10 Perks of Your Costco Membership You Probably Didn't Know About

From Good Housekeeping

If you shop at Costco, you know part of the appeal is exploring all the wacky things on the shelves (like a giant teddy bear). Of course, there's also the discounts that are impossible to beat. But what if we told you those price tags are only the beginning? These are all of the other services you get out from a Costco membership.

1. Take advantage of tech support.

Here's a smart reason to buy your next TV at Costco: With all tech purchases at this discount retailer, you get access to an on-call concierge line for free tech support via the phone. No more yelling at the remote the next time your Netflix isn't syncing.

2. Save money with gift cards.

"You can buy various gift cards at a discount - usually a $100 value for just $79.99," says Matt, the mysterious blogger behind Costco Insider. Look for gift cards for movie theaters, restaurants, entertainment, and more.

3. Score better prices on vehicles.

No one enjoys haggling with a car salesman. Since more than 3,000 dealerships are part of the Costco Auto Program, you get a huge selection of new or pre-owned cars to choose from that the Costco team has already negotiated down for an even better deal.

4. Find amazing travel deals.

Price cuts don't just apply to what's on the shelves in this store. Members also get discounts off of all-inclusive resorts, theme parks, plane flights, car rentals, and cruise ships. Do we hear Mexico calling your name?

5. Pick up prescriptions for less.

If your insurance doesn't cover all of your medications, you need to investigate Costco's Prescription Program, which has a list of drugs members can get for a fraction of the price - many for just $5.

6. Buy movie tickets in bulk.

Anyone who loves going to see the latest blockbuster or catching DiCaprio's most recent Oscar-worthy performance, you know ticket prices add up - fast. At Costco, you can buy discounted cinema tickets in packs of four or 10 that never expire.

7. Inspect eyes and ears for free.

Instead of dealing with a co-pay at your local eye or ear doctor's office, go to Costco Optical and Costco's Hearing Aid Centers where they offer free exams for members. Even better: They don't charge for follow-up appointments or cleanings either.

8. Print personal checks for a fraction.

Running out of checks is a pain, because it's costly to replace them. But the warehouse club offers the same service for half of the price as your bank - and you can pick up business checks, ink stamps, and tax forms while you're there.

9. Stay hydrated with ease.

Instead of constantly refilling your Brita, let Costco bring water to you. You can choose from Spring, purified, and artesian water and have it delivered directly to your door or office for just $6 for a large bottle. Or rent a dispense for between $1 and $3 every month - depending on you level of membership.

10. Forget coupons, just use your phone.

Costco doesn't accept general manufacturer coupons, but you can use rebate apps to save. "With cash back apps - like Ibotta, Mobisave, and Checkout51 - you can submit your Costco receipts and anywhere from $0.20 to $3 will be deposited into your account," says Melody Hansen, the blogger behind This Beautiful Frugal Life. "Once you hit a certain amount, you can redeem for cash or gift cards."