If you’re a Costco Executive Member, you might wonder: Does Costco open early for me? With perks like 2% cash back and exclusive discounts, it’s natural to hope for early access too.
In this definitive guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Costco’s standard hours (and holiday exceptions)
✅ Whether Executive Members get early access
✅ How to get the best shopping times
✅ Special hours for seniors, pharmacies, and gas stations
✅ Pro tips to avoid crowds
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to shop at Costco for the fastest, most efficient experience.
Table of Contents
- Does Costco Open Early for Executive Members?
- Standard Costco Hours (Weekdays & Weekends)
- Costco Holiday Hours & Special Closures
- Does Costco Have Senior Hours?
- Costco Gas Station Hours (Earlier Than the Warehouse?)
- Costco Pharmacy Hours (Different From Main Store)
- Best Times to Shop at Costco to Avoid Crowds
- How to Check Your Local Costco’s Exact Hours
- FAQs About Costco Hours
- Final Verdict: Maximizing Your Costco Trips
1. Does Costco Open Early for Executive Members?
Short answer: No.
Unlike some retailers (like Sam’s Club, which offers “Early Shopping Hours” for Plus members), Costco does NOT open early for Executive Members.
Why Doesn’t Costco Offer Early Access?
- Fairness policy – Costco treats all members equally.
- Efficient stocking – Employees use pre-opening hours to restock.
- No demand – Most shoppers prefer standard hours.
Executive Members still get:
✔ 2% annual cash back
✔ Exclusive discounts on services (travel, insurance, etc.)
✔ Additional perks like extended warranty coverage
2. Standard Costco Hours (Weekdays & Weekends)
Most Costco locations follow these standard hours:
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Friday | 10:00 AM | 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
⚠ Note: Hours may vary by location—always check your local warehouse.
3. Costco Holiday Hours & Special Closures
Costco is closed on seven major holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day (July 4th)
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Modified hours may apply on:
- Christmas Eve (closes early, typically by 5 PM)
- New Year’s Eve (closes early, typically by 6 PM)
🔹 Pro Tip: Gas stations often stay open later than the warehouse on holidays.
4. Does Costco Have Senior Hours?
No, Costco does NOT have dedicated senior hours.
However, early weekday mornings (right at opening) tend to be:
✔ Less crowded
✔ Fully stocked
✔ Easier for seniors to navigate
Best time for seniors: Weekdays at 10 AM (right when doors open).
5. Costco Gas Station Hours (Earlier Than the Warehouse?)
Yes! Most Costco gas stations open earlier than the warehouse:
| Day | Gas Station Opens | Gas Station Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 6:00 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Weekends | 6:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
🔹 Key perks of Costco gas:
✔ Cheaper prices (often 0.20−0.30/gallon less than competitors)
✔ Top Tier detergent fuel (better for your engine)
6. Costco Pharmacy Hours (Different From Main Store)
Costco pharmacies operate on different hours than the main warehouse:
| Day | Pharmacy Opens | Pharmacy Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Friday | 9:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
✅ No membership required to use the pharmacy (by law).
7. Best Times to Shop at Costco to Avoid Crowds
Best Days & Times:
- Weekday mornings (10 AM – 12 PM) – Least crowded
- Weekday evenings (after 6 PM) – Fewer families
- Avoid weekends – Especially Saturday afternoons
Worst Times to Go:
❌ Weekends (11 AM – 3 PM) – Packed with families
❌ First day of the month – EBT/SNAP benefits refresh
❌ Holiday weekends – Extra-long lines
8. How to Check Your Local Costco’s Exact Hours
Since hours can vary by location, always verify:
- Google “Costco [Your City] hours”
- Call your local warehouse
- Use the Costco app (shows real-time updates)
9. FAQs About Costco Hours
Q: Can I shop at Costco before official opening hours?
A: No—employees strictly enforce opening times.
Q: Does Costco have special hours for disabled shoppers?
A: No, but early weekdays are the least crowded.
Q: What time does Costco stop accepting returns?
A: Same as closing time (e.g., 8:30 PM on weekdays).
10. Final Verdict: Maximizing Your Costco Trips
While Costco does NOT open early for Executive Members, you can still optimize your shopping:
✔ Go at opening (10 AM weekdays) for the best selection
✔ Use the gas station early (opens at 6 AM)
✔ Avoid weekends & holidays to skip crowds
