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Costco is the favourite warehouse club for Canadians, and for good reason. Some products cost significantly less there than at the grocery store or pharmacy. However, you still need to know which ones. Here is our list of the 50 best buys at Costco in Canada, plus 10 products that are better left on the shelves.
In short: as of October 2026, the best things to buy at Costco in Canada are cheeses, nuts, Kirkland products (batteries, dishwasher pods, granola bars) and gas. In the warehouse, Mastercard is the only credit card accepted: the CIBC Costco Mastercard earns 1% cash back there, and 3% on Costco gas.
Also, consult our selection of the best credit cards to maximize your rewards on every checkout. This guide will help you target the real bargains and avoid common pitfalls.
Act fast: the welcome bonuses for the cards recommended in this guide are limited-time offers, and some are ending soon. Take advantage by checking out credit card offers ending soon.
Costco Shopping Strategy
In-warehouse, Costco Canada accepts the following payment methods: Mastercard credit card, debit card, cash, Costco Shop Card, personal cheque (some conditions apply) and Apple Pay, according to Costco Canada’s official list. At Costco gas stations, only Mastercard (credit and debit), debit cards and the physical Costco Shop Card are accepted.
If you hold a Visa card, there is a trick: purchase a Costco Shop Card online at costco.ca (where Visa is accepted), then use it in-warehouse. Additionally, costco.ca directly accepts Visa and Mastercard for online orders.
If you spend a lot at Costco, compare the two memberships available to individuals (based on the terms published on costco.ca, as of October 2026):
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year, plus applicable tax
- Executive Membership: $130 per year, plus applicable tax, with an annual 2% Reward on qualified Costco purchases
- Reward cap: $1,250 for any 12-month period
- Break-even point: the $65 difference is recovered at $3,250 in qualified purchases per year ($3,250 × 2% = $65)
Costco is not coded as a grocery store in banking systems. Purchases fall into the “Other” or “Warehouse” category. Consequently, you earn your credit card’s base accumulation rate. However, the CIBC Costco Mastercard offers 3% cash back on gas at Costco stations, 3% at restaurants, and 1% on other purchases, including in-warehouse, with no annual fee.
Best Mastercard Cards for Costco
Here are the most advantageous Mastercard cards for your Costco purchases. Consult our complete comparison for more details.
| Card | Earning at Costco | Redemption |
|---|---|---|
| CIBC Costco Mastercard | 3% Costco gas, 3% restaurants, 1% warehouse | Cash Back |
| NBC ECHO Cash Back MC | 1.5% gas/grocery/online (up to $25,000/year), 1% elsewhere | Cash Back |
| NBC World Elite MC | 1 National Bank À la carte Rewards pt / $1 | Travel |
| NBC Platinum MC | 1 National Bank À la carte Rewards pt / $1.50 | Travel |
| BMO Ascend WE MC | 1 BMO Rewards pt / $1 | Travel |
| World Elite Mastercard PC | 1% PC Optimum pts | Cash Back |
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $30 |
50 Products to Buy at Costco
Here are the products that offer better value for money at Costco than elsewhere. Some are Kirkland classics, others are lesser-known finds.
Fresh products
- Frozen fruits and vegetables: Large format, unbeatable value for smoothies and stir-fries
- Bananas: Always cheaper than at the grocery store, consistent quality
- Romaine lettuce hearts: Pack of 5-6 hearts, guaranteed freshness
- Taylor Farms Creamy Salad: Dill pickle flavor, in the produce refrigerator
Dairy products and eggs
- Cheeses: Parmesan, mozzarella, burrata, brie, Oka, Babybel, Allegro, cheese curds, and Ficello, all cheaper than elsewhere
- Almond milk and plant-based beverages: Good selection at a reduced price
- Coffee creamer: Economic formats for coffee lovers
- Yogurt: Large format, several brands available
- Eggs (pack of 30) and egg whites: One of the best prices in Canada for bulk eggs
Desserts, Bread, and Breakfast
- Tuxedo Cake and Biscoff products: Bakery-quality cakes and cookies at warehouse prices
- Bread, bagels, tortillas, and English muffins: Fresh bakery products at a good price
- Maple syrup: Generous format, Quebec quality
- Kirkland Hazelnut Spread: Lower-cost alternative compared to national brands
- Cereal and peanut butter: Family sizes offer significant savings
- Kitchen essentials: Flour, brown sugar, yeast, organic cocoa, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar
Meat and fish
- Fresh salmon: Superior quality, competitive price per kilo
- Bâton Rouge Beef Flank Steaks: Box of 4, seasoned and ready to grill
- Marinated Butterfly Shrimp (frozen): Convenient and tasty, good value for money
- Sliced cold cuts: Good quantity-to-price ratio for lunches
Pantry
- Realemon Lemon Juice: Large format, ideal for cooking and drinks
- Fontaine Santé Hummus: Superior quality, advantageous price
- Unisoya Tofu: Cheaper than at the grocery store for the same formats
- Kirkland Basil Pesto: Tasty and versatile, generous format
- Kirkland Granola and Protein Bars: Remarkable value for money compared to name brands
- Nuts (all kinds): Almonds, cashews, mixes: significantly cheaper than at the grocery store
- Oil (avocado, organic olive, canola): Large formats at reduced prices
- Better Than Bouillon: Concentrated vegetable, beef, or chicken broth that lasts a long time and enhances dishes
For the home
- Kirkland Plastic Wrap: Giant roll that lasts for months
- Gift Cards: Often sold below face value. Available for several restaurants, Porter, WestJet, WaySpa, Cineplex, and Xbox Game Pass
- Kirkland Batteries: Performance comparable to major brands, fraction of the price
- Dog Bed: Comfortable and much cheaper than at a pet store
- Dog Food: Good quality Kirkland brand at a competitive price
- Qualicat Cat Litter: Large economic format
- Cut Flower Bouquets: Fresh and affordable for a treat
- Annual Flowers in Spring: Available at the Garden Centre around May
- Gas (Costco Gas Stations): Often cheaper per litre than at nearby stations; compare the posted price before filling up
- Garbage Bags: Large formats at a good price
- Kirkland Dishwasher Pods: Effective and significantly cheaper than name brands
Medications
- Seasonal Allergy Medication: Reduced price compared to pharmacies for bulk antihistamines
- Kirkland Acetaminophen: Same molecule as major brands, much cheaper
Health, Gluten-Free, and Organic Options
- Carbonaut Gluten-Free Bread: Superior quality, hard to find cheaper elsewhere
- Kirkland Almond Flour: Economic format for gluten-free baking
- Gluten-Free Crust Pizza: Convenient option for quick meals
- Crunchmaster Gluten-Free Crackers: Also sweet potato varieties, crispy and tasty
- Organic Meats, Milk, and Fruits: Organic products at Costco cost less than at traditional grocery stores
Clothing
- Monster Snowsuit for Kids: On sale starting in July, durable quality at an unbeatable price
- Kirkland Shirts: Good fit and quality fabric for everyday wear
- Pekkle Baby Pajamas: Soft, affordable, and wash-resistant
Costco Food Court
The Costco food counter is accessible to everyone: no membership required to eat there.
- Hot dog and soda: The food court’s best-known combo, sold at a low price. Hard to beat this offer
- Poutine: Generous portion at a low price, a Canadian classic
10 Products Not to Buy at Costco
Not all products are good deals at Costco. Here are 10 items that are often better bought elsewhere, especially when grocery stores and pharmacies have them on sale.
- Rotisserie Chicken: The price is low, but quality is divisive. Too fatty, sometimes too salty, or undercooked. Try it once to make up your own mind
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (large formats): Unless consumed quickly, large quantities spoil fast
- Soft Drinks: Specials at grocery stores or liquidation centers often offer better prices
- Laundry Detergent and Tissues: Pharmacies and grocery stores regularly offer more advantageous promotions
- Kirkland Toilet Paper: Quality has decreased over the years. Other brands offer better comfort for a similar price
- Canned Goods: Often more expensive at Costco than at the grocery store, especially during weekly promotions
- Sunscreen: Choice is limited in-warehouse. The best sunscreen depends on your skin type, so don’t choose based on price alone
- Impulse Buys: You go in for bananas, you come out with a full cart… without the bananas. Make a list and stick to it
- Spices (large formats): The price per gram is good, but a giant jar loses its flavour long before the end. Buy reasonable sizes
- Gold and Silver Bars or Coins: Costco sells 24-karat gold and .9999 coins. The price is slightly above market value. With the Executive Membership’s annual 2% Reward and a credit card, the gap narrows. Ensure you have adequate insurance and storage before buying
Costco and Costco Business Centre
Bulk products can be found in both types of warehouses. Individuals and families can take advantage of discounts at the Costco Business Centre, even if some products differ. In December 2025, a new Costco Business Centre opened in Quebec, on rue du Marais — accessible to all Costco members.
Flyer and Discounts at Costco
Prices change every Monday or every month, depending on promotions. Some offers last longer during holiday periods or seasonal events. Consult the Costco flyer to discover current discounts.
Exclusive
- Annual feeNo annual fee the first year
- $0 $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$771Annual fee rebated$150Total$921Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $921
- Welcome offerAfter $20,000 in 12 months
- Up to 115,000 points
- Ends Dec 7, 2026
Apply Now
on BMO's website
Conclusion
Costco remains a valuable ally for saving on everyday purchases, provided you target the right products. Cheeses, nuts, Kirkland products, and gas are among the best deals. Conversely, large formats of perishable products and impulse buys are the pitfalls to avoid.
To maximize your savings, combine your Costco purchases with a suitable credit card. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our analyses and tips every week.
Best Costco Buys: Frequently Asked Questions
What was Costco called before?
In Quebec, many people still talk about “Club Price.” Costco was born from the merger between Price Club and Costco Wholesale in 1993. The brand became Costco Wholesale Corporation in 1997.
When to go to Costco to avoid crowds?
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the best days to shop peacefully. Arrive a few minutes before opening or 30 to 45 minutes before closing. Avoid weekends and the eve of public holidays.
Which credit card to use at Costco?
In-warehouse, Mastercard is the only credit card Costco accepts. The CIBC Costco Mastercard offers 3% on Costco gas and 1% in-warehouse, with no annual fee. To earn travel points, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard offers 1 point per dollar on all purchases.
Can you pay with Visa at Costco?
Not directly in-warehouse: Mastercard is the only credit card accepted at the checkouts. However, Visa works on costco.ca for online orders. You can also buy a Costco Shop Card online with your Visa, then use it in-warehouse.
Do you have to be a member to eat at the Costco food court?
No. The Costco food counter is accessible to everyone, members and non-members alike. You can order the hot dog and soda combo there without a membership card.
What to buy at Costco instead of the grocery store?
Kirkland products (granola bars, olive oil, dishwasher pods), cheeses, nuts, gas, and over-the-counter medications offer the best price differences. A vacuum sealer helps preserve bulk purchases and limit waste.
What is the largest Costco in Quebec?
The Laval Costco warehouse is the largest Costco in Quebec.
What is the largest Costco in Canada?
The largest Costco in Canada is located in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. It covers 17,000 square meters (approximately 182,000 square feet), with 1,000 parking spaces and a 24-pump gas station.
