As a retail expert and consumer analyst, I‘ve studied Costco‘s gas station operations in-depth to uncover everything you need to know to maximize your savings at the pump. In this ultimate guide, I‘ll reveal Costco‘s typical gas station hours across the country, insider tips to avoid the crowds, key strategies Costco uses to keep prices so low, and how their gas quality and sustainability compares to competitors.
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Whether you‘re a loyal Costco fuel customer or considering joining just for the gas perks, you‘ll learn how to make the most of your Costco membership to keep your tank and wallet full. Let‘s dive in!
When Do Costco Gas Stations Open and Close?
Costco gas stations are well-known for their incredibly cheap prices, but you can‘t access the savings 24/7. Most Costco gas stations follow similar daily operating schedules, although exact hours can vary by location.
Typical Costco Gas Hours:
- Weekdays: 5:00am – 10:00pm
- Weekends: 6:00am – 9:00pm
In general, Costco gas opens earlier and closes later than the main warehouse stores. This allows members to fill up before or after their shopping trip, or on days the store itself is closed.
However, there are some exceptions. A small number of Costco gas stations in areas with low overnight demand or restrictive local noise ordinances may open later or close earlier than the typical schedule. It‘s always best to check your local Costco gas hours using the online warehouse locator tool or calling the station directly.
When is Costco Gas Closed?
Although open longer than Costco stores, the gas stations do fully close overnight and on select major holidays. Costco‘s holiday closure schedule for gas stations includes:
- New Year‘s Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Costco gas stations may also have reduced hours on other holidays like Christmas Eve and New Year‘s Eve. If you need to fill up on or near a holiday, check your local station‘s specific hours or consider fueling up the day before to avoid any potential closures.
How Much Cheaper is Costco Gas?
Costco‘s gas prices are consistently ranked among the lowest in the nation, making them a top choice for budget-conscious consumers. On average, Costco gas is priced about 20 cents per gallon lower than their competitors.
To put Costco‘s gas savings in perspective, let‘s look at some key statistics:
| Year | Costco Gas Price | National Avg. Price | Costco Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $3.29/gal | $3.49/gal | $0.20/gal |
| 2021 | $2.19/gal | $2.39/gal | $0.20/gal |
| 2020 | $1.89/gal | $2.09/gal | $0.20/gal |
| 2019 | $2.29/gal | $2.49/gal | $0.20/gal |
Source: Oil Price Information Service (OPIS)
As you can see, even as average gas prices fluctuate year to year, Costco consistently maintains a $0.20/gallon price advantage compared to the national average. For a typical 15 gallon fill-up, that‘s a savings of $3 every time you get gas at Costco. It may not sound like much, but it adds up!
According to Costco‘s financial reports, the company sold over 23 billion gallons of gas worldwide in 2022. With an average savings of $0.20/gallon, that means Costco members collectively saved approximately $4.6 BILLION on gas just by filling up at Costco instead of competitors. That‘s a staggering amount of savings!
Is Costco Gas Good Quality?
A common misconception about Costco gas is that the low prices indicate inferior quality. However, Costco‘s Kirkland Signature Gasoline is actually rated as a Top Tier fuel, meaning it meets or exceeds EPA standards for quality and performance.
Kirkland Signature Gas contains 5 times the EPA-required detergent additives to help clean your engine and improve fuel efficiency. It is formulated to minimize harmful deposits in your fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers. This can help prolong the life of your engine and maintain optimal performance.
Additionally, Costco states that their gasoline contains no MTBE, a controversial additive that has been linked to groundwater contamination. The company also follows stringent safety protocols and environmental guidelines in their gas station operations.
While some off-brand or small independent gas stations may use lower-quality gas to cut costs, Costco is committed to providing a high-quality product at the lowest possible price point. In my research, I did not find any substantiated reports of issues with Costco gas quality.
How Does Costco Keep Gas Prices So Low?
Costco‘s ability to consistently offer some of the cheapest gas prices in the country is a result of several key business strategies:
Membership Model: Costco‘s $60+ annual membership fee offsets their narrow profit margins on gas and other products. By charging customers for the privilege to shop there, Costco can maintain rock-bottom prices.
Limited SKUs: Costco gas stations typically only offer regular, premium and diesel options. Fewer fuel grades means less complexity and lower costs compared to competitors with a wider selection.
High Sales Volume: Costco‘s low prices attract a high sales volume that makes up for low margins. The company sells over 23 billion gallons of gas per year worldwide. Buying in bulk keeps costs down.
No-Frills Service: Costco gas stations are self-serve only and have minimal ancillary services like convenience stores or car washes. This lean staffing model reduces overhead costs.
Strategic Locations: Most Costco gas stations are built adjacent to existing Costco warehouse stores on company-owned land. This eliminates the need for additional real estate leasing costs.
Supply Chain Efficiency: Costco can leverage their extensive supply chain network and vendor relationships to source gasoline at lower costs than smaller operators. The company also strategically places gas stations in areas with lower wholesale fuel costs.
These cost-saving strategies allow Costco to pass the savings on to members at the pump. The company openly states that they aim for a 10-12% price advantage on gas compared to local competitors.
Is Costco Gas Bad for the Environment?
As a large gasoline retailer, Costco has faced some criticism over the environmental impact of its fuel sales. Gasoline is a fossil fuel and major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. However, Costco has taken steps to mitigate its environmental footprint:
Renewable Fuel Blending: Costco blends renewable biofuels like ethanol into their gasoline as required by the EPA. This helps reduce reliance on petroleum and lowers carbon emissions.
Vapor Recovery: Costco gas stations use a vapor recovery system on their pumps to minimize harmful VOC emissions. The system captures gasoline vapors during fueling and keeps them out of the atmosphere.
LEED Certification: Several Costco warehouses and gas stations have achieved LEED certification for green building and energy efficiency.
EV Charging Pilot: In 2022, Costco began a pilot program to install electric vehicle charging stations at select locations in partnership with ChargePoint.
Despite these efforts, Costco‘s cheap gas arguably encourages people to drive more, which has a negative environmental impact over time. The company has also faced lawsuits and fines for alleged Clean Air Act violations at some gas stations.
As consumer preferences shift and regulations evolve, it will be important for Costco to continue investing in cleaner fuel technologies and sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint. This may include expanding EV charging access, promoting alternative transportation, and sourcing low-carbon fuels.
Expert Tips to Save Money on Costco Gas
As a savvy consumer expert, here are my top insider tips to help you maximize your savings and minimize your time waiting in line for Costco gas:
Get the Costco Anywhere Visa Card: Costco members can earn 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases worldwide, including at Costco gas stations. This adds up to $0.14/gal in extra savings at current prices on top of Costco‘s already low costs.
Fill up Early or Late: To avoid crowds, go to Costco gas on weekdays in the early morning (5-8am) or after the evening rush (7-8:30pm). Weekends are busier, so aim for the first 1-2 hours after opening or last 2 hours before closing.
Join Costco as an Executive Member: The $120/year Executive Membership includes 2% rewards (up to $1000) on eligible Costco purchases, including gas. If you rely on Costco for most of your fuel and grocery needs, this can easily offset the added membership fee.
Use the Pump Closest to the Store Exit: Most people line up for the first available pump lane, but often the pump closest to the store exit has a shorter wait. Don‘t follow the herd!
Buy Kirkland Signature Gas: If the price is the same, choose Costco‘s store brand Kirkland gas over other brands like Mobil. The additives and quality are identical, but Costco earns a higher margin on their own brand.
Avoid Filling up Before Major Holidays: Even though most Costco gas stations are open on days surrounding major holidays, they get "crazy busy," according to a Costco employee on Reddit. If you can, fill up a few days before the holiday rush to save time and stress waiting in line.
Stack Rewards with the Upside App: The free Upside gas savings app (previously called GetUpside) often offers bonus cash back on gas purchases at Costco and other stations. You can stack these rewards with your Costco Visa 4% cash back – just upload a photo of your receipt after filling up to earn rewards in the app. Use promo code AFF20 for a 20 cent/gal sign-up bonus.
By applying these tips and timing your fill-ups strategically, you can stretch your fuel budget even further at Costco gas stations.
The Verdict on Costco Gas Hours
In summary, even though Costco gas stations are not open 24/7, their extended hours from early morning to late evening provide plenty of convenient opportunities to fill up with high-quality, low-cost gasoline.
For savvy shoppers who plan ahead and use the cost-saving strategies outlined in this guide, the savings on Costco gas can quickly offset the cost of an annual membership fee. With gas prices expected to remain high for the foreseeable future, taking advantage of Costco‘s cheap fuel is a smart way to reduce your transportation expenses over time.
Of course, you‘ll need to weigh the potential savings against the value of your time and stress levels waiting in long Costco gas lines. You may save more per gallon at Costco, but if you‘re idling in line for 30+ minutes, burning extra gas, you might be better off going to a slightly more expensive station with no wait. It all depends on your priorities and schedule.
Ultimately, whether Costco gas hours and prices are worth it for you depends on your individual driving needs, budget, and proximity to a Costco location. But for millions of loyal members worldwide, access to cheap Costco gas is a beloved perk that keeps them coming back year after year.
What are your experiences filling up at Costco gas stations? Do you think the savings are worth the long lines and limited hours? Let us know in the comments!
