I have the Costco American Express card (http://www.filife.com/reviews/american-express-trueearnings-card-from-costco), which means that either I pay $50 to shop at Costco and get a fee-free Amex, or I pay a yearly fee for an Amex (which is standard) and get a membership to Costco for free ... whichever way you like to view it. In any case, I also love the Costco Amex because I get cash back for shopping everywhere, so even if I don't ever use my Costco membership it's a win.

Any analysis of the costs inherent in joining a discount club like Costco must take into consideration the irritation factor of dealing with the crowds and wailing children you invariably encounter when you go there. If you have weekdays free and can go then, your shopping experience will be relatively pleasant, but on weekends, "abandon all hope, ye who enter here" should be emblazoned on the front door.

I go to Costco occasionally for things we use a lot of that I can buy in bulk and keep in the basement or the garage, and also when we go on camping trips and want to buy hamburger meat in bulk, and when we throw parties. It comes in handy.

Last edited 9 months ago by Barclay