Costco is a major big-box retailer and one of the most recognizable retail brands in the US.
They employ more than 192,000 people in the US, and more than 288,000 people worldwide.
Working for Costco can often be a comfortable experience, with a number of perks and benefits not normally offered by other stores.
Do Costco Employees Get Discounts?
Costco employees do not get discounts on purchases at Costco. However, employees do receive four free executive membership cards. These cards include a 2% annual rebate on all purchases made at Costco warehouses or online at Costco.com.
Costco employees also get a number of other benefits, including student retention programs, scholarships, healthcare, dental care, retirement plans, family assistance, life insurance, and employee share purchase plans.
Keep reading to find details on the benefits of being a Costco employee, as well as general information on membership options for Costco employees.

Do Costco Employees Get Free Food?
If you’re working long hours at the Costco warehouse, you will probably get hungry. Working on an empty stomach isn’t good for you or the store, so it’s important to make sure you are fed for your shift. The question is, can Costco workers eat free at the food court?
Costco employees do not get free food. They must wait in line and pay full price at the food court just like anybody else. However, Costco employees may receive a free turkey around thanksgiving, although this policy may be different at different locations.
It’s an interesting tradition that gives employees an opportunity to cut down on their food costs around thanksgiving, but it may not be offered by every warehouse.
Read: Can You Use Someone Else’s Costco Card?
Costco Employee Perks
In order to attract and retain hardworking employees, Costco offers a number of benefits and perks to their workers. Unlike at other stores, these perks are the same for both full-time and part-time employees. However, some conditions may apply.
Costco employee perks include:
- College student retention programs
- Scholarship programs
- Health care
- Dental care
- Retirement planning
- Family assistance programs
- Disability
- Life insurance
- Employee share purchase plans
Compared to many other employers, these benefits are quite competitive. Part time workers are required to work at least 24 hours per week to qualify for these benefits. In addition, employees must work at least 450 total hours before they qualify.
Read: Why Doesn’t Costco Take MasterCard?
How Long Do You Have to Work at Costco to Get Benefits?
Although the benefits offered by Costco to their employees are competitive, they do come with some caveats. There is a minimum number of hours an employee must work before they qualify for some of these benefits.
You must work 180 days at Costco with 24 hours per week to qualify for benefits. You do not have to work 180 days in total, this only indicates the total time since your hiring. Part time employees must have worked a total of 450 hours before they qualify.
Read: Why Do You Need a Membership for Costco?
Do Costco Employees Get a Free Membership?
Costco employees receive free executive membership at Costco. After their 90-day probation period, they will also receive three additional membership cards that can be shared with friends and family.
The executive membership gives you access to a 2% annual rebate on purchases made in Costco warehouses or online at Costco.com.
How Many Free Memberships to Costco Employees Get?
Costco employees receive up to four free membership cards after working through their 90-day probation period. These cards may be shared with friends and family, and include a 2% annual rebate on purchases made in-store or online.
Read: Does Costco Do Wheel Alignment?
Do Costco Employees Get a Discount on Gas?
Costco offers a wide range of services, including tire services and access to Costco gas stations. Costco gas is already cheaper than other gas stations, but can employees get it for even cheaper?
Costco employees do not get a discount on gas. Employees must pay the same price at the pump as everyone else. Gasoline is also excepted from the 2% annual rebate included with executive membership.
This means that everyone pays the same for gas at Costco, and it doesn’t qualify for the 2% annual reward. For other annual reward exclusions, you can visit the executive ToS page on Costco.com.
Costco Full Time vs Part Time Benefits
Unlike other retail employers, Costco does not limit benefits for part-time employees. All Costco employees can qualify for the same benefits, whether they are full time or part time.
The only requirement is that the employee must work for a minimum of 24 hours per week if they want to qualify for benefits. In addition, full time employees must be employed for 180 consecutive days in order to qualify. Part time employees, on the other hand, must work at least 450 total hours in order to get benefits.
Final Thoughts
Costco is a major player in the big-box retail game. Accordingly, the benefits they offer for their employees are competitive and attractive for people looking into a career at Costco. The benefits on offer are equal for all Costco employees, whether they are full time or part time.
That being said, Costco does not offer a discount to their employees. Employees instead receive multiple free executive memberships, which include a 2% annual rebate on qualifying purchases made in the warehouse or online at Costco.com.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask away in the comments section.