Costco is different from other stores in that it charges members a fee for access. You don't have to spend money simply to walk through the door at Target or Walmart. But at Costco, you're looking at a minimum of $65 per year for a Gold Star membership. The Executive membership, which gives you 2% cash back on your purchases, costs $130 a year.

But if you upgrade to the Executive membership, you may end up getting your Costco access for free. Here's how.

It's a matter of how much you spend at Costco

The great thing about Costco's Executive membership is that it gives you cash back on not just everyday items like groceries, but almost every item you might buy at the store -- and more. If you book a vacation through Costco, for example, you're eligible for 2% back. The same applies to things like electronics, furniture, and major appliances.

Of course, an Executive membership isn't the only way to get that cash back. Click here to review our list of top credit cards that offer big rewards at Costco.

But if you want your $130 Executive membership fee to pay for itself entirely, all you need to do is spend $6,500 a year on Costco purchases. That may not be a difficult thing to do if you shop at Costco almost every week and also make a few larger one-off purchases.

For example, say you go to Costco three times a month, or 36 times a year, and spend $150 each visit. That's $5,400 right there. Then, if you buy a laptop for $1,100 or a TV that costs the same, you're at $6,500, which means your membership costs you nothing.

Or, let's say you only go to Costco twice a month, or 24 times a year, and spend $150 per visit. That's $3,600.

But if you then book a $3,000 vacation, you're at $6,600, which means you not only get your $130 Executive membership fee back, but you also walk away with an additional $2. That's enough to buy you a hot dog and soda combo from the Costco food court and leave you with a bit of change.

There's no risk in upgrading your Costco membership

If you stick with Costco's basic $65 Gold Star membership, you won't earn cash back and therefore won't have a chance at getting your membership fee reimbursed. But if you're worried you won't spend enough to make the Executive membership upgrade worth it, know this.

Costco will make sure you get your money's worth. If you don't earn at least $65 in cash back (the cost of the upgrade), you can downgrade to the basic membership and get the difference returned to you from Costco.

For example, say you only spend enough at Costco to earn $50 in cash back on your Executive membership. If you downgrade, Costco will give you $15 at the time you're switched over to a basic membership. This means you're not out any money on the upgrade fee, making it risk-free.

Even if you don't earn enough cash back on your Executive membership to get your full $130 reimbursed, you might still end up ahead financially compared to sticking with a basic membership. And since there's no risk in upgrading, you might as well try to maximize your Costco membership.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America's favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it's no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has positions in Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Target, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Here's How Easy It Is to Get Your Costco Executive Membership Reimbursed was originally published by The Motley Fool