Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
It might seem smart to buy an extended warranty if you’re purchasing a big-ticket item, like a laptop, TV, or major appliance. But is it really necessary to accept this extra hit to your checking account? Most often, the answer is no. Here’s why.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. The retailer may let you return the itemFirst and foremost, you might not need a warranty because the retailer you buy the item from could take it back without a hassle. One example of a retailer with an exemplary return policy is warehouse giant Costco. While Costco limits returns on electronics and appliances (purchases that often come with a push to buy an extended warranty) to 90 days after purchase, you can return nearly anything else at any point.Furniture is another purchase that retailers make big bucks selling warranties for, and Costco has no limits on returns for tables, chairs, couches, and so on. In fact, one Costco member went viral not long ago for returning a couch after more than three years, just because she didn’t like it anymore. Personally, I think this is pushing the limit, but it’s nice to know that some retailers have your back — no extended warranty required.Your credit card offers purchase protectionsOne of the best reasons to use credit cards for purchases (especially big-ticket items) is to take advantage of purchase protections. If something goes wrong with an item you bought with that credit card, the card issuer will refund your money.Credit cards can be a great way to pay for expensive items. If you’re in the market for a new card, check out our list of the best credit cards.There are restrictions involved, depending on the issuer and the card you’re using (as you might expect, cards with annual fees are more likely to have more robust purchase protections). For example, American Express cards have a coverage maximum between $1,000 and $10,000 per claim, for an annual maximum of $50,000 for issues like damage or theft.If you’re concerned enough about a given purchase (say, a new laptop) that you’re considering buying a warranty, explore what purchase protections your cards offer and choose the one with the most robust coverage.The item probably has a manufacturer’s warrantyBig-ticket (or even not-so-big-ticket) buys usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty intended to cover the item for a certain period. Before you spring for the extended warranty, take a gander at the warranty you’re automatically getting.And even if that warranty is on the shorter side (say, 90 days), you may still be in luck. It’s good customer service for a company to help a buyer, so if something happens to the item after it’s out of warranty, you could contact the company and see what it can do for you.Extended warranties can be expensive — and may not be comprehensiveExtended warranties themselves come with a few downsides that make them worth skipping. For one thing, they’re often expensive — AARP reported that stores keep 50% to 70% of what they earn on warranties, generating a huge profit margin. Even if the cost of the warranty itself isn’t a lot, you might be on the hook for paying a deductible or paying to ship the item for repair or replacement.Even the concept of an extended warranty may be flawed. A 2019 study found that people buying an extended warranty believe the product in question is more likely to break than it is. The way to correct for this is to do your research ahead of time. Read product reviews from real people and see what issues you might expect with an appliance, TV, or laptop.Knowledge is power. If you feel confident the item you’re buying is unlikely to fail, you can pocket the cash you would’ve spent on the warranty. Lean on the right credit card for the purchase (considering using one of the best cash back cards for extra oomph), and investigate the manufacturer’s warranty you get automatically. You may just find that an extended warranty is truly unnecessary.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

It might seem smart to buy an extended warranty if you’re purchasing a big-ticket item, like a laptop, TV, or major appliance. But is it really necessary to accept this extra hit to your checking account? Most often, the answer is no. Here’s why.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

The retailer may let you return the item

First and foremost, you might not need a warranty because the retailer you buy the item from could take it back without a hassle. One example of a retailer with an exemplary return policy is warehouse giant Costco. While Costco limits returns on electronics and appliances (purchases that often come with a push to buy an extended warranty) to 90 days after purchase, you can return nearly anything else at any point.

Furniture is another purchase that retailers make big bucks selling warranties for, and Costco has no limits on returns for tables, chairs, couches, and so on. In fact, one Costco member went viral not long ago for returning a couch after more than three years, just because she didn’t like it anymore. Personally, I think this is pushing the limit, but it’s nice to know that some retailers have your back — no extended warranty required.

Your credit card offers purchase protections

One of the best reasons to use credit cards for purchases (especially big-ticket items) is to take advantage of purchase protections. If something goes wrong with an item you bought with that credit card, the card issuer will refund your money.

Credit cards can be a great way to pay for expensive items. If you’re in the market for a new card, check out our list of the best credit cards.

There are restrictions involved, depending on the issuer and the card you’re using (as you might expect, cards with annual fees are more likely to have more robust purchase protections). For example, American Express cards have a coverage maximum between $1,000 and $10,000 per claim, for an annual maximum of $50,000 for issues like damage or theft.

If you’re concerned enough about a given purchase (say, a new laptop) that you’re considering buying a warranty, explore what purchase protections your cards offer and choose the one with the most robust coverage.

The item probably has a manufacturer’s warranty

Big-ticket (or even not-so-big-ticket) buys usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty intended to cover the item for a certain period. Before you spring for the extended warranty, take a gander at the warranty you’re automatically getting.

And even if that warranty is on the shorter side (say, 90 days), you may still be in luck. It’s good customer service for a company to help a buyer, so if something happens to the item after it’s out of warranty, you could contact the company and see what it can do for you.

Extended warranties can be expensive — and may not be comprehensive

Extended warranties themselves come with a few downsides that make them worth skipping. For one thing, they’re often expensive — AARP reported that stores keep 50% to 70% of what they earn on warranties, generating a huge profit margin. Even if the cost of the warranty itself isn’t a lot, you might be on the hook for paying a deductible or paying to ship the item for repair or replacement.

Even the concept of an extended warranty may be flawed. A 2019 study found that people buying an extended warranty believe the product in question is more likely to break than it is. The way to correct for this is to do your research ahead of time. Read product reviews from real people and see what issues you might expect with an appliance, TV, or laptop.

Knowledge is power. If you feel confident the item you’re buying is unlikely to fail, you can pocket the cash you would’ve spent on the warranty. Lean on the right credit card for the purchase (considering using one of the best cash back cards for extra oomph), and investigate the manufacturer’s warranty you get automatically. You may just find that an extended warranty is truly unnecessary.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
If you shop at Costco often, you may not mind the fact that you need to pay for a membership to access the warehouse. A basic Gold Star Costco membership costs $65 a year, while an Executive membership that gives you cash back on your purchases costs $130. Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!But even if you can justify that membership fee in your head, you still want to make sure you’re getting the maximum value out of it. And you may be missing out on doing that if you aren’t taking advantage of these less obvious Costco perks.1. Lifetime tire maintenance (and free air)Let’s face it — having to replace your car’s tires is an annoying expense. Sure, it’s a necessary one. But given that it’s a multi-hundred dollar purchase, it requires some serious savings on your part. The good news about buying your tires from Costco is that while you do have to shell out some money upfront, you shouldn’t have to shell out money to maintain your tires once they’re installed. Your tire purchase at Costco comes with a free five-year road hazard warranty, plus free rotations, inflation checks, and more. If you drive away and get a flat two weeks — or two years — after getting your tires installed, you won’t have to cover the cost of repairs.What’s more, whether you buy your tires at Costco or not, as a member, you have access to free air when they get a little low (which we all know can happen on a whim the minute there’s a cooler night). And while it’s not horribly expensive to pay for air for your tires, free is even better.2. Free store dollars for improving your homeSome home improvements can seriously improve your quality of life. And if you do them through Costco, you’ll often get rewarded in the form of a store gift card (known as a Shop Card). For example, if you use Costco to put in new carpets or flooring, you may be eligible for a 10% Shop Card. This means that if your project costs $3,000, you get to pocket $300 to use at Costco once your installation is done.And that’s not the only way to score great rewards at Costco. Using the right credit card could also put extra cash in your pocket (and that’s potentially cash on top of the cash back your Executive membership pays you). Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco.3. Extended warranties and tech support on electronicsShelling out money for new electronics is a big deal. You don’t want to spend $1,000 on a new TV only to have it die on you completely after a year.At Costco, that can’t happen. Well, your TV might fail you after a year, but you won’t be out the money. Electronics purchased through Costco come with a free second-year warranty.Plus, when you buy electronics at Costco, you get free tech support. If you’re someone who struggles with setting up devices, you’re covered — and you won’t be at the mercy of your tech-savvy neighbor who may or may not have time to give you a hand. 4. A whole rotisserie chicken for under $5Sometimes, life’s just too busy to cook. And at times like that, grabbing a rotisserie chicken and calling it dinner is a reasonable approach to putting food on the table. Costco isn’t the only store to sell rotisserie chickens. But its $4.99 price point is pretty hard to beat. Pro tip: Costco also sells fresh Caesar salads in its prepared foods area (the price there will depend on your local store and the weight of the salad you buy, but figure around $10 for a large one). Grab a salad to go along with your rotisserie chicken, and it’s a complete meal you can feel pretty good about. Paying for Costco access may be an easy call for you. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep trying to find ways to get more out of your membership. For now, you can start by taking advantage of these four incredible benefits. Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you shop at Costco often, you may not mind the fact that you need to pay for a membership to access the warehouse. A basic Gold Star Costco membership costs $65 a year, while an Executive membership that gives you cash back on your purchases costs $130.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

But even if you can justify that membership fee in your head, you still want to make sure you’re getting the maximum value out of it. And you may be missing out on doing that if you aren’t taking advantage of these less obvious Costco perks.

1. Lifetime tire maintenance (and free air)

Let’s face it — having to replace your car’s tires is an annoying expense. Sure, it’s a necessary one. But given that it’s a multi-hundred dollar purchase, it requires some serious savings on your part.

The good news about buying your tires from Costco is that while you do have to shell out some money upfront, you shouldn’t have to shell out money to maintain your tires once they’re installed. Your tire purchase at Costco comes with a free five-year road hazard warranty, plus free rotations, inflation checks, and more. If you drive away and get a flat two weeks — or two years — after getting your tires installed, you won’t have to cover the cost of repairs.

What’s more, whether you buy your tires at Costco or not, as a member, you have access to free air when they get a little low (which we all know can happen on a whim the minute there’s a cooler night). And while it’s not horribly expensive to pay for air for your tires, free is even better.

2. Free store dollars for improving your home

Some home improvements can seriously improve your quality of life. And if you do them through Costco, you’ll often get rewarded in the form of a store gift card (known as a Shop Card).

For example, if you use Costco to put in new carpets or flooring, you may be eligible for a 10% Shop Card. This means that if your project costs $3,000, you get to pocket $300 to use at Costco once your installation is done.

And that’s not the only way to score great rewards at Costco. Using the right credit card could also put extra cash in your pocket (and that’s potentially cash on top of the cash back your Executive membership pays you). Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco.

3. Extended warranties and tech support on electronics

Shelling out money for new electronics is a big deal. You don’t want to spend $1,000 on a new TV only to have it die on you completely after a year.

At Costco, that can’t happen. Well, your TV might fail you after a year, but you won’t be out the money. Electronics purchased through Costco come with a free second-year warranty.

Plus, when you buy electronics at Costco, you get free tech support. If you’re someone who struggles with setting up devices, you’re covered — and you won’t be at the mercy of your tech-savvy neighbor who may or may not have time to give you a hand.

4. A whole rotisserie chicken for under $5

Sometimes, life’s just too busy to cook. And at times like that, grabbing a rotisserie chicken and calling it dinner is a reasonable approach to putting food on the table.

Costco isn’t the only store to sell rotisserie chickens. But its $4.99 price point is pretty hard to beat.

Pro tip: Costco also sells fresh Caesar salads in its prepared foods area (the price there will depend on your local store and the weight of the salad you buy, but figure around $10 for a large one). Grab a salad to go along with your rotisserie chicken, and it’s a complete meal you can feel pretty good about.

Paying for Costco access may be an easy call for you. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep trying to find ways to get more out of your membership. For now, you can start by taking advantage of these four incredible benefits.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The average American is expected to spend $1,638 on holiday shopping this year, according to a recent PwC survey. That’s not easy for those who struggle to pay their regular bills each month. Shopping sales and using the best rewards credit cards can help you lower your costs, but they’re not your only options.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. There’s another way to save on holiday purchases that most people never even consider, and it could help you earn up to 15x more credit card rewards. Best of all, it’s completely free.Make your purchases in the right placesWhen most people think about shopping for gifts in the right places, they think about comparing prices at different retailers to find the best deals. This is important, but it’s not the only way you can save. If you have a credit card from a major bank, chances are, you also have access to an online shopping portal where you can get exclusive deals that come with bonus rewards at select stores. Shop with Chase and Capital One Shopping are two examples. Capital One Shopping is free to use even if you’re not a Capital One customer. But you’ll need a qualifying Chase credit card to use Shop with Chase. Learn more about some of our favorite Chase credit cards to see which is your ticket to the greatest savings this holiday season.All you have to do is log into the platform and look for special offers on the retailers you plan to shop from. Click on the store name or offer and then make your purchases like you normally would. Make sure you have your cookies turned on so your credit card issuer can track these purchases correctly.The exact rewards you can earn vary by card issuer and retailer. But you could get as much as 15x back at certain stores. That’s the difference between getting $15 back on a $100 purchase vs. $1 back with a typical cash back credit card.It’s not as immediate as getting a discount on a product at checkout. You’ll have to wait until the end of the billing cycle when the credit card issuer applies the rewards to your account. Then, you’ll have to either redeem the rewards for gift cards or a statement credit. But the potential savings still make it worth the few extra clicks required.How to make the most of credit card shopping portalsHere are a few tricks to help you maximize your rewards through credit card shopping portals.Check multiple retailersIf the item you want isn’t exclusive to a particular retailer, it’s still worth shopping around to see which offers the best deal. Your credit card shopping portal may also offer different deals at different stores, which could affect how much you pay.Check multiple shopping portalsIf you have access to several credit card shopping portals, check each of them to see which offers you the greatest rewards. You can also use sites like Cashback Monitor to determine which credit card rewards portals offer the greatest value at a particular retailer.Use the right credit cardDon’t forget that some of your rewards credit cards may offer bonus points in particular categories. For example, if you have a card that offers 5% back on department stores during the holidays, this could be a better choice than a general purpose cash back card that gives you 1% to 2% back on all purchases.Avoid overspendingGetting more credit card rewards is great, but chances are, if you carry a balance, you’ll still lose more in interest each month than you’re earning in rewards. Whenever possible, limit your spending to only what you know you can pay back at the end of the month.If this isn’t possible, consider opening a card with a 0% introductory APR period to make your spending a little less stressful.This will give you several months where your balance won’t accrue interest, so it’s easier to pay off.If you have any questions about your credit card issuer’s shopping portal, don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s important to ensure you understand how it works, so you don’t miss the opportunity to earn valuable rewards.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Kailey Hagen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The average American is expected to spend $1,638 on holiday shopping this year, according to a recent PwC survey. That’s not easy for those who struggle to pay their regular bills each month. Shopping sales and using the best rewards credit cards can help you lower your costs, but they’re not your only options.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

There’s another way to save on holiday purchases that most people never even consider, and it could help you earn up to 15x more credit card rewards. Best of all, it’s completely free.

Make your purchases in the right places

When most people think about shopping for gifts in the right places, they think about comparing prices at different retailers to find the best deals. This is important, but it’s not the only way you can save.

If you have a credit card from a major bank, chances are, you also have access to an online shopping portal where you can get exclusive deals that come with bonus rewards at select stores. Shop with Chase and Capital One Shopping are two examples. Capital One Shopping is free to use even if you’re not a Capital One customer.

But you’ll need a qualifying Chase credit card to use Shop with Chase. Learn more about some of our favorite Chase credit cards to see which is your ticket to the greatest savings this holiday season.

All you have to do is log into the platform and look for special offers on the retailers you plan to shop from. Click on the store name or offer and then make your purchases like you normally would. Make sure you have your cookies turned on so your credit card issuer can track these purchases correctly.

The exact rewards you can earn vary by card issuer and retailer. But you could get as much as 15x back at certain stores. That’s the difference between getting $15 back on a $100 purchase vs. $1 back with a typical cash back credit card.

It’s not as immediate as getting a discount on a product at checkout. You’ll have to wait until the end of the billing cycle when the credit card issuer applies the rewards to your account. Then, you’ll have to either redeem the rewards for gift cards or a statement credit. But the potential savings still make it worth the few extra clicks required.

How to make the most of credit card shopping portals

Here are a few tricks to help you maximize your rewards through credit card shopping portals.

Check multiple retailers

If the item you want isn’t exclusive to a particular retailer, it’s still worth shopping around to see which offers the best deal. Your credit card shopping portal may also offer different deals at different stores, which could affect how much you pay.

Check multiple shopping portals

If you have access to several credit card shopping portals, check each of them to see which offers you the greatest rewards. You can also use sites like Cashback Monitor to determine which credit card rewards portals offer the greatest value at a particular retailer.

Use the right credit card

Don’t forget that some of your rewards credit cards may offer bonus points in particular categories. For example, if you have a card that offers 5% back on department stores during the holidays, this could be a better choice than a general purpose cash back card that gives you 1% to 2% back on all purchases.

Avoid overspending

Getting more credit card rewards is great, but chances are, if you carry a balance, you’ll still lose more in interest each month than you’re earning in rewards. Whenever possible, limit your spending to only what you know you can pay back at the end of the month.

If this isn’t possible, consider opening a card with a 0% introductory APR period to make your spending a little less stressful.This will give you several months where your balance won’t accrue interest, so it’s easier to pay off.

If you have any questions about your credit card issuer’s shopping portal, don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s important to ensure you understand how it works, so you don’t miss the opportunity to earn valuable rewards.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Kailey Hagen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
If you like to travel the world like me, you understand how quickly travel costs can add up. I always look for great deals on flights, hotels, and other experiences. I also do what I can to save money when buying travel essentials for my adventures. Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!One easy way busy travelers like us can save money on travel is by shopping Costco deals. Here are a few can’t-miss Costco deals that could provide savings on an upcoming trip. 1. $500 Southwest Airlines gift card: $449.99 If you like to fly with Southwest Airlines, this is the deal for you. Costco regularly sells a $500 electronic gift card for Southwest Airlines. Instead of paying the $500 face value, as a Costco member, you’ll pay only $449.99. That will leave an extra $50 in your pocket. You can use your gift card funds to purchase Southwest Airlines flights at Southwest.com, Southwest ticket counters, or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Once purchased, an electronic gift card will be emailed to you. Costco members can buy up to five gift cards in one transaction. This presents an easy opportunity for Southwest customers to get a good deal on airfare. If you have an upcoming trip for which you need to buy flights, you may want to get this gift card. Pro tip: To maximize your airfare savings, I recommend using a free tool like Google Flights to search for the cheapest dates to fly with Southwest. Buying discounted travel gift cards is an excellent way to save money, but you can maximize your savings by earning rewards with a cash back credit card. Click here to explore our list of the best cash back credit cards with big rewards. 2. Two $50 Uber gift cards: $79.99 Here’s another gift card deal that will appeal to travelers. You can purchase two $50 Uber gift cards for $79.99, a savings of $20. These gift cards can be redeemed for Uber and Uber Eats purchases within the U.S. Once you purchase this deal, you’ll receive two separate $50 Uber gift card codes by email. Even if you use Uber infrequently, this is a great deal to consider to help trim your travel spending. 3. Costco Travel bookings Another way to use your Costco membership to save money on travel expenses is to book travel arrangements through the Costco Travel portal. This service is available to all Costco members and offers great deals on hotels, cruises, rental cars, and travel packages. But if you’re an Executive member, you can access additional benefits. You can earn 2% rewards on Costco purchases, including travel bookings, for up to $1,250 in rewards per year. Additional travel perks, such as daily free breakfast or resort credits, may be available on select Costco Travel bookings. These extra benefits can improve your travel experiences. Being a Costco Executive member isn’t the only way to get rewarded. You can boost your rewards by using a rewards credit card at checkout. Explore our curated list of the top credit cards that offer big rewards at Costco.4. SWISSGEAR Weekender Tote: $59.99 Lugging around a heavy suitcase on short trips isn’t ideal. A smaller bag can be an excellent investment for weekends away. The SWISSGEAR Weekender Tote is $59.99 at Costco. The retail price for this practical yet attractive tote bag is $99.99, so you can save $40 with a Costco membership. It’s available in pink, black, and cream, and is adjustable with a removable shoulder strap. This is an excellent buy for those who like to pack light for short vacations. Travel doesn’t have to break the bankIt’s possible to prioritize your passion for travel without ignoring your financial goals. The above deals are just a few ways to trim your travel spending. Another way to save is using a travel rewards credit card. Check out our list of the best travel rewards credit cards to find your ideal card. Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Costco Wholesale, and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Southwest Airlines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you like to travel the world like me, you understand how quickly travel costs can add up. I always look for great deals on flights, hotels, and other experiences. I also do what I can to save money when buying travel essentials for my adventures.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

One easy way busy travelers like us can save money on travel is by shopping Costco deals. Here are a few can’t-miss Costco deals that could provide savings on an upcoming trip.

1. $500 Southwest Airlines gift card: $449.99

If you like to fly with Southwest Airlines, this is the deal for you. Costco regularly sells a $500 electronic gift card for Southwest Airlines. Instead of paying the $500 face value, as a Costco member, you’ll pay only $449.99. That will leave an extra $50 in your pocket.

You can use your gift card funds to purchase Southwest Airlines flights at Southwest.com, Southwest ticket counters, or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Once purchased, an electronic gift card will be emailed to you. Costco members can buy up to five gift cards in one transaction.

This presents an easy opportunity for Southwest customers to get a good deal on airfare. If you have an upcoming trip for which you need to buy flights, you may want to get this gift card.

Pro tip: To maximize your airfare savings, I recommend using a free tool like Google Flights to search for the cheapest dates to fly with Southwest.

Buying discounted travel gift cards is an excellent way to save money, but you can maximize your savings by earning rewards with a cash back credit card. Click here to explore our list of the best cash back credit cards with big rewards.

2. Two $50 Uber gift cards: $79.99

Here’s another gift card deal that will appeal to travelers. You can purchase two $50 Uber gift cards for $79.99, a savings of $20. These gift cards can be redeemed for Uber and Uber Eats purchases within the U.S. Once you purchase this deal, you’ll receive two separate $50 Uber gift card codes by email. Even if you use Uber infrequently, this is a great deal to consider to help trim your travel spending.

3. Costco Travel bookings

Another way to use your Costco membership to save money on travel expenses is to book travel arrangements through the Costco Travel portal. This service is available to all Costco members and offers great deals on hotels, cruises, rental cars, and travel packages.

But if you’re an Executive member, you can access additional benefits. You can earn 2% rewards on Costco purchases, including travel bookings, for up to $1,250 in rewards per year.

Additional travel perks, such as daily free breakfast or resort credits, may be available on select Costco Travel bookings. These extra benefits can improve your travel experiences.

Being a Costco Executive member isn’t the only way to get rewarded. You can boost your rewards by using a rewards credit card at checkout. Explore our curated list of the top credit cards that offer big rewards at Costco.

4. SWISSGEAR Weekender Tote: $59.99

Lugging around a heavy suitcase on short trips isn’t ideal. A smaller bag can be an excellent investment for weekends away. The SWISSGEAR Weekender Tote is $59.99 at Costco. The retail price for this practical yet attractive tote bag is $99.99, so you can save $40 with a Costco membership. It’s available in pink, black, and cream, and is adjustable with a removable shoulder strap. This is an excellent buy for those who like to pack light for short vacations.

Travel doesn’t have to break the bank

It’s possible to prioritize your passion for travel without ignoring your financial goals. The above deals are just a few ways to trim your travel spending. Another way to save is using a travel rewards credit card. Check out our list of the best travel rewards credit cards to find your ideal card.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Costco Wholesale, and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Southwest Airlines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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