You know that feeling when you're standing in Costco's massive parking lot, cart overflowing with giant packs of toilet paper and a year's supply of almonds, and suddenly wonder: "Just how many members does Costco have anyway?" I've been there too. After five years of swiping that membership card every weekend (and occasionally debating if I really need a 5-gallon tub of mayo), I realized how little most shoppers know about Costco's membership ecosystem.
The Big Numbers
As of September 2023, Costco reported 128.4 million cardholders. Before you picture 128 million people wrestling over rotisserie chickens, let's break that down:
- 71.0 million paid household memberships (each includes 2 cards)
- Global renewal rate: 90% (jumps to 93% in the US/Canada)
- Executive members: 32.5 million (about 46% of total members)
That membership growth isn't slowing down either. Last year alone, they added 4.7 million new paid members. Makes you wonder if they're putting something addictive in those free samples.
Why People Care About Costco's Membership Count
When folks search "how many members does Costco have," they're usually not just trivia hunting. Here's what they really want to know:
"If 128 million people pay $60–$120 yearly, does that mean Costco makes $10 billion just from membership fees?" Short answer: Yes. In 2023, membership fees generated $4.6 billion – that's pure profit covering 80% of their operating expenses. Explains why hot dogs still cost $1.50.
| Membership Type | Cost | Best For | Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Star | $60/year | Casual shoppers (1–2 trips/month) | Break-even point: $300 annual spend |
| Executive | $120/year | Families/businesses spending $500+/month | Average cashback: $130/year |
I learned the hard way that upgrading to Executive isn't automatic profit. My cousin lost $40 because she didn't spend enough to cover the fee difference. Costco's not handing out free money.
How Costco Stacks Up Against Competitors
Let's be real – when asking "how many members does Costco have," you're probably comparing it to Sam's Club or BJ's. Here's the warehouse club showdown:
| Metric | Costco | Sam's Club | BJ's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Members | 128.4M | 68M (est.) | 6.8M |
| Annual Fee | $60–$120 | $50–$110 | $55–$110 |
| Rewards Program | 2% Executive cashback | Sam's Cash (varies) | Up to 5% in-store |
| Gas Savings | $0.10–$0.30/gal | $0.05–$0.20/gal | $0.10–$0.25/gal |
Notice how Costco dominates member count despite higher fees? Their secret weapon is perceived value. Last Black Friday, I saved $400 on a TV – enough to cover six years of membership. Still, Sam's Club wins for convenience if you hate crowds.
Breaking Down Membership Value
Wondering exactly what you gain beyond bulk toilet paper? Here's where Costco shines (and falters):
Hidden Perks Most Members Miss
- Travel deals: Saved $240 on a rental car last summer
- Prescription discounts: My blood pressure meds cost 60% less
- Tire center: Free rotations and 5-year warranty
But let's not ignore the pain points. Good luck finding parking on weekends, and those receipt checks at exit? Felt like airport security last week when Dave forgot his receipt. "Just doing my job, ma'am," the employee said as I dug through my purse.
When Is Membership NOT Worth It?
- You live >30 minutes from a warehouse
- Household size: 1–2 people
- Annual spending < $3,000
Your Top Questions About Costco Membership
How many members does Costco have globally vs. the US?
Of the 128.4 million cardholders, about 65% are in the US. That's roughly 83 million Americans with access to 50-pound bags of rice.
Can I share my membership?
Officially no, but here's a loophole: Add someone to your household account for free. My aunt did this for her college-bound son.
What’s Costco’s member growth rate?
They've grown 7–8% annually for five straight years. Even during COVID, sign-ups spiked 30% as people stockpiled.
How much does Costco make from memberships?
$4.6 billion in 2023. Put another way: That's 900 million hot dogs.
Smart Membership Strategies
After watching my neighbor pay $120 for Executive without using benefits, I created this cheat sheet:
Executive Upgrade Calculator
Upgrade ONLY if:
(Monthly Spending x 0.02 x 12) – $60 > $0
Example: $500/month x 0.02 = $10 cashback/month. $10 x 12 = $120. $120 – $60 fee difference = $60 profit.
Protip: Stack rewards with the Costco Visa card for 4% back on gas. Paid for my camping trip generator last year.
The Psychology Behind Those Membership Numbers
Ever notice how hard it is to leave Costco under $200? There's method to their madness. Those 128 million members didn't happen by accident:
- FOMO pricing: "Limited quantity" signs trigger panic buying
- Treasure hunt layout: You'll walk past TVs to get milk
- Free samples: Increases spending by 15% (I swear by the cheese cubes)
My worst impulse buy? A $300 inflatable kayak. Used it twice. Still cheaper than therapy.
Final Takeaways
So how many members does Costco have? More than the population of Japan. But the real story is why those numbers keep climbing despite inflation. It's simple math: Where else can you buy tires, salmon, and caskets under one roof?
Just remember: Membership pays only if you game the system. Track your spending, exploit cashback, and for heaven's sake – avoid the snack aisle on an empty stomach.
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