Recently when I was paying for my purchases at Costco, a fast-talking employee said that she had looked at my account and determined that I would be an excellent candidate for the executive membership and it would only cost be about $20. After I got over the mild breach of privacy, I figured the $20 amount was pretty misleading because that's only the pro-rated amount until my renewal in a couple of months. At renewal time the membership will cost me $100 per year.
Does anyone have one of the premium memberships who would like to weigh in on their value or lack of it? Both clubs guarantee satisfaction so plunking down the extra amount isn't a huge risk.
For example, Costco members get all sorts of addtional discounts on auto and home insurance, high-yield savings accoutns, Identity protection, online investing and personal check printing. They can also gets individual health and dental insurance. All purchases on the American Express card get at least a 2 percent cash rebate (up to $500), compared to 1 percent for the regular Gold membership.
Let me know what you like or don't like about them. Reply here or send me an e-mail at jewoldt@startribune.com. Thanks.
John Ewoldt
Dollars & Sense at the Star Tribune
