An staffer with a tablet asks to scan your membership card when you're checking out. They evaluate your profile and recommend you for Costco Executive membership.
Costco members have probably experienced this. They'd gladly elevate you immediately because you're such a good prospect. You say?
The $120 Executive Membership is excellent on paper. A $60 annual fee gets you 2% cash back on Costco purchases. When you buy a 35-pack of Diet Coke with the Costco Anywhere Visa card and 2% back at the wholesale store, you earn 4% back.
Determine if the $120 Executive Membership is worth the extra cost easily. Spend $3,000 to get $60 in cash back at 2%. Your effective annual membership rate drops to $60.
If you spend less than $3,000 at Costco each year, the Executive membership's higher annual price will cost you more than the $60 Gold Star tier. If you want shop cash back, the no-fee Costco Anywhere Visa card is better.
If you spend above $3,000 annually, the Executive Membership is better. Every dollar you spend after $3,000 lowers your annual cost below $60, saving you money over time.
Costco's membership page has a calculator where you can enter your monthly shop spending to calculate your annual cash back.
Based on my historical spending, the Costco staffer holding the tablet told me I would easily hit the $3,000 annual spend and more. I was asked to increase my membership immediately.