Costco.
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- Gas prices are going up rapidly, and Costco has some of the lowest prices.
- I’m a Costco member, and I documented my experience filling my tank.
- High fuel costs are driving memberships to Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s.
With gas prices averaging nearly $5 a gallon across the US, I’ve been refilling my tank exclusively at Costco.
AP/Gene J. Puskar
I was already a Costco member, but many Americans have rushed to join Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s in recent months to save on gas.
Getty/Tim Boyle
Source: Insider
To buy gas at Costco, you need to be a member and have your card on you.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Just like purchases inside the store, you have to scan your Costco card before you can buy gas.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
After tapping your membership card, it’s just like getting gas anywhere else.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Insert your credit card to pay.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The price when I visited recently was $4.39, though it has increased since then.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Costco and other membership clubs are able to keep prices as much as 30 cents lower than other gas stations.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Source:Insider
This is true in my area of Rochester, New York. According to Gas Buddy, the lowest nearby gas is $4.65 a gallon at Costco, and other stations go as high as $4.99.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Costco’s gas station is much larger than most others, with around 15 or more pumps compared to three or four.
Getty/Kevork Djansezian
Despite having so many pumps, it’s common to see long lines form waiting for gas, especially during peak times like rush hour.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
In my experience, Costco is good at managing this traffic. Cones and painted lanes organize customers into orderly lines at each pump.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Traffic only moves one way, which reduces the chaos common at other busy gas stations.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
All the hoses are also extra-long, so anyone can go through any line without worrying about it reaching the car.
Getty/Kevork Djansezian
Costco also always has an attendant outside supervising the gas station when it is open, which helps keep things moving along and makes me feel a bit safer if I happen to be there at night.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
For example, attendants frequently direct drivers to pull through to the far pump so another car can pull up behind them.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I’ve found Costco gas stations to be exceptionally clean. Litter and even overflowing garbage bins are rare at every location I’ve been to.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Like many gas stations, there’s also free air available to top up tires.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
After a little over a year as a Costco member, I’m very happy and plan to keep renewing my membership.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Though I also buy groceries, I think the $60 membership would easily be worth it just for the gas savings alone.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I work remotely, but my fiance drives into his office, and we like to take day trips on the weekends, so it’s handy to have access to slightly cheaper gas.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The only downside of Costco’s gas is the long lines, which can lead to relatively long waits.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
For me, the positives still absolutely outweigh the negatives. I just keep in mind not to wait to get gas until I’m in a hurry or running late, and leave time to wait.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
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