Perks of Buying Gas at Costco

There are many benefits to shopping at Costco. One of the most highly rated benefits of being a member is being able to buy gas at Costco stations. When I wrote about the gas at Costco, I was focused on the price only (Got gas?) However, I came across an article about five benefits of using the Costco gas stations.

Five Perks of Buying Gas at Costco 

1. Excellent Customer Service

The article mentions that the gas station attendants are trained and extremely helpful. Apparently, they have been noted to walk around the stations to help keep the transactions efficient and safe. The accessibility of the attendants ensures that members do not have to leave their cars to go search for assistance inside the store. Other benefits of these trained attendants are that they help keep the stations clean, prevent cutting, and direct traffic. 

I know that states differ with respect to whether gas stations are full service or self service. However, even when self service, it is helpful to know that there is help close by. In addition, when the lines get very long and people get impatient, it helps to know that the employees will help keep order. Given how seriously Costco takes training it’s employees, I am not surprised that the gas station attendees are highly trained.

2. Little Concern About Credit Card Skimmers

The article cautions that credit card skimming (when hardware is installed in the machine,  enabling others to gain access to financial and personal information) has increased. Apparently, one popular location for skimming is gas stations. However, due to the constant presence of attendants (mentioned above), it is difficult for people to install Skimmers. Thus, Costco gas stations are more secure than others. Adding to the security, the attendants inspect the pumps every hour to ensure that nothing has been installed. 

I didn’t know that gas station pumps were common targets of skimmers. I am so bad with technology that I don’t understand how they work, only that they are a risk. It is reassuring (but not surprising) to know that Costco takes the risk seriously and takes action to prevent the problem.

3. User-Friendly Credit Card Readers

The gas stations at Costco have fewer steps than many other credit card readers. Members do not have to enter zip codes or phone numbers or select whether or not they want rewards from stores. 

I don’t mind entering information as I am rarely in a huge rush. However, it is refreshing when a simple task can be completed without extra steps. 

4. High Quality Gas

Apparently the Costco gas is high quality, despite the lower prices. The additives are advertised as ones that enable the engines to stay clean and run efficiently. 

I don’t know very much about different qualities or gas or the additives involved. However, I have a lot of confidence in the quality of Costco items and trust that the gas is up to the same high quality.

5. Low Prices

According to the article, the gas may be up to 70¢ cheaper than at other stations, thus essentially paying for the membership itself.

My family shops at Costco a lot. However , even when not shopping, if in the vicinity, we stop to get gas because of the savings. Obviously, If it was inconvenient, it would not make sense to drive too far out of the way to fill up because it would defeat the purpose of saving money (like how even though I like to buy items on store at sales, driving around to too many stores defeats the savings by using up gas). However, we are often close enough that it makes sense to stop there to fill up.

Did you think about the other benefits of buying Costco gas beyond the price?