If you’ve ever maneuvered through crowded aisles, dodged sample carts, and endured snaking checkout lines at Costco, you know the experience can be overwhelming.

But what if you could breeze in, grab your rotisserie chicken and mega-pack of toilet paper, and head out before the crowds even show up?

Well, good news—Costco is making that dream a reality for some members. Here’s what you need to know about the retailer’s latest perk and whether it’s worth the upgrade.

Costco’s early access: Who gets it?​

Starting June 30, Costco is giving Executive members—those paying $130 annually—a one-hour head start before regular Gold Star members. That means doors open for Executive members at:

• 9 AM on weekdays and Sundays
• 9 AM on Saturdays, with a 30-minute jump on the general crowd

Why the VIP treatment? According to Costco, Executive members are its “most loyal.” But there’s a business strategy, too—while Executive members make up about half of all shoppers, they account for 73% of total sales. That’s a lot of Kirkland Signature loyalty.

More than just early access—what Executive members get​

This new shopping perk adds to an already packed list of benefits for Executive members:

• $10 monthly Instacart credit – Ideal for those big, heavy Costco hauls.
• Up to $150 in annual savings on Costco services like travel, home insurance, and more.
• 2% annual cashback on eligible Costco purchases—up to $750/year.
• Access to exclusive services, such as optical and hearing care, travel packages, and more.

The Executive membership costs $130 per year, double the $65 standard Gold Star rate. But if you’re a frequent Costco shopper, the math might add up—especially with the 2% reward. That means spending just over $3,750 a year (or ~$312/month) at Costco could pay for the upgrade in rewards alone.

But if you only swing by for the occasional muffin pack or holiday gift set, you may want to stick with the standard membership.



Also read: Comfort, convenience, and value: What’s new at Costco in June

The bigger picture: Crowd control and customer satisfaction​

This isn’t just about perks—it’s also about solving a long-standing pain point: overcrowded stores. By staggering shopping times, Costco hopes to ease congestion, reduce parking headaches, and improve the experience for everyone.

And let’s be real: a smoother shopping trip might also convince more people to bump up their membership tier—especially with membership fees bringing in over $4 billion annually for the retailer.

Don’t forget the gas—now with extended hours​

Costco is also expanding gas station hours, a big win for bargain-hunters:

• Weekdays: 6 AM–10 PM
• Saturday: 6 AM– 8:30 PM
• Sunday: 6 AM–7:30 PM

With gas prices still top of mind for many, those extra hours mean shorter lines and more savings. No wonder fuel accounts for around 12% of Costco’s total sales.



Also read: Are you missing out on a secret $150 Costco credit with this membership upgrade?

One lingering question: do these early hours include access to services like the pharmacy, optical, or hearing aid center? As of now, Costco hasn’t confirmed. If you rely on these services, it’s best to check with your local warehouse before planning an early trip.

Costco’s new early-access hours aren’t just a flashy benefit—they’re part of a bigger push to make shopping smoother, smarter, and more rewarding for loyal members.

Whether you upgrade or not, one thing’s clear: the warehouse club experience is evolving.

Read next: Shock as Costco limits THIS unexpected item—is your favorite product next?

Are you already an Executive member? Will this early access change how (or when) you shop? Or do you have your own secret strategy for dodging the weekend rush? Share your thoughts in the comments below—and let us know your favorite Costco finds, crowd-avoidance hacks, or shopping war stories. At The GrayVine, we believe smart shoppers help each other out.