental cars and theme park and specialty vacations are eligible for the 2% reward. It is also important to know that Executive Member benefits are extended to the primary cardholder only.

Did you know : If you have a business and are planning to use your Costco Card strictly for business expenses, it might be possible to deduct the cost for membership on your taxes.

Now, let's get into the different offerings and see what you can stand to save.

Is a Costco membership worth it? This depends on what you buy, but there are a few areas Costco excels over other retailers.

If you buy gas, wine, gift cards, organic products, pet food, and over-the-counter meds, then Costco could save you some serious cash, even with the $60 membership fee.

Vacation Packages

Planning a vacation is often stressful. Costco's vacation packages make it easy by bundling everything together. You don't have to go to different websites and book things individually. It's as close to "1-click and you're done" as you can get.

Vacation packages include flights (optional), hotel stays, transportation (transfers or rental car), and activities. Some vacation packages include specific activities, but most will offer a tour credit.

You can plan a vacation package to the Caribbean , Cook Islands , Costa Rica , Europe , Fiji , Florida , Hawaii , Las Vegas , Mexico and Tahiti - in addition to the theme parks (more on that below).

Tip : Some vacations, such as Disney World packages, do not directly include the airport transfers. However, in this case, Costco provides discount coupons. They send it directly to your email. You then purchase the transfers directly with the transfer company. You still get the Costco discount, but you don't purchase it through Costco. I love how Costco thinks of everything, covering all of the bases for any vacation package.

Included perks: One good thing about Costco Travel is their "Included Extras." Essentially, they are bonuses. The type of bonus differs by vacation type and package. Extras you might see include:

And if you're an Executive member, you may get extra benefits on top. Such as a resort credit per day, food and beverage credit, or even Costco cash cards. Try finding those amazing perks elsewhere without wasting countless hours checking every travel site that exists.

It is also possible to get a great deal on a vacation package at Starwood Hotels and Hard Rock Hotels .

Costco Vacations: Price Comparisons

But now, let's take a look if you save more by booking through Costco. At the same time, let's go over how to book on Costco Travel.

Example vacation package: 4 nights in Cancun, Mexico from November 13-17. Departing from Los Angeles (LAX). Two adults.

Then it will come out with a list of properties for you to choose from. You can also see at a glance what kind of extras are included in each property. For the sake of this review, let's choose the first one (the least priciest).

I had also indicated that I wanted to include flights. After you have chosen the property, you will next choose the flight. Here is the included flight that they selected for me:

You can either select this and hit "Continue", or if you don't like this option, there are 149 other flight options to choose from. But they are all pricier.

So after you have selected a flight, next you select the room.

You can see that the Luxury Garden-View Suite is included in the package. If you would like a higher room category or suite, it will cost extra.

Before proceeding to the airport transfer options, a pop up alert comes up:

Costco Travel makes it impossible to miss this important advisory! If you are OK with the terms, click "I Understand" to continue.

If this package comes with airport transfer, it will come up on the next page:

Note you will be transported in a shared vehicle with other travelers each way. If you prefer a private transfer or in a wheelchair accessible van, simply modify your selection accordingly. Note the price will be higher.

And that's it. The last thing to do is go over the booking recap and confirm. So for this sample vacation package, the total is $1,354.26 for 2 people for 4 nights in Cancun, including nonstop round-trip airfare .

Before hitting the "Purchase" button, make sure to check the cancellation policy by clicking "what if I need to cancel". In this case, if you cancel before November 9th, 70% of the total trip amount is refundable.

Click on the Promotion and Included Extras' details under the Hotels section to review on your end and check if there are any additional taxes collected by the hotel upon checkout.

All clickable links in blue on the booking recap page share important details pertaining to your trip. They are there for a reason... so click and read everything!

How much does it cost if we book it ourselves? Let's see:

Total: $1,493

Costco Travel comes out a little cheaper. And also, remember that this package has a $80 resort credit and breakfast.

Let's compare with a couple of other popular online travel agents. Same dates, same hotel.

In general, we find that Costco Vacation Packages tend to be a decent deal. In most cases, it does save you a bit of money. The extras they provide makes for even better value. Plus, the lack of hassle with booking things separately yourself could be worth a lot to some people. And you also have the full support of Costco travel agents to help plan the trip.

Did you know : The average airfare per traveler for an international trip was $1,237 , and the average spending while overseas per travelers was $1,487

Buyer's Choice

I love booking travel on the Internet because of the access to reviews. Reading honest opinions from others often helps travelers make choices.

Costco's "Buyer's Choice" packages are top picks chosen by previous other buyers for the outstanding value and selection. Buyers rate the packages based on the special touches received throughout the vacation. These are outside of the standard Costco savings.

Take, for example, a 5-night vacation package to Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort (from $800/person). It includes more than the hotel and rental car (flight not included in base price). Costco members also receive:

Just note that the Buyer's Choice prices you see won't include airfare. If you choose to include one, of course the price could go way up.

Weekly Hot Deals

Costco's Weekly Hot Deals offer even more savings than their regular packages. You have a limited time to book the deals, but travel is often good for a while. Featured deals change every week, so feel free to bookmark the link and check the updated page from time to time.

For example, a limited-time package to Cancun is good for travel dates through December 23, 2017. In this particular package, you receive a resort credit based on your length of stay. You get a $500 resort credit for a 3-night stay, and all the way up to $2,500 credit for 12 nights or more. The credit is good towards spa service, excursions, dining, or the golf course. And on top of that, you get a Costco Cash Card.

$499 and Under

Costco Travel offers amazing vacation packages and cruises for $499 and under per person. If you are on a tight budget and have someone to travel with, these deals are too good to pass up. Most offers include a special perk such as a resort or shipboard credit, Costco Cash Card, or huge savings that can't be found elsewhere. Limited dates apply, especially for cruise sailings, so act fast before the particular deal sells out.

Believe it or not, there is a deal available for a 4-night stay at a four-star beachfront resort in Riviera Nayarit, near Cancun, Mexico, starting at $269 per person (based on double occupancy). Travel must take place between August 13, 2017 to December 20, 2017. In addition to accommodation, the package includes round-trip transportation to / from the hotel and all taxes and fees. Airfare is at an additional cost. In this particular package, you receive a $100 resort credit per room, per stay, 4 nights or more. If you book a 1-bedroom suite or higher, you are entitled to receive a $150-$250 resort credit per room, per stay, 4 nights or more.

When using example travel dates, October 4-8, 2017, the total cost for the 4-night stay for 2 people is $532.19 on Costco Travel.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Nothing beats the convenience of an all-inclusive getaway.

Costco can be your go-to provider for your next all-inclusive vacation or cruise. Right now there is a special deal for a 4-night stay at Occidental Nuevo Vallarta in Nayarit, Mexico from $359 per person and includes all meals, kid's club, daily activities and nightly entertainment, airport transfers, and hotel taxes and gratuities. Travel must take place between 8/13/17 - 10/31/17.

Includes Extras For Executive Members

If you are an Executive Member, keep an eye out for the black Executive Membership card, which indicates a special benefit.

Here is an example:

Theme Park Packages

Costco offers vacation packages to Disney World , Disneyland , Universal Orlando and Lion World . Costco makes it easy to book the flights, hotel, and theme park tickets all as a package. We all know how stressful it is when you're trying to do it all separately for your family.

Pricing wise, let's see how it compares:

Example Disney World package: 6-night stay at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace from August 2-8; 5-day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper option; transport to the theme parks. 2 adults and 2 children.

The total Costco Travel price is $2,451.57 for a family of 4 for 6 nights and 5 days of park tickets. (Note that to keep this simple, we didn't include flights.)

Let's see what it would cost if you were to book it yourself:

Total: $2,638. And this doesn't even include transport from the hotel to the parks daily.

You can really stand to save a few hundred bucks with Costco Travel's theme park packages. In about all cases we've checked, Costco comes out cheaper. And the extra benefits it offers makes the value even better. Plus, it makes it a lot more stress free to plan your family vacation.

Did you know : Domestically, the 5 most visited cities by Americans are (in order): Las Vegas, New York City, Orlando, San Diego, and Los Angeles

Guided Vacations

Costco also offers incredible options for travelers wishing to take a Guided Vacation (i.e. in a group with an expert guide).

Affordable Cruises

Booking a cruise is even less complicated.

Everything comes with the package. You just need to choose stateroom type, deck number, room location, and bed configuration. If you shop cruise prices between various travel agents and Costco, you may find similar prices. Cruise lines typically restrict the discounts they allow on the cruises.

Costco Travel offers cruises with almost all major cruise lines including: Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Uniworld and Viking. Costco does not sell small or boutique cruise lines such as Oceania, Silversea and Windstar.

Currently, you can plan a cruise with Costco to the following destinations:

Cruises to Baja Mexico , the Bahamas , and the Rhine River are the most popular. There are even transatlantic cruises for those not keen on flying.

Costco also makes it easy to find cruises from your preferred departure port including: Seattle, Vancouver, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Galveston, Los Angeles, New York and San Diego.

Did you know : The most popular destinations for cruises for North Americans are: the Carribeans, Bahamas, and Alaska. Just 4 cruise firms - Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norweigian, and Disney - account for almost all cruises taken. And 3 departure ports - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral - account for over 50% of departure points.

Let's look at one example:

Example cruise package: 11-night Caribbean cruise on Celebrity Cruises. Departing from Miami on September 25, 2017. Inside stateroom for two adults. Prices also reflect a slight discount for being a California resident.

Costco's prices come out on par with other cruise sites. Where Costco could stand out, however, are the extras they provide. They offer onboard credits and/or Costco Cash Cards on almost every cruise. If you wind up not using the entire onboard credit amount, you can get a refund on your credit card by going to the cruise ship's reception desk and making the request. Note that the Costco Cash Cards tend to come in the mail after completion of your cruise and can be used at Costco's warehouses or online. Don't forget to figure these bonuses into your comparisons if you shop around.

You can also add an airline ticket. Do some comparison to see if Costco's airline prices are lower than purchasing them elsewhere.

Kirkland Signature Options

Costco also offers Kirkland Signature vacation and cruise options you will not find anywhere else. With these options, you usually receive a Costco Cash Card as well as other exclusive benefits. For example, on a Winery Cruise from Sydney, Costco offers:

Add to this the included beverage package and you receive many benefits you would not receive elsewhere.

Shore Excursions : Already booked your cruise? Why not make it extra special by pre-booking a shore excursion. Costco Travel makes it easy to find excursions beyond the typical activities offered through the cruise line. Whether you want to book an excursion for one port or all ports, Costco Travel makes it easy.

Costco Car Rental

Costco finds pricing from Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. And as an added bonus, you get one additional driver for free (which usually costs about $13/day).

Besides the additional driver, Costco may also give you extras like coupon savings and possible upgrades (especially with Enterprise). Also, there are no cancellation fees, which is great if you happen to find a better deal elsewhere.

Watch out : Costco car rental does not include any kind of insurance coverage. If you do book through them, make sure you use a credit card that gives you primary car rental coverage . This means that even without the agency's optional insurance, you can still be covered for the damage, theft, or loss of eligible vehicle rentals.

Let's see if you stand to save with Costco Car Rentals. For the scenarios, we have picked the cheapest pricing and did not select any insurance coverage.

Example car rental #1: A 7-day car rental in Los Angeles; pick up and drop off near LAX

Example car rental #2: A 5-day car rental in Miami; pick up and drop off near MIA

Surprisingly, Costco's rates are the highest. Kayak is the clear winner when it comes to car rentals. Costco doesn't search for as many rental companies as other online travel agencies, so often, the pricing is not the best.

But if you do need an additional driver, then Costco's car rental is worth considering since it won't cost extra.

Discounted Hotel Rates

For the time being, Costco is not accepting new room-only reservations at this time. Stay tuned for their new hotel program coming soon!

Costco is partnered with Hyatt and Best Western. Members receive 10% off (or more) at these hotels. Let's see if this is true:

We are looking at the Andaz Wall Street in NYC (part of Hyatt), for the night of Friday Sept 8, 2017. The cost is $275 for Costco members, while Advanced Purchase is $290. It seems like that Costco members do save a few bucks.

However, at the same time, the AAA discount rate is the same as the Costco rate.

This is also true for Best Western. And sometimes, Costco pricing isn't even the lowest.

As a whole, the hotel partners don't save you too much money, especially if you already have AAA. It's worth looking at just for comparison shopping, but this isn't where you'll find most value.

Notification of Issues

Costco has the reputation of providing quality in everything they offer. They stay apprised of all issues occurring at the hotels and other amenities they offer. If they know of any inconvenience, such as hotel maintenance, they provide a pop-up during the booking process. By clicking "I understand," you acknowledge the slight inconvenience you may experience. If the issue is serious, Costco may even change your reservations for you. You can expect even better accommodations or benefits in cases like this.

Before Using Costco Travel To Book Your Next Getaway

Why we choose costco travel.

Overall, Costco Travel offers good benefits especially in the cruise and vacation packages department. Even in cases where I could find the cost of the vacation slightly lower, I choose Costco Travel. I love the benefits they offer. I also trust their guarantee.

Booking a vacation to a place I have never gone is nerve wracking. What if I choose a bad hotel or miss an incredible activity? Booking with Costco Travel leaves those worries behind. I feel they leave no stone unturned with their program. They stand behind their quality choices and offer great options. Not to mention transparent upfront pricing with no surprise costs. I always go on my vacations knowing exactly what to expect.

Don't forget about the added bonus of resort perks, Costco Cash cards, and specific member benefits. There is something satisfactory about using a $250 onboard credit on a cruise. I also love receiving a room upgrade that I could not otherwise afford. These perks make Costco Travel worth it for me. And best of all - it's about as stress free as you can get. That fact alone could be priceless to some people.

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ULTIMATE Costco Travel Review [2024]: Who It Is & Isn’t For

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL:DR: After testing Costco Travel, we recommend it if you don’t like planning all of the details of your trip—Costco Travel makes it super simple to purchase a planned vacation package, even though it might not be the cheapest option. Here are the key takeaways from our Costco Travel review:

• Costco Travel offers vacation packages to destinations worldwide, including resorts, cruises, theme parks, and guided tours.
• Pricing can be 20-30% lower compared to other agencies (but you might be able to find cheaper bookings if you enjoy researching travel deals). Executive members get added value like credits and upgrades.
• We had a positive experience booking a Costa Rica package but found extra fees, so make sure that you fully understand what’s included in your package—for example, are meals included in your resort stay?
• You can purchase flights as part of a package, but not on their own. If problems arise with the flight, Costco directs you to the airlines (even if you have trip insurance).
• Cancellations and refunds are available under specific circumstances. Travel insurance provides some protection.

I fell in love with Costco because of their famous $1.50 hotdog and soda combo. But these aren’t the only deals that they have.

When it comes to selling package deals, Costco knows how it’s done. You can’t find better deals than their Kirkland brand products, gas fill-ups, and travel packages!

That’s right; I said travel packages. Costco Travel is a leader in selling vacation packages available only to members.

Costco is different from your ordinary travel search engine. They offer bundles for your favorite theme parks and cruise lines. But is it worth the membership?

Keep reading to determine if the membership is worth springing for.

Table of Contents

What is Costco Travel? 

Costco is a members-only wholesale company that opened its first warehouse in 1983. Their popularity snowballed from there. 

Costco was the first company to reach $3 billion in sales in its first six years. In 2000, they branched out and created Costco Travel . 

The funny thing is that to this day, many people still don’t know Costco also sells travel packages! These packages can include flights, hotels, cruises, cars, and more. 

They work with an individual tour company to sell you the same travel packages as the tour companies but with added benefits.

How Does Costco Travel Work?

You’ll have to become a member to get a Costco Travel package. There are two levels of membership that both allow you to take advantage of these Costco Travel deals. 

The basic “Gold Star” annual membership costs $60. With this level, you’ll be able to receive the unique Costco offers at their warehouses and online. 

The “Executive” membership costs $120. As an executive member, you’ll enjoy all of the benefits of the Gold Star membership and extra perks such as:

• Exclusive deals and benefits on Costco services
• 2% cash back on Costco and Costco Travel purchases

Both membership levels are great deals and help you save money. 

Search for a Travel Package

Start by clicking the travel service you’re looking for on the Costco Travel website. To find a vacation package from there, enter your destination, region, and dates. 

You can adjust the dates in each city for your Costco Travel vacation packages. It’s possible to add flights, but many Costco members book flights separately. 

There’s also no separate search engine for booking flights. You can get a better price and have more control over which flight you take by doing it yourself. 

I suggest creating a Costco Travel account to manage your vacation packages, rental cars, and hotel rooms.

Costco Travel Review: My Experience With Using Costco Travel

Costco Travel Vacation Packages

One of the biggest perks of these travel packages is the convenience of booking your vacation through Costco. I used Costco Travel on one of my recent trips to Costa Rica.

The package I purchased was around $6,000 for two weeks at a resort, which is a reasonable price. 

While searching, you’ll notice that each of the vacation packages provides a list of benefits. 

Some resorts give you breakfast for free and food credits per day. Others won’t include any food at all. Pay close attention–it’s frustrating when you expect everything to be paid, but it’s not.

Costco Travel doesn’t automatically include airport transportation either. When clicking through, you have to choose from multiple transportation options.

Executive members can use their 2% cashback reward on any vacation package. 

Costco Flights

I like to book directly when purchasing a flight. However, Costco Travel airline tickets don’t exist for purchase separately. These flights always come as part of a package.

You can choose from a few options under the packages section that come with a flight: flight + hotel,  flight + hotel + car, and the total vacation package. 

Even if you have trip insurance, that won’t help with flight issues. If a problem arises, they’ll send you to the airline instead. 

Costco Hotels

When booking a hotel room through Costco Travel, you should know a few things.

If you’re looking for a hotel in certain cities, you’ll need a Costco membership to see the total price. 

Some popular cities worldwide aren’t available on Costco Travel, so you’ll only see travel packages without hotels for those cities. 

To book a hotel for New York City, for instance, you’ll have to book the hotel directly. 

Costco Rental Cars

Costco Travel has an easy interface for booking a rental car. However, they show only a select few car rental companies.

When I was looking for car rentals in Italy, I got only four different car rental companies to choose from. Those were Alamo, AVIS, Budget, and Enterprise. 

Car rentals can be expensive, so I suggest comparing prices with other companies before purchasing from Costco Travel. 

Costco Travel Cruises

Costco Travel offers its Costco members the ability to purchase a cruise through their easy-to-use search engine. Most other travel booking sites don’t provide this feature. 

You can choose the destination you want and even a specific cruise line. There are also options to look specifically for Alaskan cruises only.

Depending on how many days you choose for your cruise, several different options will appear. You’ll get the same Costco value when you’ve booked through Costco. 

There will be many reviews for each route, and select cruises are up to 30% off. Below are the different cruise lines you can choose from (not including Alaska cruises):

• Carnival 
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Even with Costco Travel’s alleged 30% savings, the price still seems the same as booking directly. 

Others are getting certain benefits like a Costco gift card and onboard credit. It’s worth booking through Costo Travel if you get these perks.

Other Deals Through Costco Travel

Theme parks & speciality vacations.

If you look further into the Costco site, you’ll find that they offer even more vacation packages. 

These range from Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood resort packages to an African safari. Costco Travel has it all!

These packages aren’t cheap but are some of the most sought-after bucket list trips. You can choose from many adventures if you want a family-friendly experience.

Going on an African safari has been on my list for many years. Costco Travel has full trips planned for you already. It’s absolutely amazing–like having your own travel agent.

These guided vacations might not have lower prices, but having your trip booked through Costco Travel is more straightforward than other travel sites.

Unique Deals

Costco Travel works with other travel agencies to get travel deals for its members. Executive members enjoy extra perks like free upgrades, food/spa credits, and more.

Costco Travel also offers upgraded Kirkland Signature vacations. It’s the same brand you know and love but with travel. Costco Travel offers deals on these trips for up to 20% off. 

Kirkland Signature has featured deals that last only a short time. You can scroll through pre-built vacation packages with set dates.

These deals often offer other perks and services, making Kirkland Signature deals impressive ways to kick back and relax. 

Cash Back on Purchases

As an executive member, you can enjoy up to 2% cash back on purchases through Costco and Costco Travel. 

There’s also a credit card called “Costco Anywhere Visa,” which gives you 3% cash back. Having their credit card is helpful if you know you’ll purchase from Costco Travel often.

Different Payment Options

When using Costco booking, you’ll be happy to hear there’s a flexible payment option. You’ll only have to pay a small percentage (in comparison) upfront. 

If you’re using Costco Travel booking services, you can also choose a payment plan to spread it out. Who doesn’t love a good payment plan?

Membership is Necessary 

To get Costco Travel exclusive deals, you must be a member. 

This downside might not be a big deal to Costco members who pay the membership solely for Costco Wholesale. And, considering what you get from it, the membership cost isn’t that steep. 

The extra price you’ll pay for a travel agent will cost you more. Plus, you don’t get the other services that Costco offers.

Hidden Extra Expenses

When I chose my vacation package to Costa Rica, I noticed that these resorts didn’t always offer free food and beverages. Instead, some gave you “credits.” 

If you don’t read closely, you might think the food and drinks are free (especially given the prices). 

I saw this less often when purchasing my Costco Hawaii package, but you should still keep an eye out.  

Costco Travel Cancellation & Exchange Policy 

Canceling your vacation package is easy. You can get a refund if you cancel within 48 hours of departure. Each scenario is different, though.

Log into your Costco Travel account. Click ‘bookings,’ then ‘upcoming,’ and ‘cancel.’ There, you’ll see your upcoming trip and how much you’re eligible for in return.

Costco Travel insurance can help if any unforeseen circumstances arise. 

FAQs About Costco Travel

Is Costco Travel the same as Costco?

Costco owns Costco Travel, but they are different business sectors. Costco Wholesale is what most people know Costco for, and Costco Travel is strictly for travel. 

Can Costco save you money on flights?

Costco won’t save you money on flights, but you can get many of the same flights as you usually can find on other websites.

Looking for cheap flights? Read our detailed reviews of Hopper , Skiplagged , Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going) , SnapTravel , Dollar Flight Club , and Momondo .

How far in advance should I book Costco Travel?

When booking a travel package through Costco Travel, purchasing it between three and six months in advance is best. 

Do you get two percent back on Costco Travel?

Purchases through Costco Travel are eligible for 2% cashback. This is a massive perk of an executive membership . Members receive up to $1,000 cashback. 

Do you have to be a Costco member to use Costco Travel?

You must be a Costco member to purchase vacation packages through Costco Travel. One of the downsides to Costco Travel is the entry barrier, but it’s worth the cost. 

Conclusion: So, is Costco Travel worth it?

Using Costco Travel discounts is a no-brainer if you’re already a Costco member. At the very least, it’s worth a search to see if they have any deals that you fancy. 

Costco Travel is a good deal for those who love having someone plan everything for them and do it often. 

Spending $6,000 a year on travel pays for the executive membership solely from the cash back. 

Costco Travel isn’t great for budget travelers. It’s also not the best option for you if you don’t like a strict plan when traveling. 

But, even so, there’s still some value in having Costco Travel car rentals. 

A Costco membership alone is so valuable for most people that it’s worth factoring the travel perks into the equation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phillip Anderson

Phillip Anderson is a freelance travel writer, personal trainer, and adventure enthusiast. With years of travel experience under his belt, Phillip is an expert in finding the best deals through travel apps and websites. He knows how to find cheap domestic and international flights, like a flight to Peru for as low as $350.

When looking for cheap accommodations, Phillip combines his knowledge of websites like Airbnb, Booking.com & Hostelworld with more unique sites like TrustedHousesitters, for even more savings. Whether it’s flights, accommodations, or local experiences, he teaches travelers to make informed decisions, ensuring their adventures are both memorable and economical. For more from Phillip, check out his website, JaywalkTheWorld.com.

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Table of Contents

Costs of booking vacation packages

Costs when booking separately, costs when redeeming travel rewards points, if you want to get good deals on vacation packages.

Wanting to travel but not sure where to start? Vacation packages may seem like an appealing option, especially since they can bundle together multiple bookings at once. But are travel packages a good deal?

Let’s take a look at the costs of booking travel packages, how they compare with separate bookings and how much you could save by redeeming rewards points.

There are a lot of moving parts when booking a vacation, especially when it comes to your travel itinerary. Plenty of websites offer the ability to book travel packages, but one of the more popular options is Costco Travel. Costco Travel vacation packages are available exclusively to members, though members can book them for others without the need to travel.

Costco’s travel packages can include flights, cars, hotels, theme park tickets and additional activities.

Here’s an example of a weeklong vacation for two adults to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, including flights, a hotel and theme park tickets:

Your total out-of-pocket cost is $2,113.11, which isn’t bad for a vacation that includes Disney World admission. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll also be on the hook for Costco’s annual membership fee, which starts at $60 per year.

Other options for travel packages include airline websites such as Delta Vacations, American Airlines Vacations and United Vacations. However, not all travel packages are created equal.

Booking vacation packages on airline websites allows you to redeem your miles toward travel.

Here’s the same vacation through the Delta Vacations website, though this package doesn’t include theme park tickets. (Note that the cost listed is per person.)

Since theme park tickets aren’t included, you’ll need to purchase them separately.

In this case, booking through Delta Vacations will cost you a total of $2,463.94 — a full $350 more than the identical package Costco Travel is offering. Those wondering "Is Costco Travel a good deal?" can answer a resounding yes in this scenario.

» Learn more: Costco Travel vacations pack luxury and value

So we’ve seen the difference in price for varying vacation packages, but what about when you book each item separately?

Here’s the same flight featured in those travel packages, which will run you $374.40 for two people.

Note that these tickets are main cabin fares, not basic economy, which means you’ll get seat assignments and standard boarding. Basic economy tickets are cheaper but lack these features, among other restrictions.

A seven-night stay at the Holiday Inn & Suites across from Universal Orlando will cost $993.41.

Finally, you’ll want to add in those Disney World tickets for $1,225.10.

All told, your Orlando vacation would run you $2,592.91, which is more than either travel package offered by Costco Travel or Delta.

As you can see, booking a travel package can save you money — and in some cases the difference is significant — so when does it make sense to book separately? Short answer: when you care about elite status at a travel loyalty program.

Check the rates of all major hotel chains, such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG, to find the best lodging rates before booking.

Frequent travelers will be aware of hotel loyalty programs , which reward repeating guests with amenities such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout. However, these loyalty program member benefits don’t apply to stays booked through third parties, which generally include those within travel packages.

If you have top-tier elite status, you could be missing out on hundreds of dollars' worth of perks by booking through a third party.

» Learn more: A beginner’s guide to hotel elite status

There’s another option for value-seekers looking to save money, and it comes in the form of travel rewards . Points and miles can be redeemed for flights, hotels and even theme park tickets, drastically dropping the cost of your vacation.

In keeping with the above example, here’s the cost of that flight in miles when booked with Delta SkyMiles .

You’ll be paying 24,000 miles round-trip for two passengers, plus $22.40 in taxes and fees.

IHG has dropped its award chart in favor of dynamic pricing, which means you pay variable figures depending on the night. For our example trip, your total would be 121,000 IHG points — though if you're an IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card holder, you could expect to save some points because of the card's Fourth Reward Night Free discount.

And although you can’t use your rewards points to directly purchase Disney tickets, you can take advantage of a card such as the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card to apply your points as a statement credit toward the purchase.

In this case, you’d be redeeming 122,510 points at a rate of 1 cent each to pay for your tickets.

Disney ticket purchases don’t typically code as travel — but there's a way to do so if you book a vacation package from Disney or buy tickets through a site like Undercover Tourist. Cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer a way to use your miles to reimburse yourself for travel purchases, so this is one method to covering the cost of Disney tickets through points.

All in, you can build this Disney vacation for around 267,510 points and $22.40 in taxes and fees. Even better, elite members would be eligible for all the benefits and credits they’d normally receive.

There’s a cost associated with earning rewards points, but travelers can take advantage of credit card welcome offers to earn large lump-sum amounts of points. For this example, acquiring three different credit cards would almost entirely cover the cost of your vacation:

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card : Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card : Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

» Learn more: A beginner’s guide to traveling on points and miles

Planning a vacation can get overwhelming very quickly, which can make travel packages a particularly compelling option. These packages can provide a great deal — and convenience — compared with separate bookings. Even so, those pursuing elite status with their preferred travel loyalty programs should stick with booking directly to get credit for their purchases and access to the perks.

Those looking to save as much money as possible can plan well in advance to get the right credit cards — at least six months ahead of your trip is recommended . Then, you can redeem points and miles for deeply discounted vacations, no matter where you're traveling.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Protect Your Trip »

Costco Travel: How to Save Money When Booking a Vacation

Costco can help you save big on your next getaway, but only if you're a member of the wholesale club.

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Costco Travel offers deals on everything from cruises to rental cars.

Bulk shoppers who buy groceries and household supplies at their local Costco store have access to another savings tool many don't even know about. With Costco Travel , you can secure deep discounts on hotels, airfare, cruises, vacation packages and rental cars. Better yet, you can qualify for special incentives like Costco gift cards or onboard cruise credits.

Before diving in, it's important to note that you do have to be a Costco member to use the Costco Travel website. There are four membership options to choose from: two for individuals and two for businesses.

The basic Gold Star membership costs $60 annually and it's available at all Costco locations. You can pay more for a Gold Star Executive membership for $120 that comes with an annual 2% reward on qualified Costco and Costco Travel purchases, as well as extra benefits on select Costco services.

The two Costco business memberships are also $60 and $120, with tiered benefits set up to appeal to businesses instead of families. The $60 Business membership comes with the same benefits as the personal Gold star membership, but you can also pay to add additional members to your account, and you can purchase items for resale.

The Business Executive membership, on the other hand, allows those benefits plus the annual 2% reward on qualified Costco purchases and Costco Travel, as well as special benefits on select Costco services.

The Best Ways to Save with Costco Travel

While you have to pay for a Costco membership to take advantage of travel perks, this may not matter if you shop at Costco anyway. And really, the $60 membership fee could be worth it if you travel a lot and know how to leverage this travel savings site to the hilt.

So, how can you make the most out of Costco Travel? U.S. News spoke with experts and Costco Travel enthusiasts to find out all the best ways to save.

Always Check Pricing for Rental Cars

Vicki Cook, a Costco Travel enthusiast who writes about personal finance for the website Women Who Money , says she religiously checks Costco Travel before she rents a car, and she finds better pricing almost every time.

" We took a trip to Germany and Italy in the fall of 2019 and saved big on a car rental with Costco Travel," she says.

Not only did Cook and her travel companions get a medium-sized SUV for nine days for less than $250, but they also locked in a one-way rental without any one-way rental fees.

[Read: 15 Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation .]

Fortunately, Costco Travel makes it easy to compare pricing just like you would on a website like Expedia.com or Travelocity.com. All you need to do is enter your pickup and drop-off destination and dates, and you can compare rental options with multiple agencies in one place.

Book Rentals with No Upfront Deposit

Another benefit of booking rental cars on Costco Travel is that you can reserve a rental car without paying upfront. This allows you to lock in a price you like without necessarily having to commit.

"Because there's no upfront payment or deposit, you can check for price drops and book the lower rate when you find one," says cruise expert Melissa Lagerquist of Cruise Frugal . "Even better, their search engine automatically applies relevant coupons to applicable bookings, saving you both time and money."

Get a Free Second Driver

Lagerquist also says that Costco Travel lets you add an additional driver to your rental car reservation for free, which is a perk you don't get with every rental agreement.

Ruby Escalona, a blogger who writes about travel on A Journey We Love, says having the additional free driver is a huge bonus for her travel plans since she and her husband travel together and they both like to drive. In that sense, using Costco Travel helps them save money while offering some added flexibility.

Compare Cruise Pricing and Keep an Eye Out for Freebies

When it comes to cruising, Lagerquist says Costco Travel is hard to beat, but not because the pricing is lower. Cruise fares tend to be consistent whether you book directly or with a travel agent, she says. What sets Costco Travel apart from other travel agencies is that it provides more to its customers.

"Not only can Costco Travel book the same promotions cruise lines are offering, but they also rebate a portion your cruise fare in the form of a Costco Shop Card sent approximately three weeks after you return home from your cruise," she says.

If you browse cruises on Costco Travel, you can also find options that come with freebies like free Wi-Fi packages, room upgrades, drink packages and more.

Look for Special Incentives on Vacation Packages

Also consider the prospect of booking all your travel in one place with a vacation package. This typically means booking your airfare and hotel in a single package in order to score a discount, but you can also book vacation packages through Costco Travel that include a rental car.

Robert Farrington, who writes about personal finance at The College Investor , says he stumbled upon some excellent perks when he booked a vacation package to Maui in late 2019.

"Costco had a bundled deal that included the hotel, rental car and free breakfast at the hotel buffet every day, and a $200 resort credit," he said. Amazingly, the breakfast benefit was worth $100 per day because breakfast was so pricey at this hotel, which was the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui , a luxury oceanfront property.

"That deal was significantly better than any deal offered by the resort itself, or through any other booking site and even places like American Express [Travel's] Fine Hotels & Resorts," says Farrington.

[See: 50 Awesome Vacation Ideas for Every Type of Traveler .]

The bottom line: If you're shopping for a vacation package, make sure to see if Costco Travel throws in anything extra. You never know what kind of perks you can get for the same price as booking elsewhere.

Sign Up for a Costco Executive Membership to Earn 2% Back

As mentioned previously, signing up for an Executive Costco membership (individual or business) sets you up to earn an annual 2% reward on all qualifying Costco and Costco Travel purchases.

While this membership costs $60 more per year, this benefit could pay off quickly if you can use Costco Travel to score hundreds of dollars in resort freebies or Costco Shop Cards (cards with preloaded funds to use toward a membership and merchandise at Costco) for booking a cruise.

Watch for "Hot Buys"

Check Costco Travel's Hot Buys section, which includes a wide range of special travel sales and last-minute deals for resort stays, vacation packages, cruises and more. These deals usually include special savings and discounts, as well as perks like Costco Shop Cards, drink packages and resort credits.

Make sure to check the Hot Buys page on Costco Travel frequently since these deals change all the time.

Check for Member Exclusives

While Hot Buys from Costco Travel are normally available for a limited time and on select travel plans, Costco Travel also offers featured experiences that are curated for Costco Travel members. These can include cruises with an array of excursions or even guided tours throughout the world.

Either way, member exclusives from Costco Travel are meant to provide good value and come with plenty of extras you can't get when you book travel elsewhere.

Sign Up for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

If you want to maximize your Costco Travel purchases even further, consider the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi. Not only does this card give you 4% back on eligible gas purchases (including Costco gas purchases) on up to $7,000 in spending per year (then 1% after that), but you also earn 3% back on dining and eligible travel purchases, 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases and 1% back on everything else.

Costco Travel purchases are considered eligible travel purchases and you can also stack this with the annual 2% reward you can earn with a Costco Executive membership, although those savings will be doled out separately.

You can also use this card and earn rewards in conjunction with all the other savings tips offered in this piece.

Remember You'll Lose Out on Some Loyalty Program Benefits

Finally, keep in mind that you'll miss out on some loyalty perks when you book travel with a third party, including Costco Travel.

If you book a Hilton or Marriott hotel through Costco Travel, for example, you won't earn points on your booking with the respective Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy programs. You will also miss out on any elite benefits you may have, such as complimentary breakfast or executive lounge access.

In those cases, you may be better off skipping over Costco Travel and booking your travel directly with hotel programs instead.

[Read: The Best Travel Rewards Programs .]

As a side note, you will typically earn airline miles when you book flights through Costco Travel. All you need to do is link your frequent flyer account to your reservation when you make your booking. You can also go in after the fact and add your reservation to your frequent flyer account.

The bottom line: Costco Travel can help you save money on hotels, cruises, vacation packages, car rentals and more, but make sure to consider if booking through Costco is worth giving up any perks you may receive when booking directly.

Tags: Travel , Vacations , Costco Wholesale Corp.

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Costco Travel: 5 Things To Know Before You Book

If you’re anything like money expert Clark Howard , you’re probably used to getting almost everything — from clothes to food to tires and home goods — at Costco . But have you ever thought about booking your getaways through Costco Travel ?

In this article, we’ll take a look at how Costco Travel works and talk about the pros and cons of booking your trips through the warehouse giant.

This article was updated in April 2024 and I review it every 12 months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here .

Costco Travel: What You Need To Know About Travel Packages, Car Rentals, Cruises and More

Costco uses its bulk-buying power to negotiate discounted rates for its members on travel packages (including airfare and hotel), car rentals, cruises and more for members at CostcoTravel.com. You can also access the service by phone at 866-921-7925.

So just how much can the warehouse club save you on your trip?

Our in-house travel expert Clara Bosonetto compares Costco Travel to the AAA discount you may be familiar with. Members may see a 10% savings overall through booking with Costco.

With that in mind, here are some other things you need to know before booking a trip through Costco Travel.

1. Costco Travel Packages Offer a One-Stop Shopping Experience

Just like many other travel websites, Costco lets you book an entire vacation online. This appeals to people who like to have all the moving parts of planning a trip (airfare, accommodations, activities, etc.) handled in a neat, organized way.

But the cookie-cutter approach can have its downsides.

“Costco hotels and resorts tend to be the big box type vs. boutique or off-the-beaten-tracks properties,” Clara says. “Due to volume bookings, these preferred hotels often throw in a dining credit, an activity or a room upgrade: small perks that can mean a big difference to some.”

Clara also notes that you’ll probably never get the same Costco Travel representative twice if you’re booking over the phone. “Customers can call to speak with a rep, but they will get a different one each time versus working with a local agent,” she says.

Check out Costco Travel packages here .

2. Booking a Hotel With Costco Travel Is Easy

All the hotel prices at CostcoTravel.com provide upfront pricing — including taxes.

Costco works with a variety of brand-name hotels including:

• Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
• Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
• IHG Hotels and Resorts
• Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts

Book a hotel through Costco here .

3. Here’s What You Need To Know About Costco Travel Car Rental

You can rent a car through Costco Travel . The site works with popular rental car brands including:

In addition booking a car in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can rent a car through Costco Travel for use in Canada, France, Germany, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Spain, and England.

One of the nice features of renting a car through Costco is that the additional driver fee is waived.

While Costco Travel is a great resource to shop for deals, make sure you follow our step-by-step guide to finding a deal on a rental car .

4. Costco Travel Offers Great Last-Minute Deals on Cruises

Costco partners with a variety of mainstream cruise lines to offer deals to members. They include:

• Celebrity X Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

According to Clara, Costco is a great place to book last-minute cruises because you’ll often get perks such as onboard credits.

And, here’s another nice feature: If you don’t use all the onboard credit you’re given, you can get a partial refund before disembarking.

Book Costco cruises here .

5. You Can Earn 5% Back on Costco Travel

Costco Executive Members ($120 annual fee) earn an annual 2% reward on Costco Travel purchases (up to $1,000).

On top of this 2%, you can earn 3% back on travel expenses if you use the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi . So as both an Executive Member and Costco Anywhere Visa® Card-holder you could earn 5% back on purchases made through Costco Travel!

However, certain expenditures are excluded from this offer:

• Trip protection
• Travel purchased through a third-party such as activities and tours
• Rental car equipment
• Resort charges
• Port charges
• Resort and cruise line fees

Final Thought

If convenience is king for you, you may want to give Costco’s travel offerings a try.

However, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys boutique travel or hunting for travel bargains, you’re likely to be better off booking without the help of the warehouse club.

“I still believe in booking airfare and accommodations separately for the lowest vacation price,” Clara tells us. “But again, some don’t want to spend the time to do this. As you know, it’s a lot of work!”

Have you used Costco Travel to plan your vacation? Tell us about your experience in our Clark.com Community !

• April 16, 2024: Updated the following. Fixed rental car links for Avis and Budget. Also added England, Scotland and Wales to list of places you can rent a car through Costco Travel.

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Costco Wholesale, renowned for its wholesale deals and membership benefits, extends its cost-saving prowess to the world of travel through its dedicated service – Costco Travel. This travel agency, exclusive to Costco members, offers a unique opportunity to unlock substantial savings on airfares, hotels, rental cars, cruises, vacation packages, and more.

Let’s explore how Costco Travel works, including its membership requirements, the array of travel services it provides, and how it stacks up against other methods of booking travel. 

Key takeaways

What is costco travel, how costco travel compares to other booking methods, how to save even more on costco travel, costco travel faq, costco travel: bottom line.

• Costco Travel is a travel agency that you can access with a Costco membership. It offers a variety of travel packages and options. However, flights must be booked as part of a package, as standalone flight bookings are not possible.
• Costco Travel allows members to book a wide range of travel-related services. These include flights with airlines like United, hotels, rental cars that you can pick up at your destination, cruises such as Disney and Royal Caribbean, and package deals to inclusive resorts.
• With its significant buying authority, Costco Travel offers savings on travel packages. This often translates into lower prices for popular destinations across North America, including Alaska, Canada, and Mexico’s Cancun and other locations. Moreover, it also extends to sought-after destinations like Hawaii and countries in Europe, such as France, Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Costco Travel is an in-house travel agency run by the membership-only warehouse club, and it’s designed to provide savings specifically to Costco members.

To use Costco Travel to book some or all of your next trips, you need to be a member. There are four membership options available:

• Gold Star: $60 annually
• Gold Star Executive: $120 annually
• Business: $60 annually
• Business Executive: $120 annually

Once you’re a member, you can book flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, vacation packages, theme parks, and select experiences. You cannot, however, book a flight on its own through the service. Your flight needs to be part of a Costco Travel package.

When booking your trip, you can run a search on the Costco Travel website just like you would with Priceline or Expedia to compare options and prices from several travel providers.

Because of Costco’s buying authority, it can manage to score savings on different aspects of your trip — or the whole thing — that you might not be able to find on your own, even with intense research.

Costco Travel packages

In September 2023, for instance, I found a Costco vacation package for eight nights in a deluxe villa at Palms at Wailea on Maui. This getaway vacation came with round flights from Tampa, Florida, as well as a full-size rental car for a total of $5,594.15.

The package also included a $116 digital Costco Shop Card and resort fees such as damage protection and cleaning fees within the total price. However, there was a cancellation fee of $200. 

When I searched for the same stay at the hotel during the same period, the price tag for the stay alone was $5,561.90.

While Costco Travel can furnish discounts and savings you might not be able to find on your own, it’s still a good idea to research all of your options. That includes using other third-party travel websites such as Priceline and Expedia or booking directly with airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and so on.

Other travel websites

While Costco has the negotiating power to provide savings on its vacation packages, it’s not the only travel agency that can do that. Depending on what you’re trying to do, you may be able to find a similar package on a website like Priceline, Expedia, or Orbitz for less than what you’d pay through Costco Travel.

Also, you may find certain features on other discount travel sites that you won’t get with Costco Travel and vice versa.

For example, Priceline and Expedia allow you to book a flight without bundling it with a hotel or vacation package. You may also have a different selection of airlines, hotels, rental car companies, experiences, and more.

In contrast, one nice feature of Costco Travel is that you see the full price from the start. With some booking websites, the initial pricing may not reflect taxes and fees, which can make for an unpleasant surprise when you get to the checkout stage.

Booking directly with travel providers

While travel agency websites like Costco Travel can provide significant savings, they don’t give you access to every airline, hotel, or rental car company.

For example, Costco Travel provides rental car quotes from specific brands such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. As a result, it’s essential to shop around to make sure you’re not missing out on savings Costco Travel can’t show you. Comparing car rental options on Autoslash makes it easy to check prices and make sure you're getting the best deal. If you have a favorite airline or hotel brand, you should also check with them directly to price shop.

On its own, Costco Travel can offer incredible savings. But there are some things you can do to maximize your savings when using the website.

1. Get a Costco Executive membership

As an executive member, you’ll earn 2% cash back on every eligible purchase you make through Costco Travel, which is on top of the rewards you’d earn using your credit card. There are, however, some exclusions, such as travel purchased through a third party, trip protection, gratuities, taxes, and fees.

Also, executive members may get special perks with Costco Travel vacation packages, such as resort credits.

2. Consider using the Costco Anywhere Visa Card

The Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi  is one of the best store credit cards on the market. Not only can you use it anywhere Visa is accepted, but it comes with an impressive rewards structure.

You’ll earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter; 3% on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; and 1% on all other purchases.

The only downside is that you get your rewards only once a year in the form of a certificate you can cash or use to make purchases at Costco warehouses.

3. Pay with another rewards credit card

While Costco only accepts Visa credit cards and debit cards at its warehouse clubs, you can use a Visa or Mastercard credit card to make payments through Costco Travel. Also note that if you’re booking a rental car, you can reserve your car without providing credit card information upfront.

With this in mind, you may be able to get more value out of another rewards credit card. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  offers 3X on other travel and dining. 

Points are also worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase Travel℠. That gives you a higher possible redemption rate on travel purchases you make with Costco Travel, and you could potentially get even more value if you transfer your points to one of Chase’s travel partners .

Another option is the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card , which also offers 3X points on travel. The card doesn’t offer bonus value when booking travel or access to transfer partners, but it doesn’t charge an annual fee and offers bonus rewards on a lot of other everyday spending categories.

Can I use Costco Travel if I am not a member?

No, you can't use Costco Travel without a valid Costco membership. You can become a member by visiting the Costco website or by visiting your local Costco warehouse. The Gold Star membership costs $60 per year, while the Gold Star Executive membership costs $120 per year.

Does Costco Travel only take Visa?

Costco Travel accepts Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. However, it doesn't accept American Express, Discover, checks, money orders, mileage points, cryptocurrency, or any other forms of payment.

Does Costco Travel provide travel insurance?

Travel insurance is available as an add-on to any Costco Travel reservation through Cover-More Inc., a company of Zurich Insurance Group, up until 10 days prior to departure. This travel insurance might help you against sudden and unexpected changes in travel plans due to illness, medical emergencies, car accidents, and more.

Costco Travel provides access to vacation packages and other travel bookings through its members-only website. Depending on your travel plans, you may be able to score savings through Costco Travel that you can’t get anywhere else.

Before you finalize things, however, be sure to compare prices with what’s available elsewhere. Be sure to take advantage of rewards from the best travel credit cards  and store cards to maximize the value you get when you book your next trip.

Earn up to 4% cash back

Costco anywhere visa ® card by citi.

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Current Offer

• Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico

Rewards Rate

4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter; 3% on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; and 1% on all other purchases

• 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Must be a Costco member
• Cash back is only redeemed once a year
• No welcome bonus
• Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases

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Is Costco Travel cheaper than AAA? | Costco Travel Deals

Is Costco Travel Cheaper than AAA?

Costco travel deals are just one amazing perk to purchasing a Costco membership. But is it the best? Costco Travel and AAA are both popular travel companies that offer different services. Costco Travel offers cheaper prices than AAA, but is it worth the money? In this blog post, we will compare and contrast Costco Travel and AAA to see which one is the better deal for you.

Costco Travel is a membership-based travel company that offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more. AAA is a non-profit organization that offers roadside assistance, insurance, and discounts on hotels and rental cars. They may have cheaper prices than AAA, but you have to be a member to use their services.

Costco Travel : What is it?

They also offer members exclusive pricing on cruises and vacation packages. It is a great way for Costco members to save money on their next vacation. In the following paragraphs, I will go into greater detail on the benefits, disadvantages, and ease of use regarding Costco Travel.

Costco Travel Benefits

Costco Travel offers a variety of services. Get in contact with a Costco Travel agent to plan your next trip. They will find the best travel deals for any budget and destination . Costco Travel also offers a variety of benefits such as exclusive Costco member pricing, no booking fees, and more.

If you’re looking for someone to plan your vacation, Costco Travel may be beneficial to you. However, this is not always the case. Although the Costco Travel deals are great for some people, let’s explore some of the disadvantages of using this service.

Disadvantages of Costco Travel

Costco Travel is a popular option for vacation planning, but it has its drawbacks. One disadvantage is that Costco Travel is not available in all areas. Costco also offers limited services compared to other travel agencies. Costco Travel also has strict cancellation policies, so be sure to read the fine print before booking your trip.

Overall, Costco Travel is a good option for vacation planning if you’re willing to do some research and are flexible with your travel dates and destination. However, if you’re looking for a full-service travel agency, Costco Travel may not be the best option. AAA has better travel agents when it comes to planning.

Costco Travel Ease of Use

We know that Costco Travel is great for those who are looking for Travel deals. However, it does not matter how good the deals are if no one can access them. In this paragraph we will look at their usability.

Costco members can easily find the Costco Travel website by logging in to their Costco accounts. From there, they can search for hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more. You will find a plethora of Costco Travel deals on their site. You can also see details on membership pricing. We’ll get into the details of a membership and the Costco Travel deals that come along with it.

Costco also offers a toll-free number for members who need assistance booking their travel arrangements. Overall, Costco Travel is easy to use and offers exclusive discounts for Costco members.

To learn more about Costco Travel and the benefits and services it offers, you can visit its website or call 1-800-767-5338.

AAA Travel: What is it?

AAA Travel is AAA’s full-service travel agency, offering AAA members a wide range of personal travel planning services. They also provide travel agents that can help AAA members with all aspects of their travel planning. From booking flights and hotels to renting cars and planning activities, they have you covered!

Benefits of AAA Travel

AAA Travel also offers AAA members exclusive discounts on travel expenses, such as airfare, hotel rooms, and rental cars. In addition, AAA Travel provides AAA members with 24/7 support while they are traveling. They can always reach someone if they need assistance.

Whether AAA members are planning a quick getaway or a world tour, AAA Travel is there to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Here’s an overview of the travel deals you can expect with a membership:

• Car Rentals
• Vacation Packages

Disadvantages of AAA Travel

Although AAA Travel may offer a variety of services, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone. AAA Travel has its disadvantages, too. For one thing, AAA Travel can be expensive. AAA Travel also charges for some of its services, which can add up if you use them frequently.

Additionally, AAA Travel may not have the best selection of travel options. You might not be able to find the perfect vacation if you’re looking for something specific.

Finally, AAA Travel isn’t always the most reliable; sometimes AAA Travel reservations get canceled or changed without warning. While AAA Travel has its perks, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Cost Breakdown of Each

According to Forbes , AAA Travel offers a free service that non-members can use to book flights, hotels, and rental cars without being a member. However, the real perks of AAA Travel come when you purchase a membership.

Costco Travel perks are not free. However, they do offer a wider variety of perks if you are someone who flies often. The cost of an executive membership is relatively cheap if you travel enough.

Let’s break down each travel agency based on its price and benefits, and use that information to decide which company is the more cost-effective option.

A travel agency that not only plans your trip, but also protects it is AAA. AAA Travel is a AAA service that provides members with access to exclusive travel deals and discounts. There are three pricing tiers: AAA Basic, AAA Plus, and AAA Premier. AAA Basic members receive the lowest prices on AAA-rated hotels, cars, and vacation packages.

Members receive the same discounts as Basic members, plus additional perks like early check-in and late checkout at hotels, and free upgrades on car rentals. AAA Premier members receive the same discounts as AAA Plus members, plus even more perks like complimentary breakfast at hotels and free one-way car rental drops.

The cost varies depending on the tier of membership; AAA Basic memberships start at $59 per year, while AAA Premier memberships start at $99 per year. Whether you’re looking for the best deals on hotels, cars, or vacation packages, they have you covered.

Here’s an annual breakdown of membership costs:

Basic Membership : $55

Plus Membership : $97

Premier Membership : $137

The biggest thing to note is that no matter what tier membership you have, all AAA members get discounts on hotels, car rentals, and other travel. The only travel difference between the 3 tiers is that the plus and premier have options to upgrade for RV benefits, which include $500 towards recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and more.

AAA members can also take advantage of travel agents to assist in the various bookings and reservations that take place when preparing for a vacation. This is a fantastic option that is great for those who have a busy schedule or do not want to plan their vacation.

Using AAA for travel bookings is a great option because it’s free for anyone. However, if you’re looking for more roadside protection or travel often and want to take advantage of discounts, it could be worth it to look into a Plus membership through AAA. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a travel agency.

Costco Travel

Every Costco member can access their website to book travel plans and save money.

The website offers a variety of services at a fraction of the cost of other travel websites. For example, you can book a hotel room through them for less than half the price of booking the same room through another website. Even AAA Travel!

In addition, they offers discounts on rental cars and activities such as zip-lining and whale watching. Overall, it’s is an affordable option for traveling that provides great benefits for members.

The price breakdown of an annual membership :

According to Costco , it costs $120 a year to be an Executive Costco member. But don’t let the high price scare you. If you are someone who travels often, especially someone who books flights and hotels often, you may actually save money (and make money) with this membership.

The Executive Costco membership offers an annual 2% reward for those who spend money on any Costco service, including travel. If you are buying multiple plane tickets a year and booking cruises, hotels, or excursions often, you could literally make money just from being a Costco member!

What’s the verdict?

It depends on what you’re looking for.

If you are someone who travels mainly by road (road trips!), an AAA membership could be a great option for you. Everyone knows that AAA is a sure way to grant everyone peace of mind when traveling by road. Here are some of the benefits that come with having an AAA membership:

• Flat-tire service (all tiers)
• Battery jumpstart and replacement service (all tiers)
• Vehicle lock-out service (covers cost based on tier)
• Theft reward from $500 to $2,000 (depends on tier)
• Free emergency gas delivery–complimentary (Premier tier)
• Trip interruption protection up to $1500 (Premier)

…and more!

However, if you are someone who flies or goes on cruises often, Costco travel may be the travel service for you. At a price of only $120 a year with a 2% annual reward, Costco travel is great for those who find themselves spending large amounts of money on travel-related purchases.

Not only that, but also the 2% reward applies to any purchases made from a Costco business. You can make cash-back on groceries, furniture, and travel! Definitely a good deal.

Which is better?

Both travel agencies are great. Depending on what your needs are, either option could work for you. If you are someone who roadtrips more, AAA would probably be the better option. However, if you are someone who flies or goes on cruises more, Costco is the best option for you.

This is because AAA Travel also offers a variety of perks, including discounts on hotels and rental cars. However, AAA’s benefits far outweigh those of Costco’s benefits if you are someone who is on the road a lot.

If you are a frequent flyer, Costco is the better deal because it offers a wider variety of perks and discounts. It all depends on your specific needs. What do you want in a Travel agency?

Ready to plan your trip?

Ready to start planning your trip? Whether you’re looking for a solid protection agency for your next road trip or you’re trying to find the best deals to save you money for this summer’s family vacation, there are some great options out there.

I hope you found this article helpful in deciding which service is best for you. Just remember this, and you’ll be fine: Costco for flights and hotels, and AAA for road trips!

Leave a comment if you have experienced either membership and let us know what you think!

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Airline credit cards vs. travel credit cards: Which are best?

C redit cards aimed at travelers come in various forms, the two most popular being airline credit cards and travel credit cards . While both types of cards can help you pay for travel, several differences may affect your choice.

Choosing a card that best suits your travel needs can be challenging considering how competitive the landscape has become regarding welcome offers, card rewards and other benefits. We review the ins and outs of airline and travel credit cards to help you determine which type of card is right for you.

What is an airline credit card?

Airline credit cards are cobranded cards offered by the issuer and a partner airline that provide benefits for flying with that specific airline. Airline credit cards earn miles associated with the airline's frequent flyer program , which you can redeem for flights on that carrier or its partner airlines.

The annual fee for airline credit cards can range from no annual fee to upward of $500. Usually, an airline credit card with a higher annual fee includes impressive benefits such as increased earning rates, free checked bags and statement credits, among other perks.

For example, the United Quest℠ Card has an annual fee of $250 and offers 8 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, up to $125 annual statement credit for United purchases, priority boarding and other impressive benefits.

Related: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?

Pros and cons of airline credit cards

When comparing airline and travel credit cards, there are several reasons why you might prefer an airline credit card. Although not an exhaustive list, the following table highlights the pros and cons of airline credit cards.

When does an airline credit card make sense?

Several factors may play a role in dictating whether an airline credit card makes sense. As a cardholder, if you live near an airport with a hub for a specific airline, having a card for that airline makes sense to maximize your benefits.

For example, residents who live near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), a United hub, should consider a United credit card , such as the United Club℠ Infinite Card or the United℠ Explorer Card , to take advantage of lounges, free checked bags, priority boarding and redemption options for award flights.

If you don't live near an airline hub and aren't committed to a particular carrier, an airline credit card might not be your best option.

Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status

What is a travel credit card?

A travel credit card earns rewards on all purchases, including bonus-earning categories. You can use your rewards to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. A travel credit card earns rewards within the issuer's own ecosystem rather than through a specific airline frequent flyer program.

Examples of credit card programs include American Express Membership Rewards , Chase Ultimate Rewards , and Capital One Miles .

Annual fees for travel credit cards can range from nothing to $700, corresponding to the card's perks and benefits. Typically, the higher the annual fee, the more valuable the benefits, whereas the lower the annual fee, the opposite is true.

For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express has an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees ) but offers perks and benefits that can easily top $1,000. Benefits include an annual up to $200 hotel credit, an annual up to $200 airline credit, up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit (up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December; enrollment required), a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit and an entertainment credit for select streaming services.

Travel credit cards can offer other travel-related perks, such as complimentary travel insurance, including emergency travel medical, trip delay or cancellation**, and baggage insurance***.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Related: The best time to apply for these 10 popular travel credit cards, based on offer history

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

Based on your personal preferences, travel credit cards may be more appealing than airline cards. Although not an exhaustive list, consider the following travel credit card pros and cons before you apply.

Travel credit cards maximize flexibility for cardholders thanks to their ability to earn transferable currency points . In addition to not being limited to one airline, you can often redeem your points toward hotels, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and more.

As cards become more premium, so do their benefits, which translates to high annual fees. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a $300 annual credit and Priority Pass lounge access but has an annual fee of $550.

When does a travel credit card make sense?

If you are flexible about the airline carriers you choose to fly with, a travel credit card makes sense. You'll benefit from bonus points for travel-related purchases, such as airfare, hotels, rental cars and sometimes parking meters and tolls.

When contemplating between travel and airline credit cards, remember that travel credit cards won't help you earn elite status, unlike some airline cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® . The biggest benefit of a travel credit card is the flexibility you get when redeeming your points or miles.

Unlike an airline credit card, travel credit cards have a variety of transfer partners you can use to book your next adventure.

Related: How many credit cards should I have?

Should you get both?

Both airline credit cards and travel credit cards have pros and cons. For example, it pays to have an airline credit card if you regularly check bags for domestic flights, especially considering the increase in checked bag fees across numerous carriers . Meanwhile, travel credit cards offer various travel insurance coverages that can provide peace of mind while traveling.

My very first travel-orientated card was the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® because I found value in American Airlines' award chart and had several American flights lined up for the year in which I needed checked bags.

The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Soon afterward, I opened a Chase Sapphire Reserve for its lounge access, transfer partners and annual travel credit. Nowadays, I use both cards. However, since I have elite status with American, the Citi card's free checked bag is less important. That said, I still hold onto the card to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

Bottom line

Both airline credit cards and travel credit cards offer benefits. They can offset travel costs and provide perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, lounge access and various statement credits. We recommend choosing a card based on your travel needs and circumstances. You may even benefit from holding both types of cards, as long as you're maximizing the perks.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here .

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

When Does Using American Express Travel Make Sense?

One important consideration for points and miles enthusiasts is figuring out where to purchase travel in order to maximize rewards. Today, TPG Contributor Richard Kerr looks at Amex Travel to help you decide whether it's a good option for booking your next trip.

Amex has made some changes to its travel portal over the past year, as well as to related benefits on American Express cards that earn Membership Rewards points. In this post, I'll take into account all the recent program updates, ancillary services, benefits and costs to help you decipher when using American Express Travel makes sense.

The most fundamental consideration is the cost of travel. In March I wrote about how American Express Travel generally does not offer the lowest prices. Furthermore, Amex tacks on booking fees, though these are now waived for anyone with The Platinum Card from American Express . Airfare and package deals (flight + hotel) booked online incur a fee of $6.99 per domestic ticket and $10.99 per international ticket. Hotel and cruise bookings don't come with booking fees when booked separately from airfare.

If all that matters to you is the bottom line, then you probably already shop around for your flights, prepaid hotels, cruises and vacation packages. Amex Travel could surprise you, but I'd say it's unlikely to offer the best rate.

If you're willing to pay a bit more for great service, then the value proposition changes. I've called American Express Travel many times, and it comes out on top by a wide margin when compared with other travel services, online travel agencies and other credit card travel portals. You can count on quickly reaching a live human who is capable of solving a problem, and that alone can be a lifesaver. I appreciate empowered customer service agents, and I hope American Express doesn't alter this feature moving forward.

Added Hotel/Cruise Benefits

Like many cruise booking sites, American Express Travel frequently offers added perks to attract potential cruise-goers to the site. If Amex offers the most onboard credit, a free specialty dinner or other gratuities that you won't get elsewhere, then the value may be enough to overcome any disparity in price.

Likewise, booking through American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts will give you early check-in, late check-out, breakfast, Wi-Fi, room upgrades (when available) and a unique property amenity. The prices are on par with normal rates, and in practice I have still earned hotel points and elite status credit!

Limited Options

If the airline or hotel that you want to book is not offered by American Express (e.g., Southwest), then obviously it doesn't make much sense to come to the site.

With these basics scenarios covered, let's look at American Express Travel from a points-strategy perspective.

American Express Cardholders

The general public does have access to book through Amex Travel, but American Express cardholders can get significantly more from the service. Membership Rewards cards earn one extra point per dollar spent when booking travel with American Express. Amex bills this as double points, but it really means double base points, so you don't earn double on any spending category bonuses. That extra point is nice, but probably not enough to sway your decision of where to book.

Taking category bonuses into account, American Express Premier Rewards Gold cardholders can earn a total of 4 points per dollar when booking through Amex Travel, since the card earns 3x points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines to begin with. That's still just one point more than you would earn by booking elsewhere, but the overall return remains impressive.

It's not easy to beat 4x points on travel in one transaction; the question is whether that earning rate makes using the Amex travel portal worthwhile. Obviously if prices are comparable elsewhere, then you may as well book through Amex to get the extra point. Even if you're paying a small premium, it could still be worthwhile. For example, you might pick a flight that costs $1,010 on Amex Travel over the same flight for $1,000 on Orbitz, because the extra 1,000 points you earn are worth more than $10, as shown by TPG's June valuations . If the premium is any higher than about 1.5%, then you're better off saving your cash and using your Membership Rewards card where the price is lowest.

Meeting Goals

I'm a firm believer that when it comes to earning points, you should always be chasing a specific goal. Points make a terrible long-term investment, as you have no guarantee of what they'll be worth tomorrow. If my current award-travel goal (for, say, a transcontinental flight in JetBlue Mint) can be reached more quickly by collecting Membership Rewards points, then I'm more likely to use Amex Travel to earn bonus points. Even if the price offered by Amex is higher, the cost may be offset by the value of the award.

Extenuating Circumstances

Sometimes outside influences may force your hand. If you use American Express for business expenses, or if your small business utilizes the American Express Small Business travel tool, then Amex Travel is the obvious choice. Similarly, if you're forced to fly Delta for all business travel, booking through the American Express travel portal to earn bonus points and then transferring your MR balance to your Delta account can make good sense.

Bottom Line

If you're not a Membership Rewards cardholder and the Amex Travel portal doesn't offer the cheapest price, I don't recommend using it. Otherwise, ask yourself the following questions (in order of importance):

• Am I willing to pay marginally more for better service?
• Am I getting added perks/benefits on my hotel or cruise?
• Are the bonus points I earn by using Amex better than other bonus points I would earn by booking elsewhere?
• Do the points earned by booking through Amex allow me to reach my current award travel goal faster?
• Can I pool the Membership Rewards points I earn together with my current points or miles?

If your answer to one or more of the above questions is yes, then the American Express Travel portal can work for you. If not, then you can be confident that there's a better deal for you elsewhere.

What factors do you consider when using the American Express Travel portal? [card card-name='Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express' card-id='22035076' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']

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• What are the Costco Visa travel benefits

What are the Travel Benefits of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi?

Exclusively for Costco members, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers cash back on all purchases and additional cash back on categories such as eligible gas and EV charging, restaurants and eligible travel and purchases from Costco and Costco.com. Cardholders also enjoy access to Citi Entertainment ® .

These benefits and more can make the Costco Anywhere Visa a great card for travel. Let’s look at how it works.

Cash back rewards on travel

Cardholders earn unlimited 3% cash back at restaurants and eligible travel purchases. This can include airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, travel agencies, cruises and Costco travel.

Cardholders can also make the most of road trips and vacation car rentals with 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging transactions for the first $7,000 every year. After the first $7,000, cardholders continue to earn 1% cash back in these categories.

Other travel benefits

Cardholders can also get access to services and benefits like:

• Travel and emergency assistance
• Worldwide car rental insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Roadside assistance dispatch service
• Zero foreign transaction fees 1

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply, please see here for more information.

These services and benefits help take the stress out of travel so you can enjoy a worry-free, relaxing vacation.

Access to Citi Entertainment

Citi Entertainment opens the door to popular experiences, such as concerts, sporting events and dining.

With the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, cardmembers can get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including presale tickets and exclusive experiences for some of the most anticipated concerts, sporting events and dining experiences.

Whether you want to attend a local event while on vacation or plan a trip around a concert, your Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi can enhance your travel with special entertainment experiences.

1 Important Pricing & Information

Disclosure : This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs. Costco Anywhere Visa Card [Detailed Comparison]

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs. Costco Anywhere Card — Overview

The value of a welcome bonus, earning potential, redemption options, chase sapphire preferred card, costco anywhere card, annual fees and authorized users, final thoughts.

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If you’re a Costco shopper, chances are you’ve heard of the Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi and wondered about the associated benefits. After all, brand-associated credit cards can frequently offer loyalists elevated rewards earnings, and additional related benefits.

And you’re probably wondering how this card stacks up to some of the competition. We’re taking a deep dive into the Costco Anywhere card, and comparing it to the popular Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card  to see if it deserves a spot in your wallet.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a good choice as a first travel rewards card, and its flexible, transferable rewards are a great benchmark to compare against the cash-back offerings of the Costco Anywhere card. We’ll also look at redemption options and the additional benefits offered by each card.

Join us as we determine whether the Costco Anywhere card proves to be a worthwhile choice or the Chase Sapphire Preferred card rules, even for the avid Costco shopper. Let’s get started.

Before looking at the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Costco Anywhere card from a few different angles, it might be helpful to summarize the earning potential, redemption options, and the associated card benefits side-by-side.

Here’s how the 2 cards compare in all the key categories:

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi

The Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi is a great Citi’s cash-back rewards card designed specifically for Costco Members.

• Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
• 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
• Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
• APR: 20.49% Variable
• Cash Back Credit Cards

Most rewards-earning credit cards offer an opportunity to earn a welcome bonus during the months immediately following card approval.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a generous welcome bonus offer after meeting minimum spending requirements within the first 3 months after card approval. Depending on your redemption choice, which we’ll talk about shortly, the bonus could be worth more than $1,000 when redeemed for travel .

The Costco Anywhere card does not offer a welcome bonus.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns flexible Ultimate Rewards points while the Costco Anywhere card earns cash-back. We’ll discuss how your rewards can be used, but first, let’s look at how rewards are earned on each of our featured cards.

While the number of rewards you earn will depend on your spending mix, let’s look at a simple spending scenario (including monthly shopping at Costco) to illustrate the earning differences between the 2 cards:

• $300 per month at Costco ($3,600 per year)
• $200 per month on gas ($2,400 per year)
• $100 per month on dining ($1,200 per year)
• Average $200 per month on travel ($2,400 per year using the Chase travel portal for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and qualifying travel purchases on the Costco Anywhere card)

If using the Chase Sapphire Preferred card , the yearly earnings would be:

• 1x points on $3,600 at Costco = 3,600 points
• 1x points on $2,400 on gas = 2,400 points
• 3x points on $1,200 on dining = 3,600 points
• 5x points on $2,400 on travel = 12,000 points
• Total: 21,600 Ultimate Rewards points

Let’s add up the yearly earnings if using the Costco Anywhere card :

• 2% cash-back x $3,600 at Costco = $72
• 4% cash-back x $2,400 on gas = $56
• 3% cash-back x $1,200 on dining = $36
• 3% cash-back x $2,400 on travel = $72
• Total: $236 in cash-back

If you spend a lot at Costco, on gas, and eligible travel, you may fare better with the Costco Anywhere card when it comes to earnings. However, earnings are just one factor in determining a card’s value. Let’s continue and look at the value of those earnings at redemption time for each of our featured cards.

Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns the most on travel purchased via the Chase travel portal, dining, online grocery stores, and select streaming services. The Costco Anywhere card’s biggest earning categories are gas stations, select travel, and dining. The mix of your actual spending will determine which card delivers the most total earnings. 

While rewards earnings are important, the real value you’ll get from them is revealed at redemption time . Here are the options for redeeming your rewards for both of our featured cards:

Let’s refer back to our earlier spending scenario. Spending on the Costco Anywhere card yielded $236 cash-back and the Chase Sapphire Preferred card yielded 21,600 Ultimate Rewards points . If the Ultimate Rewards points were redeemed for travel via the Chase travel portal, the value would be $270 (1.25 cents per point).

However, by our valuations of Chase points at 2 cents per point, those points are actually worth $432 when you transfer Ultimate Rewards points to travel partners. With travel partners, you have the potential to receive greater value than cash-back or travel portal redemptions.

However, if you don’t spend a lot on travel and don’t prefer to redeem your rewards for travel, you may find cash-back rewards a better fit for you.

Bottom Line: Your spending mix, redemption preferences, and card benefits will determine which card is a better fit for your circumstances. If you prefer to redeem your rewards for travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card can deliver greater value. 

Travel Benefits and Protections

Travel benefits and protections can provide peace of mind, help when you need it, save money on your travel purchase, or provide elite-style perks.

Here are some of the travel protections found on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and the Costco Anywhere card:

• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver — Pay for your entire rental with your card, decline the agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive primary worldwide coverage for damage or theft with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card . Primary coverage means that you do not have to file a claim with other insurance before card coverage kicks in. The Costco Anywhere card also offers primary worldwide coverage outside of the U.S. and secondary coverage within the U.S.
• Roadside Assistance — Make just 1 call and pay a low pre-negotiated fee with either card for a service call that includes limited towing, lockout service, fuel delivery (cost of fuel not included), tire changing, winching, and jump-starting service.
• Travel Accident Insurance — If an eligible tragic accident occurs while traveling, you will have $500,000 in travel accident insurance with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and $250,000 with the Costco Anywhere card.
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — While you’re traveling, enjoy 24/7 assistance and referrals for travel, medical, or legal emergencies where you’re traveling far from home. Keep in mind that you’re responsible for any services used.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees — Both of our featured cards do not charge foreign transaction fees.

You’ll find these additional travel benefits and protections on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card:

• $50 Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit — Make a hotel booking with your card via the Chase travel portal and receive a $50 statement credit each card anniversary year.
• Visa Signature Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection Benefits — Enjoy hotel VIP status, an upgraded room (when available), daily breakfast for 2, late checkout (when available), and a $25 food and beverage credit.
• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance — If your trip is canceled or disrupted for a covered reason, you could receive up to $10,000 per person, up to $20,000 per trip.
• Trip Delay Reimbursement — For common carrier trips where you are delayed for a covered reason, you could receive up to $500 for eligible unreimbursed expenses.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement — If your luggage is lost or damaged, you could receive up to $3,000.
• Baggage Delay — Receive up to $100 per day with a maximum of $500 in reimbursement for eligible incidentals, if your bags are delayed more than 6 hours.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Shopping benefits and protections that come with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Costco Anywhere card can save you money. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you’ll also have the additional benefit of earning a lot of bonus Ultimate Rewards points on purchases.

Shopping protections can provide coverage if something should happen to an eligible purchase made with your card. Here are some of the protections you’ll find on both cards:

• Purchase Protection — Make an eligible purchase with either card and receive coverage for theft or damage for 120 days from the purchase date. Coverage for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is limited to $500 per item and up to $50,000 per calendar year. The Costco Anywhere card limits coverage to $1,000 per item and up to $50,000 per calendar year.

Both cards also offer zero liability fraud protection against unauthorized purchases and a free FICO credit score .

Save money on your purchases and receive elevated earnings with these Chase shopping benefits.

• Chase Offers — Savings on everyday purchases add up when you log in to your online Chase card account and add merchant offers to your card.
• Shop through Chase — Earn additional Ultimate Rewards points by first visiting the Shop through Chase section of your online card account. Earn up to 20x more rewards by making your purchase via the portal.
• Instacart Benefits — Cardholders are eligible for a free 6-month Instacart+ membership plus a $15 quarterly credit.
• Extended Warranty — Eligible items purchased with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card that have a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or less will receive coverage for 1 additional year.

Costco Anywhere cardholders enjoy targeted savings on a regular basis.

• Shopping Offers — Receive special offers for purchasing discounted gift cards and coupons to use for specific in-store purchases.

Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list of benefits that come with our featured cards, just a list of key benefits for comparison purposes. We’ve also abbreviated the benefit descriptions. For a complete list of benefits and the applicable terms and conditions, you’ll want to access each card’s guide to benefits.

Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a broader collection of travel and shopping benefits and protections. But the Costco Anywhere card does offer primary car rental insurance outside of the U.S. and shopping protections that include purchase protection.

Annual fees and adding additional users to your card account can add to the cost of being a cardholder.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card charges an annual fee of $95  while the Costco Anywhere card does not charge an annual fee . However, you must be a Costco member to be approved for the Costco Anywhere card. The current price of membership is $60 per year for a Gold Star membership and $120 for a Gold Star Executive membership.

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred card charges an annual fee, its generous welcome bonus can make up for the first year’s annual fee. After receiving the welcome bonus, travelers who use the Chase travel portal could receive value beyond the annual fee after purchasing just $2,000 in travel each year .

If you shop frequently at Costco, your cash-back earnings with the Costco Anywhere card could also more than offset the cost of membership. If you maxed out the 4% cash-back on gas or EV charging purchases alone, you would receive $280 cash-back each year.

Bottom Line: There is an annual cost associated with having each of our featured cards. However, both cards require a low spending threshold to realize enough earnings to offset those costs. 

If you’re a Costco shopper, there is value with the Costco Anywhere card. If you spend $1,500 a year on gas (4% back) or $3,000 at Costco (2% back), you would cover the cost of a Gold Star membership fee.

One downside to the Costco Anywhere card is that the rewards are only distributed once a year . Fortunately, you can redeem that rewards certificate in-store for cash (or merchandise).

However, if you spend a lot on travel, want greater flexibility and value when redeeming your rewards, and can use the additional travel and shopping benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is the better card. The additional value of the 10% anniversary points contributes to making the card difficult to beat.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also serves a broader purpose of establishing a valuable long-term relationship with Chase, a prominent financial institution providing additional financial services products you may utilize throughout your lifetime.

So, both cards can live harmoniously in the wallet of a Costco shopper . Before you apply for either, though, be aware of Chase’s 5/24 rule .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the costco anywhere card worth it.

Yes. For frequent Costco shoppers the card offers plenty of value. The 4% cash-back at gas stations and EV charging alone delivers enough value to more than offset the cost of the Costco membership required to be eligible for the card.

How do I redeem my Costco rewards certificate?

Each February, you’ll receive an email with your rewards certificate (if you’re signed up for paperless delivery) or a paper certificate in the mail. The certificate contains your earnings for the prior calendar year and can be redeemed for merchandise, cash, or check by visiting a Costco warehouse.

Can I redeem Ultimate Rewards points with PayPal?

Yes. You can redeem your Ultimate Rewards points during checkout at a merchant that accepts PayPal by linking your Chase card to your PayPal account, then selecting to use Ultimate Rewards points to pay. However, it is not recommended that you redeem Ultimate Rewards points via PayPal, as you will only receive 0.8 cents per point in value.

Does the Costco Anywhere card have a welcome bonus?

No. The Costco Anywhere card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred card come with lounge access?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card does not come with airport lounge access. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which includes worldwide access to associated airport lounges, participating restaurants, and Minute Suites.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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