Here’s How To Save Both Time And Money When Filling Up With Costco Gas

If you read our recent article about the not-so-obvious benefits of a Costco membership, you’ll recall that gasoline was on the list. Not only is it generally several cents cheaper per gallon than surrounding gas stations, but it’s also guaranteed to be certified as “top tier” petroleum.

And if you’ve been bypassing these pumps due to the long line of cars waiting to gas up, we’ve got some tips that might help you get in and out much quicker.

The CEO’s promise

During a recent earnings call, Costco CEO Ron Vachris referenced the frequent backups that plague fueling stations outside of warehouse locations nationwide.

He reassured interested parties that part of his corporate vision for the club involves “gas expansions where those are needed.”

There’s reason to believe that promise was more than just hollow words. Costco has been busy adding more pumps to its locations including Sacramento, California, and Rochester, New York.

In the meantime

While you wait for your local Costco location to receive an expansion, there are a few things you can do to minimize the amount of time you spend waiting for a spot at the pump.

• Show up late: Most gas customers are also there to shop, but some fueling stations remain open after the warehouse closes. The lines are typically shorter during these evening hours.
• Take a break: If you can get away from your job during mid-morning weekday hours, you’ll probably find shorter-than-average lines at the Costco pumps.
• Check the app: Costco’s app can do more than tell you what’s on the shelves. In some cases, it provides real-time tracking of gas pump data and can tell you approximately how long customers are waiting in line.

Chris Agee September 17th, 2024

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