Fueling up at Costco can be good for your bank account, as you’ll typically save about $0.20 per gallon compared to other stations. But there is one potential downside to buying fuel at some club locations.
Costco has taken steps to keep things moving as smoothly as possible at its stations, including one-way systems with long hoses to help traffic flow through. But the pumps can still get crowded.
There is, however, good news on the horizon for those who want to get gas at Costco without having to worry about waiting. Getting gas at the warehouse club could soon be faster and easier, even in congested areas.
That’s based on a recent statement from the company’s CEO during a third-quarter earnings presentation.
Here’s Why Gas Up at Costco Could Soon Be Easier
When CEO Ron Vachris spoke on the third-quarter earnings call about some of the upcoming changes planned for Costco stores, he made a statement about future plans that should make Costco gas fans happy. The CEO noted that the company is trying to speed up processes for shoppers with several new initiatives, including “gas expansions where they’re needed.”
Numerous news articles in recent years have highlighted Costco’s efforts to increase the size of its gas stations across the country, including in Sacramento, California; Potomac Mills, Virginia; and Rochester, New York, among other locations. With the CEO on board with the gas expansion, Costco customers can expect more of the same.
Larger gas stations could be a huge relief for people who appreciate the low credit card bills of fueling up at Costco but don’t like waiting in line to fill up.
How to Avoid the Crowds at Costco Gas Stations
If you’re tired of waiting long hours for gas, the CEO’s words might give you some hope for a brighter future — but not every store is immediately offering more pumps to fill up your vehicle. If you’re dealing with heavy traffic and your store isn’t part of the expansion, there are still a few techniques you can implement to buy cheap gas with minimal hassle.
Costco gas stations usually open around the same time as the warehouse, but some stay open a little later. Since many people like to combine gas with a club outing, shopping after the warehouse’s club hours can result in shorter wait times. Many stations are also emptier in the middle of the week, and also in the mornings on weekdays when many people are working.
If you have the Costco app, you may also be able to find good times to visit the warehouse club gas station. The app sometimes provides real-time data on how long you can expect to wait at your station before a pump is available.
These techniques can help you until the planned expansion of Costco gas stations in your area takes place, giving you more options for quick fuel without long wait times.
The Best Credit Card to Use at Costco (and Everywhere Else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is one of America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you can ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash reward on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.
Add to that the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we named this card the Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and sign up before the $200 welcome bonus expires!
We are firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the advertisers listed. The Ascent does not cover all offerings in the marketplace. The Ascent editorial content is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different team of analysts. Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Getting gas at Costco may soon be a little easier. Here’s why was originally published by The Motley Fool
