Turns out your Costco membership discount may be more powerful than you think, especially beyond the warehouse doors.
One savvy shopper was floored when she discovered her Costco card could land her a hefty $88 off her bill at an entirely different store: Discount Tire. Yep, thanks to a sales rep who was trying to close a deal with another customer, the TikToker @pieandprayer realized she could cash in on an unexpected perk just by asking.
She was at Discount Tire shopping for a new set when she overheard a staff member telling another couple they could waive the installation fee if they had a Costco membership. The couple didn’t take the offer, but she jumped at it. The rep immediately honored the same deal when she showed her Costco card, knocking off nearly $90 just like that. Installation fees at Discount Tire typically cost around $22 per tire, so her four-tire purchase came with a serious side of savings.
While this hack saved her money, not every store may offer the same deal. A self-identified Discount Tire employee chimed in on the video’s comments, saying the offer wasn’t corporate policy, it’s up to individual store discretion. Some locations might match Costco’s perks to close a sale; others might not. So while this discount worked beautifully for her, your mileage may vary depending on the store.
Costco’s card already has a fan base for its incredible value, ranging from exclusive access to bulk savings to low-cost food court eats to members-only deals on everything from vacations to tire services. There are two tiers: the standard Gold Star Membership at $65 a year and the Executive Membership at $130 a year, which includes a 2% annual reward on purchases and more perks. Either way, members are always looking for ways to stretch their savings beyond the warehouse.
The discovery has sparked a debate online over whether Costco or Discount Tire is better when it comes to tire services. Some argued Discount Tire offers quicker service, especially for emergencies, while others stayed loyal to Costco’s pricing and perks like free tire rotations and road hazard coverage. One TikToker said Costco saved them $200 compared to Discount Tire, while another swore off Costco’s tire center after long wait times during urgent repairs.
The rivalry between discount giants isn’t new, Sam’s Club, Target, and Walmart all offer their own memberships or store cards with unique benefits. Sam’s Club has its own Club and Plus Memberships with fuel savings and pharmacy discounts. Target’s Circle and Circle Card programs give customers deals and 5% off in-store and online. Walmart+ brings in free delivery, streaming, and more for $12.95/month or $98 annually.
Still, what makes Costco’s card special is how it continues to deliver surprises, like helping save money at stores that aren’t even under its roof. Whether it’s a tire deal, food court hot dog, or access to exclusive travel savings, this latest story is just another reminder that a little membership card can go a long way if you know when to flash it.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
