Is Costco Gas Good? Quality, Cost & Benefits | Ridester (2024)

Key Takeaways

  • Quality and Price: Costco’s gas is top-tier quality, typically cheaper than average local rates.
  • Membership Needed: Requires Costco membership, with annual fees of $60 or $120.
  • Advantages: High-quality fuel, lower prices, and extra amenities at stations.
  • Drawbacks: Long wait times and membership requirement may not suit infrequent users.

Recommendation: Costco gas is worth it, but try to fuel during off-times, such as when the pumps first open close. Also, avoid rush times like during standard corporate lunch breaks.

  • Is Costco Gas Good?
  • Everything About Costco Gas
  • Costco Gas: The Pros
  • Costco Gas: The Cons
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Wrapping Up

Is Costco Gas Good?

Yes, Costco gas is generally considered to be of good quality. Just as you’d expect from most items sold by the company, Costco fuel adheres to top-tier standards, which means it contains detergents that help keep engines clean and improve performance.

Costco gas is sourced from major refineries like Shell, Chevron, and Arco, ensuring a high-quality product. While it’s priced lower than many competitors, the catch is that it’s only available to Costco members.

This exclusivity can be a drawback for non-members, but for regular Costco shoppers, the quality of the gas combined with the cost savings can make it a worthwhile option.

Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert

I’m normally not a huge superfan of most stores or brands, but Costco is the exception. I absolutely LOVE Costco, to the point that when I go into the store, I don’t allow myself to grab a cart because I know I’ll immediately start loading it up, resulting in me spending far more than I anticipated.

When it comes to Costco gas, my recommendation is a resounding “yes”. The quality is great and the prices are pretty much unmatched. However, my recommendation comes with a bit of a caveat.

As it turns out, there are many people who are just like me and also love Costco. There are so many, in fact, that the gas pumps are filled with them. I have waited as long as 20 minutes to get fuel.

My suggestion: if possible, go to the pumps when they first open or right when they close. Otherwise, you might find yourself waiting for quite a while to get gas.

And once you’re in the line? You’re not getting out except by driving forward.

Everything About Costco Gas

Costco opened its first station back in 1995, and the goal was to provide customers with cheaper gas to help with the high cost of commuting.

Today, there are Costco gas stations all over the country. To find the nearest warehouse in your location, you can use Costco’s websiteand search around your area.

Despite its high demand, Costco gas doesn’t hold back on quality. This fuel is fully on board with top-tier standards, even though it’s cheaper than you’d typically pay at other stations.

Costco Membership: Why It’s a Must

To access Costco’s warehouse stations, you’ll need a membership card. Without it, you can’t shop for fuel or take advantage of Costco’s low gas prices.

Costco currently offers two membership options: Gold Star Membership, which costs $60 per year, and Gold Star Executive, at $120 per year.

These memberships come with discounts for in-store and Instacartpurchases, letting you stack up your savings with each purchase you make in the shop.

The Executive membership also includes an annual 2% reward on qualified store purchases. And if you’re a regular Costco shopper, it’s certainly worth it.

Costco Gas: The Pros

Several key factors favor Costco over its competitors. Here are the most important ones.

1. Fuel Quality

In 2016, AAA conducted a studythat proved there’s a difference between high-quality gas and regular fuel. According to the study, premium-grade fuel is much more economical for your vehicle in the long run compared to regular gas.

The differences between the two are what defines “top-tier gasoline,” which is typically refined by using detergents designed to keep the engines clean and prevent build-up. Many renowned manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, and Ford endorse this qualification.

Costco buys its gasoline from major refineries like Shell, Chevron, and Arco — all of which produce top-tier gas.

Despite its low prices, Costco gas is also ethanol-free, which is perfect for older vehicles or cars with specialized engines.

That means that Costco gas is so good that it won’t just fill up your tank but maintain your car’s engine performance too.

2. Competitive Prices

Costco gas stations let you purchase fuel at one of the lowest rates in the country.

While the exact rates vary depending on the location, the average Costco price is between $0.10 and $0.30 cheaper per gallon compared to the average local market value.

This places Costco members in a privileged position compared to other drivers, as most people can usually save no more than around 10 cents with each gas tank filled.

3. Extra Amenities

A Costco gas station is generally built right next to a Costco warehouse, allowing you to look around and shop as you buy gas.

In some locations, the company has built tire centers, convenience stores, pharmacies, and other services next to its gas locations, so you can also check these out while filling up your tank.

4. Positive Reviews

Costco gasoline does fairly well in terms of online reviews on platforms like Yelpand Reddit.

Costco clients generally approve of the low fuel prices and good quality, and some reviews praise the perks of the Costco membership (as long as you’re a regular Costco customer).

Costco Gas: The Cons

Not everything is ideal with Costco’s services, and there are a few flaws potential customers should be aware of. We’ll go over some of them.

1. Lack of Convenience

Because everyone wants to buy gas at the lowest price points possible, Costco stations are usually full of long queues.

Part of this is also due to the station’s self-service basis, which makes people have to pump their own gas tank. Not all customers are used to that, which leads to longer waiting times.

According to customer reviews, you generally have to wait for about 30 minutes to an hour if you want to fill up your ride in a Costco warehouse.

While this model is the norm in just about any Costco gas station, locations in Oregon and New Jersey are somewhat different. There, customers have access to full-service options.

2. Mandatory Membership

To access Costco’s premium fuel, you’ll need to be a member. While this membership comes with many advantages, it’s not budget-conscious for those who just want to pump some gas.

For drivers who don’t use Costco’s services often, the expense of premium membership will outweigh their fuel savings, making it not worth it in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Costco Gas Okay for Older Cars?

Yes, Costco gas meets top-tier standards, making it suitable for all kinds of vehicles. Because of its detergent composition, it’s also ideal for luxury cars and higher-performance models, as it prolongs their engine life and overall gas mileage.

Can I Pay With Cash at a Costco Station?

No, Costco doesn’t accept cash. You have to either use Visa credit cards, Costco Cash Cards, or other mobile payment options. Make sure to verify your options before you decide to fill your tank up.

Wrapping Up

Costco gas offers great fuel prices per gallon and good value for money. While membership is required to use this gas station, the perks are worth it when you consider the savings on gas prices.

If you’re willing to put up with long waiting times, having to pump your own fuel, and a lack of ability to pay with cash — Costco’s top-tier gasoline is as good as it gets.

Is Costco Gas Good? Quality, Cost & Benefits | Ridester (2024)

FAQs

Does Costco have good quality gas? ›

Consumer Reports (subscription required) came out with a study in 2022 stating that Top Tier gas is worth the extra price. The good news is that Costco gas is already Top Tier and is often the cheapest station.

How good is Costco fuel? ›

It's just fuel from the same outlets as shell, BP and all the supermarkets. Fine to use. MrAverage said: Used Costco fuels exclusively for a few years (Costco round the corner), didn't have any issues with either.

Is it worth driving to Costco for gas? ›

The data shows that Costco's prices aren't typically the absolute cheapest, but they're always significantly less expensive than the "average" price. This means you're more than likely getting a deal when you get gas from Costco versus another random gas station in your city.

Which gas stations have the best quality gas? ›

You'll know you're filling up with the good stuff if you spot a small green sticker on the pump that says “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.” As of early 2022, the following stations sold Top Tier gasoline in the U.S.: 76, ARCO, Aloha, Beacon, Breakaway, CITGO, Cenex, Chevron, Conoco, Costco Wholesale, CountryMark, ...

How do I know if my gas station is Top Tier? ›

Many fueling stations selling TOP TIER™ Licensed Brands prominently display the TOP TIER™ logo on the pump, pump handle, canopy or in a station window. The TOP TIER™ logo means you're getting fuel that meets the performance requirements set by engine manufacturers.

Is Costco gas better than Chevron? ›

It's not only equal/better, it's literally the exact same stuff. Every fuel station in a given area gets their fuel from the same pipeline terminal. The big oil company brand on the pumps doesn't mean much, as it's just licensed and franchised just like McDonald's.

Why do people prefer Costco gas? ›

The fact that gas is cheaper at Costco doesn't mean it's lower in quality. The company offers Kirkland Signature gasoline, which is formulated to improve vehicle performance and fuel economy. Costco says the gas also reduces emissions, making it better for the environment.

Does Costco fuel have additives? ›

All gasoline at Costco contains deposit control additives. Since March of 2014, Kirkland Signature™ Gasoline has been certified to meet the TOP TIER™ performance standards: www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/ and we are proud to offer our high quality product to our members.

Does Costco gas really save money? ›

That's because Costco loyalists know there's no better place to buy gasoline than at the wholesale giant's pumps, which regularly undercut the competition. “You save approximately 20 cents a gallon at Costco over other local vendors,” says David Schwartz, who together with his wife Susan authored “The Joy of Costco”.

What day of the week is best to get gas at Costco? ›

Buy Gas on Monday or Tuesday

“For gas, Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the cheapest days to fill up your tank as demand is lower at the beginning of the week,” Anderson said.

What is the benefit of getting gas at Costco? ›

Costco gas is offered at a great price

Although the exact amount of savings you'll get varies based on your location and the specific club you're shopping at, you'll typically save around $0.20 per gallon at Costco according to most online reports. Most cars hold between 10.5 and 18.5 gallons of gas.

Where does Costco gas come from? ›

Where does Costco gasoline come from? The gasoline from you local Cosco comes from the same terminal as the rest of your local gas stations. The only difference is that is doesn't get the proprietary additive package added to it that you pay extra for from Shell or Chevron or whatever your local options are.

What gas station has the best benefits? ›

The Shell Fuel Rewards® Program is our top pick for the best gas rewards. Typically, your rewards start at Silver Status, saving you $0.03 per gallon, but you can save even more. When you sign up, you're granted complimentary Gold Status, and you save $0.30 on your first fill-up at Shell.

Which gas last the longest? ›

The length of time fuel will remain useable in your gas tank is dependent on the fuel type. Regular gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months, premium or high-octane fuel should last close to nine months, while diesel can last up to a year before it begins to degrade.

Which gas brands are Top Tier? ›

Arco, Chevron, Gulf, Mobil, Phillips 66, and Texaco sell Top Tier gas, along with most other major gas station chains. Smaller brands, convenience stores, and retailers like Costco and Meijer also sell Top Tier gas. You can check the full list of participating brands on the Top Tier Gas website.

Is Marathon Top Tier gas? ›

Marathon gasoline is certified TOP TIER™, providing a higher level of STP® detergent additive for an even greater cleaning power. Marathon gasoline fights the accumulation of harmful deposits and improves the performance of your vehicle's engine. Choosing Marathon gasoline will help to: Optimize fuel economy.

Is Conoco gas good? ›

Conoco® fuel has 3 times more detergent additive than the minimum required by the EPA and 30% more than the TOP TIER® Detergent Gasoline standard recommended by major car manufacturers.

Is all gasoline the same quality? ›

All regular grade gasolines in any given area use the same base fuel, as do all premium grade gasolines. The only differences between fuel brands is the "secret sauce" of additives that are blended with the base fuel.

Why is Shell gas better? ›

Shell Gasoline contains a patented cleaning system that actively cleans intake valves and fuel injectors and protects against future build up.

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