Costco Deals & Coupons
Costco prices carry markers that tell you whether an item is being cleared or discontinued. Below the deals is what each one means.
The price codes
Costco does not publish this system, but it is consistent enough across warehouses to be genuinely useful. Two things to look at: the last two digits of the price, and whether there is an asterisk in the top right corner of the sign.
| Signal | Generally means |
|---|---|
| Price ends in .99 | Regular price. Nothing special happening. |
| Price ends in .97 | Manager markdown — the warehouse is clearing it. This is the main one to look for. |
| Price ends in .00 or .88 | Usually a manager special, floor model, or an item handled manually. |
| Asterisk (*) top right of the sign | The item is not being reordered. Once the warehouse sells through, it is gone. |
| Price ends in .49 or .79 | Typically a manufacturer promotion rather than a Costco markdown. |
Widely observed across US warehouses. Not officially documented by Costco.
The combination that matters
A .97 price on its own means the warehouse is clearing stock, but the item may well return. An asterisk on its own means the item is being discontinued but is still at full price, so it will probably get cheaper. A .97 price with an asterisk means both at once: this is the lowest it will go and it is not coming back. That combination is the one to act on.
The monthly coupon book
Costco runs a monthly savings booklet with instant rebates that come off automatically at the register — there is nothing to clip or scan. Dates are published in advance, and the discounts apply whether or not you have the booklet with you.
Worth knowing: items in the coupon book are rarely also on manager markdown, so a .97 price on a booklet item usually means the warehouse is clearing the last of it.
Costco deals: common questions
What does a Costco price ending in .97 mean?
It signals a manager markdown — the warehouse is clearing that item. It is the most reliable clearance indicator Costco uses. Regular prices end in .99, so a .97 stands out once you know to look for it.
What does the asterisk on a Costco price sign mean?
An asterisk in the top right corner of the sign means the item is not being reordered. When the current stock sells through, that warehouse will not carry it again. It does not mean the item is on sale — plenty of asterisked items are still at full price and will be discounted later.
Do I need the coupon book to get the discount?
No. Costco’s monthly savings are instant rebates applied automatically at the register during the promotional window. The booklet is advance notice, not a coupon you have to present.
Is a Costco membership worth it?
It depends almost entirely on how often you shop and what you buy. The membership fee is fixed, so the break-even point is a matter of volume — fuel, pharmacy and bulk staples tend to close the gap fastest for regular shoppers, while occasional visitors often will not recover the fee on groceries alone.