Costco to Launch First-Ever Fuel-Only Member Station
Published: June 17th, 2025.
Costco is known for their cavernous warehouse stores, oversized carts, and the unbeatable value of their Kirkland Signature products. They’re a place where members load up on everything from luxury skincare to bulk cereal, all under one roof. But now, the retail giant is doing something they have never done before: opening a gas station without the store.
Set to debut in Mission Viejo, California, this new venture marks Costco’s first standalone fuel location—no attached warehouse, groceries, or retail: just 40 fuel pumps, six parking spaces, and a clean, direct focus: gas.
The location will be built on a former Bed Bath & Beyond site, about 2.5 miles from an existing Costco warehouse. But unlike that location, this new one isn’t trying to get you to fill your trunk with discounted avocados or a six-pack of sweatpants. It exists solely to provide gasoline and is available to members only.
What makes this interesting isn’t just the format—it’s the economics. According to GasBuddy, California’s average gas price recently hovered around $4.60 per gallon. Costco, in comparison, was offering regular unleaded for $3.94 per gallon.
That 26-cent difference per gallon is no small detail. Over time, the savings add up fast for frequent drivers, often covering the annual cost of a $65 Gold Star membership or even the $130 Executive tier. It’s not just cheaper fuel; it’s a tangible return on membership that reinforces why people stick with Costco year after year.
The Mission Viejo station is designed with volume and efficiency in mind. Planning documents show no convenience store, restroom access, and only a few parking spaces. It’s clear this isn’t a traditional gas station—it’s a high-capacity, no-frills utility designed to serve members as quickly and cleanly as possible.
Costco has already proven how much demand exists for their fuel services. Earlier this year, they extended gas station hours across the U.S., with weekday operations running until 10 PM. The results were immediate. In April, they reported two of the highest fuel volume weeks in their U.S. history. This new station directly responds to that growing demand, especially in areas where warehouse parking lots are already stretched to the limit.
Fuel has quietly become one of the most valuable aspects of the Costco membership. While the in-warehouse experience is still the brand's heart, gas stations give members a weekly reason to stay engaged. A routine purchase turns into a loyalty loop: members save money, feel the value of their membership, and are more likely to renew.
Costco sharpens that loop even further by removing retail distractions and focusing purely on gas. The standalone model allows them to expand fuel access in high-density markets with limited or unavailable warehouse space. It also redirects car traffic away from crowded store lots, improving the overall member experience.
Though initially unconventional, the standalone gas station fits seamlessly into Costco’s operating logic. This company doesn’t just sell in bulk—they think in bulk. Whether it’s groceries, electronics, or gasoline, they scale what works and trim what doesn’t.
Construction on the Mission Viejo site is expected to begin in the fall, with an opening planned for spring 2026. While there are no official plans yet for more standalone fuel sites, this one may very well set the tone for how Costco continues to evolve—one gallon at a time.