Costco App's Hidden Online Perks Most Members Miss

Lisa Bakker · 2026-10-02

I was scrolling through my Costco app the other day, trying to figure out if that giant tub of almond butter was actually a good deal. And then I stumbled onto something I'd never noticed before. Two little tabs tucked away that unlock online-only savings. Honestly? I felt a bit silly for not knowing sooner. If you're like me, you use the Costco app mainly to check hours or maybe show your membership card at the door. But there's more going on in there. And once you see it, you can't unsee it. ### The Online-Only Deals Tab You Probably Skipped When you open the app, head to the "Savings" section. Most people scroll right past it. But if you tap into "Online-Only Offers," you'll find discounts that never show up in the warehouse. We're talking things like: - $50 off select laptops and tablets - Buy one, get one free on certain household essentials - Free shipping on orders over $75 (which is pretty easy to hit) - Exclusive member pricing on furniture and outdoor gear These aren't the same as the monthly coupon book you get in the mail. They're digital-only, and they rotate every couple of weeks. So if you see something you want, grab it. It might be gone next time you check. ### Why These Deals Exist (and Why They're Worth Your Time) Costco wants you to shop online more. It's cheaper for them than running a massive warehouse, and it frees up space for the stuff you actually want to buy in person. So they dangle these online-only offers to get you to try it. But here's the thing: they're not junk. I've snagged a $200 discount on a Vitamix and a set of patio chairs for 30% off. That's real money. > "The best deals aren't always in the aisles. Sometimes they're right in your pocket." And because these offers are exclusive to app users, you won't find them advertised on the website either. You have to go through the app. That's a small hoop to jump through, but it's worth it. ### How to Make Sure You Never Miss a Deal First, turn on notifications for the Costco app. I know, I know—another app bugging you. But these alerts are actually useful. They'll ping you when a new online-only offer drops. Second, check the "Warehouse Savings" and "Online-Only" tabs separately. They update on different schedules. The warehouse deals usually change monthly, while online ones can shift weekly. Third, stack your savings. You can combine these online offers with manufacturer coupons and your Costco Anywhere Visa card rewards. That's how you turn a $300 purchase into a $220 one. ### A Quick Note on Shipping and Returns Online orders usually ship free if you spend $75 or more. But some items have separate shipping fees, so double-check before you check out. And yes, you can return most online purchases to your local warehouse. That's a huge perk if you're like me and hate boxing things up. Just remember: the online-only deals are for members only. If your membership lapsed, you'll need to renew before you can take advantage. But at $60 a year, it pays for itself fast if you use these offers. So next time you open that app, don't just look at your digital card. Tap around a little. You might find your new favorite way to save.