Costco Executive Membership is making headlines again as a new policy rolls out starting August 31, 2025, ending the grace period and fully enabling exclusive early access for premium members.
Executive tier members, who pay $130 annually—double the $65 Gold Star fee—will now enjoy earlier store entry across U.S. warehouses. This marks a significant shift from the transition period that allowed all members to enter early through August.
Beginning Sunday, August 31, 2025, the grace period concludes and the new policy is fully enforced. Executive members will have the advantage of early access:
- Weekdays & Sundays: 9 a.m. entry (others wait until 10 a.m.)
- Saturdays: 9 to 9:30 a.m. exclusive time
- Saturdays’ closing time: extended to 7 p.m. for all shoppers
This change reflects Costco’s renewed effort to enhance value for its highest-spending members, who make up less than half of total memberships but account for the majority of sales.
Why It Matters
Rewarding loyalty: Costco is doubling down on its most engaged shoppers by offering meaningful perks at the Executive membership level. Beyond the longstanding 2% cashback reward, members now enjoy benefits such as early shopping hours, a $10 monthly credit on qualifying Instacart orders, and exclusive value on Costco services. These extras directly acknowledge loyalty and encourage members to consolidate more of their spending through Costco channels.
Revenue driver: Membership fees are a cornerstone of Costco’s business model, generating billions in steady income each year. With the 2023 fee increase—raising Gold Star memberships to $65 and Executive memberships to $130—the retailer is highlighting the Executive tier as the “better deal.” By layering new perks, Costco makes the higher fee easier to justify, while nudging Gold Star members to consider upgrading. This tiered strategy strengthens recurring revenue and enhances member retention.
Competitive move: The push also reflects a broader industry trend. Warehouse club rivals like Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale offer premium-tier members early shopping access and exclusive savings. Costco’s decision to expand Executive benefits keeps it aligned with shopper expectations while preventing defections to competitors. By bolstering its premium offering, Costco reinforces its position as a market leader in value-driven membership retail.
Reactions: A Mixed Picture
The rollout of Costco’s revised Executive Membership policy has generated a wide spectrum of responses from shoppers, employees, and industry watchers.
Member pushback: Some long-standing Gold Star members have been vocal in their criticism, viewing the changes as exclusionary. They argue that the new early-access hours create a visible divide between regular and Executive members, making them feel like second-class shoppers despite their own loyalty. This sentiment has surfaced in online forums and customer feedback, with frustration particularly strong among families and retirees who rely on early shopping times to avoid crowds.
Executive approval: On the other hand, many Executive members have applauded the changes. For them, the higher annual fee finally feels justified with tangible, everyday perks beyond the 2% cashback. Early access, in particular, is being praised as a practical benefit that enhances the overall shopping experience by reducing wait times and providing a calmer environment.
Employee perspective: Costco employees have offered a more cautious view. While they understand the business logic, some are concerned about the practical strain of earlier store hours. Staff already begin shifts in the early morning to stock shelves and prepare warehouses; extending hours could add new operational pressures, from scheduling challenges to maintaining service quality.
Analyst outlook: Retail experts believe the policy may prove strategically effective. By tying premium membership to visible, everyday advantages like early access, Costco is creating a stronger incentive for Gold Star members to upgrade. Analysts suggest the move could accelerate Executive membership adoption, boosting recurring revenue and reinforcing Costco’s competitive moat in the warehouse club sector.
At a Glance: Executive vs. Gold Star – What’s Changed
| Feature | Executive Members (from Aug 31) | Gold Star & Business Members |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Access (Weekdays & Sundays) | 9 a.m. entry | 10 a.m. entry |
| Saturday Morning Access | 9 – 9:30 a.m. exclusive | 9:30 a.m. entry |
| Saturday Closing Time | Open until 7 p.m. | Same extended hours apply |
| Monthly Credit via Instacart | $10 credit on $150+ orders | Not available |
| Overall Membership Fee | $130/year | $65/year |
| Sales Contribution | ~73% of Costco’s total | Remaining ~27% |
What Members Should Expect Next
- From August 31, early entry is exclusive: non-Executive members will no longer be allowed in before 10 a.m.
- Social media feedback is expected to remain heated, with opinions split on whether this move rewards loyalty or punishes standard members.
- Employee schedules may shift as Costco adapts to earlier customer flow.
- Future perks may expand, with more Executive-only deals likely as Costco leans into premium differentiation.
Read Also-Costco Executive Hours Change: What You Need to Know Starting June 30
Final Thoughts
Costco Executive Membership is transforming early access into a defining advantage, bringing both excitement and frustration. As of August 31, the privileges of early shopping and added perks become exclusive to the higher-tier members. Whether shoppers view this as a deserved upgrade or an unnecessary divide, the reality is clear: for those paying for Executive status, the benefits now stand out more than ever.
What’s your take on the change? Share your thoughts on how this policy affects your Costco shopping routine—and whether you’re considering an upgrade.