Costco gasoline stations are known for offering members a great value on high-quality fuel. Their stations are designed for fast refueling and feature long hoses that can reach either side of your car. Plus, Costco stations often have the best prices on gas, allowing you to save money at the pump. Wondering if your local station is open now? Here are the Costco gas station hours.
About Costco Gas Stations
Gasoline sales are a massive part of Costco’s business. The company operated 692 gas stations by the end of 2023 and gasoline represented approximately 13% of total net sales for the year (Costco).
Selling gasoline doesn’t traditionally make a lot of money, so why does Costco go to all this trouble? Although selling gas adds complexity to Costco’s business, having gas stations brings in additional customers that the big box retailer would not otherwise get. More than half of people who purchase gasoline also buy items in the warehouse locations. And because Costco sells so much gas, they’re still making money even if the margins are low (per CNN).
Costco Gas Station Hours
So, when are Costco gas stations open? Costco gas station hours are usually as follows:
Monday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Thursday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
On weekdays Costco gas stations typically open between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. (and some open even earlier at 5 a.m.). They usually close between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Costco stations tend to open earlier and close later than the warehouse stores. These extended operating hours appeal to commuters who need to fill up on their way to and from work every day, but don’t always need to run into Costco for groceries.
Costco weekend gas hours are shorter than during the week. Pump hours typically begin at 7 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. However, this schedule may vary by an hour or two depending on which location you visit. It’s always a good idea to use the store locator tool to verify your local Costco gas station’s hours.
It’s important to note that Costco gas station hours may also change throughout the year, particularly during holiday seasons. So don’t forget to consult the Costco holiday schedule before you head there to refuel.
Why Aren’t Costco Gas Station Hours 24/7?
Some chains like Shell and BP may have gas stations open 24/7, especially locations near major highways. If you enjoy the convenience of being able to pump gas around the clock, you may be wondering why Costco gas stations aren’t open 24/7. Per company policy, Costco gas stations have to be monitored by a fuel attendant at all times. This practice helps keep customers safe because there’s always someone available to respond to potential emergencies.
Since Costco prioritizes work-life balance, the company doesn’t require fuel attendants to work overnight shifts. Costco gas stations all shut down at a reasonable hour so employees can go home to their families. At the end of the day, the pumps get locked to ensure that no one hurts themselves while the gas station is unmanned.
You may need to adjust your plans to be able to swing by Costco when the gas station is open. However, it’s worth rearranging your schedule a bit to save money on gas.
When Are Costco Gas Stations Closed?
Costco warehouse stores and gas stations are usually closed on the following seven holidays:
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Day
Costco is closed more often than its competitors like Walmart or Sam’s Club. This is because the company has labor policies that allow its employees adequate time to be with their families, making it a top place to work. Keep in mind that Costco stations may also shut down early on certain holidays like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Costco Gas Prices
Costco can offer gasoline for up to 30 cents a gallon less than local competitors’ prices, which is one reason why their gasoline sales account for 13% of their total net revenue. You can find estimated gas prices for each gas station using Costco’s store locator tool. However, gas prices are subject to a high degree of market fluctuation. So keep in mind that these estimates may not match the amount you’ll pay at the pump exactly.
Do I Need a Costco Membership to Buy Costco Gas?
Yes. You need a Costco membership to buy Costco gas. However, there’s one exception to this rule. Costco Shop Card customers can also fill up at Costco stations. The Shop Card is a gift card that can only be purchased and reloaded by Costco members. But if you’re lucky enough to receive one as a gift from a friend, you can use it to pay for gas at Costco stations even if you aren’t actually a member.
Before you can pump your gas, you’ll need to insert or tap your membership card, Shop Card, or Costco Anywhere Visa Card to verify your member status. If you aren’t paying with a Shop Card or Anywhere Visa, you’ll also need to insert or tap your payment method. The pumps accept most PIN debit cards, Visa, and Shop Cards. If you want to pay with cash or check, you’ll have to go inside the warehouse and load a Shop Card with funds.
From there, pumping gas is easy thanks to Costco’s extra long hoses. They can reach either side of your vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about positioning your car correctly. If you run into any problems at the pump, Costco has fuel attendants available to help. Getting back on the road when you’re done filling up is also a breeze. Costco’s gas stations are one-way, which makes them simple to navigate and prevents traffic jams.
Types of Gas at Costco Gas Stations
Regular Unleaded (typically 87 octane) and Premium Unleaded (typically 91 octane) are offered at Costco stations. Keep in mind that octane requirements can vary by state. Diesel fuel is also available at some locations.
Costco buys fuel from major refineries and distributors in each area. All of Costco’s gasoline is fully guaranteed, just like the merchandise they sell in their warehouses. It contains five times the EPA’s required amount of detergent to help keep your engine clean and vehicle running smoothly. (Read more about Costco gas quality and type here.)
Ways To Save At Costco’s Pump
Costco already has low prices, but here are some ways to hack how much you pay at Costco’s pump.
1. Buy Gas Early in The Day When It Is Cool
One simple tip is to buy your gas early in the morning. Gasoline is denser in cold temperatures, so you’ll get slightly more fuel for your money if you fill up when the temperatures are low. In addition, gas stations often raise prices in the afternoon and evening, so you’ll save even more if you buy in the morning. Consumer Reports has more.
2. Use A Cash Back Card
There are a number of cash back cards which give you a portion of your Costco gas purchase back. For example, Costco credit cards offer 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases for the first $7,000 per year (then 1%), per CNBC.
3. Scan Your Costco Gas Receipts
Most people don’t think twice about throwing away their receipts, but you can effectively reduce the price of your Costco gas by scanning them using various apps. For example, Fetch Opinion Rewards and Receipt Hog both let you earn rewards for uploading a photo of any type of receipt. So next time you’re about to toss a Costco gas receipt, stop and think – it could be worth a bit of extra cash!
Costco Gas Might Not Be The Cheapest, So Shop Around
Your local Costco gas station will typically offer the lowest gas prices in the immediate area. However, many supermarkets such as Safeway or Fred Meyer offer per-gallon discounts on a particular brand of gas based on what you spend on groceries. So if you are buying gas after you shop, the amount you save could be substantially more per gallon than the discount Costco offers. You will also need to factor in the cash back rewards on any credit card you might be using.
We recommend using the GasBuddy App to compare Costco gas prices with competitors in your area. Or visit www.gasbuddy.com and search for your local city to find the least expensive gas prices around. Then you can plan on filling up at a time and place where you know you’ll be near cheap fuel. Also, by using grocery chain gas discounts wherever you can find them, you might be able to save more cash at the pump.
Readers, have you saved big on Costco Gas? If so, leave us a comment below.
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Is It Possible To Save Money Buying Gas at Costco?
The author contacted Costco Customer service to research and fact check this article.
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