Executive membership grew 9.1 percent year-over-year through Q1 2026 — the fastest growth rate in the tier's history. The explanation for this growth is not simply the 2 percent annual reward that has defined the Executive tier since its introduction. It is the specific 2026 benefits additions that have made the Executive upgrade genuinely compelling for a broader member base than the reward math alone ever reached. Two new Executive membership benefits were added in 2026 tha

The Costco membership card is one of the most commercially consequential pieces of plastic in your wallet — and most members are using only a fraction of what it unlocks. The $65 Gold Star membership fee gets most members through the warehouse door. It is what happens after the door that determines whether the membership delivers $65 in value per year or $650. This guide covers every significant tip, trick, and strategy for getting maximum value from your Costco membership in