3 Things You Aren't Buying at Costco But Should Be

When you think of shopping at Costco, your mind probably goes to giant packages of toilet paper or industrial-sized jars of peanut butter. Buying these household items there is great, because you can save money and have a large stockpile at your house so you won't run out.

But Costco offers much more than just deals on the basics. In fact, some of the best savings the warehouse club provides can be found on products you might never think to purchase there. Just check out these three items from Costco that you're probably not buying, but that could offer you amazing bargains.

1. Gift cards to other merchants

Gift cards are really easy to overlook in the huge warehouse club, but if you don't check them out regularly on your Costco visits, you're missing out. As of June 22, 2024, you can get some amazing deals, including:

• A $500 Southwest Airlines gift card for only $449.99
• $100 in Spafinder gift cards, valid at salons and spas nationwide, for $79.99
• $100 in Domino's Pizza gift cards for $79.99

These are just a few of many bargains to be had at Costco. By checking out the gift cards regularly, you can keep your credit card bills down by getting deals even outside the warehouse club. Just be mindful of the occasional limits Costco puts on gift card purchases -- for example, each member can buy up to five Southwest Airlines gift cards in one transaction.

2. Prescriptions

Costco offers great deals on prescription medications, for both you and your pet. You can take part in the Costco Member Prescription Program if you don't have insurance to cover medications. This would save you as much as 80% on prescription drugs. Costco's pharmacists will even work with you to find the cheapest deals.

Even if you do have insurance coverage, Costco still offers cheaper deals with lower coinsurance costs. For example, the blood pressure medication metoprolol tartrate (a generic of Lopressor), costs $13.99 for 180 25-mg tablets from Costco, while the same medication is $24.99 from Walgreens.

If you take prescription medications, there's very little reason to overpay for them when you can check Costco's pharmacy and most likely get a great deal.

3. Vacations

Costco offers awesome vacation deals that can save you a ton of money. For example, it's possible to get a vacation package deal at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The price from Costco for an ocean-view room with two adults comes in at $2,036.84 to stay July 21 to July 26, 2024, and it comes with:

• A $120 Digital Costco Shop Card
• A $150 resort credit per room per stay
• The $50 mandatory daily resort fee included

The same room costs $2,145 when booked directly with the hotel, and it doesn't come with the resort credit or Costco shop card. And if you've signed up for Costco's Executive membership, you'll also get 2% back on your trip -- so you end up saving even more.

As you can see, if you aren't buying prescriptions, vacations, and gift cards at Costco, you're leaving money on the table. Fix that by checking out these items next time you visit the warehouse.