I have worked at Costco for 18 years - here are the 8 best membership perks

A Costco veteran has revealed the top perks that make membership to the warehouse-based retailer worth purchasing. 

Currently Costco's standard membership is $60-a-year and its executive level is $120.

However, as of September 1 the fees are set to rise to $65 and $130 a year respectively. 

Veronica Thatcher, who has worked for the chain for almost two decades, has revealed the eight best tips and tricks to get the most out of a membership.

'From saving money by bulk-buying groceries to taking advantage of executive membership rewards, there are tons of reasons it's beneficial to shop at the warehouse,' Thatcher told Business Insider. 

Veronica Thatcher has worked at Costco for eighteen years 

1. Generous returns policy 

Costco has a famously generous returns policy that offers its loyal customers a '100 percent satisfaction guarantee.'

According to its website, Costco does not specify any expiration date on refunds nor does it state that a customer needs to bring their receipt.

Customers have tested the bounds of the generous policy by returning two-year-old vacuums and couches.  

The warehouse-based chain will even let customers return half-eaten food if there is a problem with the product or it goes bad before the sell-by date. 

There are a few exceptions, including electronics purchased more than 90 days ago, cigarettes, alcohol, batteries, tires, gold bars and gift cards. 

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2. Cheap gas prices   

Costco offers a members-only gas station with plenty of pumps, so you can avoid waiting in line.

The stations also have helpful attendants and some have car washes, Thatcher explained. 

The gas is also often cheaper than at other local gas stations, she added. 

Costco members can pay to pump gas through their physical membership card, on the Costco app, and in some locations, even via a Costco Pay Fob.

3. Great perks with executive membership 

The highest-level of membership, executive, gives customers two percent cash-back on qualified purchases.

The maximum cash-back reward for an executive card is currently $1,000 a year, but once membership costs increase in September it will climb to $1,250. 

To earn the maximum cashback a customer would need to spend at least $62,500 at Costco annually.

Customers can earn up to $1000 in cashback with the executive membership 

4. Delicious deals at the food court 

Costco is still offering its famous $1.50 hot-dog-and-soda combo, despite recently being undercut by Sam's Club offering the same for twelve cents less. 

Other low-cost treats include an 18-inch pizza for less than $10.

Whether you're just stopping in for a snack or refueling for the way home after a busy shop, the food court is a favorite among members. 

Costco's $1.50 hot dog and soda is a huge hit with members 

5. Bulk buying 

Buying essentials such as toilet paper and toothpaste can be a great way to save money over the long run and bulk buying is what Costco does best. 

'The wholesale warehouse usually offers cheaper prices on clothing, electronics, and household necessities than its competitors, too' Thatcher wrote. 

'I'd say my family of four saves almost $1,000 each year, not including the 2 percent cash-back rewards I accumulate through my executive membership,' the employee added.  

Buying in bulk can help shoppers save money over the long terms on household necessities 

6. The concierge service 

Costco offers a free concierge service to members looking to make a large purchase such as a refrigerator or washing machine.  

The service also provides members with technical support in case of any issues and a two-year manufacturer's warranty extension from the date of purchase on select items.

7. The hearing-aid center 

Most Costco locations offer free hearing screenings and have great deals on hearing-aids and accompanying accessories, Thatcher revealed. 

The service also offers a hearing-aid warranty, follow-up appointments, device cleanings, and checkups.  

Many Costco locations offer free hearing screenings and competitively priced hearing-aids

8. Travel packages and insurance 

Costco members can also gain access to lesser known benefits such as exclusive deals on travel packages.

Other deals include a bottled-water delivery service and discounts on solar-panel installation.

Finally, members can also save money on home and pet insurances via offers offered through the chain.