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Costco is the favorite 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.
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.
In-warehouse, Costco only accepts the following payments: debit card, cash, Costco Shop Card, and Mastercard credit card. Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) also work, provided they are linked to a Mastercard.
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.
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, 2% at restaurants, and 1% on other purchases — with no annual fee.
Here are the most advantageous Mastercard cards for your Costco purchases. Consult our complete comparison for more details.
Here are the products that offer better value for money at Costco than elsewhere. Some are Kirkland classics, others are lesser-known finds.
The Costco food counter is accessible to everyone — no membership required to eat there.
Not all products are good deals at Costco. Here are 10 items that are better bought elsewhere, based on our experiences and price comparisons.
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.
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.
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.
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