Is the Executive upgrade worth it?
Enter what you spend at the warehouse each month. The calculator compares Gold Star and Executive after the 2% reward.
Gold Star
Executive
How the math works
Gold Star costs $65 a year. Executive costs $130 a year, so the upgrade is an extra $65. In return, Executive members get back 2% of their qualifying purchases as a yearly reward, up to $1,250.
The upgrade pays for itself once your reward reaches $65. At 2%, that takes $3,250 of qualifying spending a year, or about $271 a month. Every dollar you spend past that point is money in your pocket.
The reward stops growing at $1,250, which you hit at $62,500 of qualifying spending a year.
Results at common spending levels
| Monthly spend | 2% reward / yr | Executive net cost | Better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $24 | $106 | Gold Star, by $41 |
| $200 | $48 | $82 | Gold Star, by $17 |
| $271 | $65 | $65 | About even |
| $300 | $72 | $58 | Executive, by $7 |
| $500 | $120 | $10 | Executive, by $55 |
| $750 | $180 | $50 ahead | Executive, by $115 |
| $1,000 | $240 | $110 ahead | Executive, by $175 |
| $2,000 | $480 | $350 ahead | Executive, by $415 |
| $5,208 | $1,250 | $1,120 ahead | Executive, by $1,185 |
Assumes all of the spending earns the reward. "Ahead" means the reward is larger than the full Executive fee.
Things the calculator doesn't count
- Other Executive perks. Executive members also get extra benefits on some Costco services. If you use those, the upgrade can be worth it below the break-even line.
- Purchases before you upgrade. Only purchases made after the upgrade earn the 2%.
- Part-year upgrades. Upgrading mid-year is charged for the months left on your current membership, so your first year's numbers will differ.
- Sales tax on the membership fee, where it applies.
Common questions
How much do I need to spend for Executive to be worth it?
About $271 a month, or $3,250 a year, on purchases that earn the reward. Below that, Gold Star costs less.
Is there a limit on the 2% reward?
Yes. The reward is capped at $1,250 a year.
Does everything I buy earn the reward?
No. Some purchases are excluded, and the list can change. Check Costco's Executive reward terms before you count on a purchase, and enter excluded spending in the second box above.
Where do these numbers come from?
From Costco's published U.S. membership fees and reward terms, last checked October 12, 2026. See how we check our numbers.