iPhone owners looking to upgrade their current model to a newer version, or first-time iPhone buyers, shouldn’t buy their next device directly from Apple or the wireless carrier store closest to their home, no matter how good the trade-in and carrier deals are, until they check out what Costco Wholesale has to offer. Apple hasn’t raised the starting price of the iPhone in years, but the iPhone remains a premium device. The cheapest model in a new iPhone series starts at $799. As of this writing, this is the iPhone 17 model that has been sold for over two months since its release, according to BGR’s regular checks. iPhone Pro models are even more expensive, starting at $1,099 (Pro) and $1,199 (Pro Max). Any savings a buyer can get should be explored before purchasing a new iPhone model, especially when considering shipping deals that come with long-term commitments.
Choosing Costco over the alternatives may be the better option in some cases, as shoppers may end up saving money compared to buying an iPhone at full retail price or choosing a similar carrier deal sold at a carrier store or other electronics retailer. Costco can also offer shoppers additional perks not available elsewhere, including cash-back incentives, waived fees and better return windows. Not to mention that many smartphone shoppers may already be shopping at Costco for groceries and other products. Checking iPhone stock, usually decent, should be a problem for these consumers. We’ll explore all the reasons why you should buy your next iPhone from Costco below.
Read more: How to control an iPad with your iPhone
You already shop at Costco
An automated checkout sign at a Costco location. – oasisamuel/Shutterstock
Many people are Costco regulars. They frequently visit one of the retail store locations for daily purchases, including groceries, household supplies, electronics, and other items. Shopping for an iPhone at Costco is convenient in this scenario. If you are already there, you can check the operator kiosks to see what offers they have. Costco stores can be even easier to navigate than Apple stores or other locations. Costco members will be familiar with the layout of their local store and know when to shop to avoid the crowds.
Apple stores can be busier, especially on launch day or shortly after a new iPhone hits the market. The downside here is that Apple stores are better equipped to support new iPhone buyers by helping them avoid common mistakes. They can provide more advanced technical support for setting up the handset. Longtime iPhone users should already be familiar with using the handset. They may also know how to transfer data to a new device. That said, while Costco doesn’t have an Apple Genius Bar equivalent, the wireless kiosks are staffed by experts who can help you.
One thing to keep in mind when buying an iPhone at Costco is that you may need (or want) to deal with a carrier. After all, wireless carriers are ready to offer free iPhone deals to subscribers. However, Costco switched to cell phone kiosks in 2023. According to Clark, a Costco location can only have one carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon). As of this writing, Costco is promoting AT&T and T-Mobile iPhone deals online. The deals are available at various Costco locations across the United States. You may need to visit another Costco store to match your current (or future) carrier.
Large inventory of iPhones
iPhone 17 on display in a store. – Erman Gunes/Shutterstock
Another reason to buy iPhones at Costco has to do with the stock of iPhones in the store. Apple may seem like the place to go when buying a brand new iPhone. Apple retail stores are more likely to have the color and storage capacity you want for your iPhone. They may be more likely to stock newer iPhone models than third-party options like Costco, especially during the busy iPhone shopping season that follows the September launch window. However, Costco locations will have a decent inventory of iPhones, including the latest models.
You may have to compromise on color choice or stocking, especially during busier times. But if you’re using a case, the color might not matter. Apple has also improved iPhone storage in recent years. All iPhone 16 models have at least 128GB of storage. All iPhone 17 and iPhone Air versions come with 256GB of storage. You may end up with decent storage space from Costco.
At worst, you can talk to Costco kiosk staff to see if other locations have the exact iPhone model you need in stock, or you can order it to pick up later.
Costco membership refund
A Costco sign showing the different membership options. – Erman Gunes/Shutterstock
The best reason to buy an expensive iPhone at Costco is all about the savings you can get, and that’s where the Costco membership can come in handy. Moving from Costco Gold Star ($65/year) to Costco Executive ($130/year) is worth considering for Costco subscribers. The more expensive membership includes 2% cash back on all Costco purchases up to $1,250 per year. Frequent shoppers will likely find the executive tier to pay for itself through the cashback offer. Any iPhone purchase at Costco will also earn you 2% back. That might not sound like much, but it’s still a way to save money.
Paying for iPhone with Citi’s Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card offers additional rewards to Costco members, including 5% back on gas, 4% back on eligible gas and EV charging, 3% back on eligible restaurant and travel purchases, and 2% back on all purchases at Costco and Costco.com. The latter is what will help you reduce the price of your iPhone by another 2%.
Shipping deals for Costco members
People walking past a T-Mobile store. – Kevin Carter/Getty Images
Aside from credit card reimbursement, buying an iPhone from Costco can be better than going directly to a carrier store because Costco members get better deals under certain conditions. As of this writing, Costco members get $400 (a $150 Costco Digital Shop Card and a $250 Prepaid Visa Card) when they switch to T-Mobile. The carrier is running a “Get iPhone 17 on Us” promotion at Costco stores that allows users to save $830 (via 24 monthly credits) when they switch to T-Mobile and subscribe to an Experience Beyond plan. Additionally, Costco shoppers can get a $75 Costco Digital Shop Card when they activate a new T-Mobile line and a $100 Costco Digital Shop Card when they upgrade their device. The purchase of additional Apple gear, including an Apple Watch or iPad, comes with a $25 Costco Digital Shop card when a new line is activated.
Buying an iPhone at Costco with AT&T means you get $350 ($250 in bill credits and a $100 Costco Virtual Shop Card) when you switch carriers. AT&T is also offering Costco shoppers who are AT&T subscribers a free iPhone 17 Pro when they trade in an iPhone 14 Pro Max or higher. Activating a new AT&T line will reward customers with $200 ($100 in bill credits, plus a $100 Costco Virtual Shop Card), while upgrading to a new iPhone through an installment plan comes with a $150 reward ($50 in bill credits, plus a $100 Costco Virtual Shop Card). Like the T-Mobile deals, a $25 Costco Shop Card is awarded for iPad and Apple Watch purchases with an eligible installment plan and an additional wireless data plan.
Extended return window and activation fees
A person browsing the electronics section at a Costco store in Canada. – Julia Dorian/Shutterstock
AT&T’s iPhone deals at Costco also mean shoppers pay no activation fees, which is another way to save. The terms of the T-Mobile offer do not mention activation fees, but note that the promotion can be combined with additional discounts. Costco members can inquire about additional perks in the store.
One thing to keep in mind when buying an iPhone from Costco or another retailer is whether you’re getting a locked or unlocked device. You may want to check with the wireless representative at the Costco kiosk to see if the iPhone you’re about to buy is carrier locked. An unlocked device is more useful because it can connect to any network if you decide to switch carriers or pass your iPhone to a family member who is on a different network.
Then again, buying the iPhone and keeping it are different matters. You may not like the upgrade. Here’s another reason to shop at Costco: The retailer offers a large 90-day return window on products, including the iPhone. AT&T’s current offers state the same return period, and note that a $55 restocking fee may apply. In comparison, Apple will only offer users a 14-day return window. Costco may allow you to return the receiver without a receipt.
iPhone owners interested in free AppleCare+ should know that iPhone purchases at Costco do not include free AppleCare+, according to AT&T and T-Mobile offers. The only Apple product that gets this benefit is the AirPods Pro 3 wireless headphones, released in September 2025. As for a Costco extended warranty, the retailer offers Allstate Protection Plans for various electronics, including tablets and computers, but not smartphones.
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