Does Costco Sell Car Batteries? Brand, Price, and Warranty Explained
Yes, Costco sells car batteries — but only one brand. Costco’s Tire and Battery Center sells Interstate-brand batteries, priced roughly $90 to $180 depending on size and type, backed by a 36-month prorated warranty. You do need a paid membership to buy one, and Costco does not install the battery for you.
Not every Costco warehouse has a Tire and Battery Center, and the batteries are warehouse-only — you can’t order one online for home delivery. Here’s what to know about the brand, the real price range, the warranty terms, and where to go if you need the battery actually put in.
What Car Battery Brand Does Costco Sell?
Test Before You Buy
 |
ANCEL BA101 Digital Battery Load Tester – $34.99 Before you drive to Costco for a replacement, test your current battery at home in under a minute — it may just need a recharge.
|
Costco’s Tire and Battery Center carries Interstate Batteries exclusively — it does not stock Duracell, DieHard, or its own Kirkland Signature brand for automotive batteries. Interstate is sold in two configurations:
- Standard flooded battery: The default choice for most everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs.
- AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery: Required for vehicles with start-stop technology, push-button ignition, or heavier onboard electronics.
A staff member at the Tire Center can look up the right battery for your make, model, and year, or you can use Costco’s online battery finder ahead of your visit to confirm they carry the correct group size before you go.
How Much Do Costco Car Batteries Cost?
Prices vary by battery group size and type, but most Interstate batteries at Costco fall between $90 and $180. A standard flooded battery in a common group size runs around $110, while an AGM battery for a vehicle with start-stop technology runs closer to $180. That’s typically lower than what you’d pay for the same Interstate battery at an independent auto parts store, though prices at Walmart, AutoZone, and O’Reilly can be competitive on their own house brands.
What Is the Warranty on a Costco Car Battery?
Costco’s Interstate car batteries carry a 36-month limited, prorated warranty. If the battery fails from a defect within that window, you’re entitled to a partial refund based on how many months are left — not a free, no-cost replacement. For example, a battery that fails around month 24 typically gets back roughly a third of the original price toward a new one. Costco moved to this prorated structure in mid-2023; batteries purchased before that date may still be covered under the older free-replacement terms, so it’s worth checking your original receipt if you bought yours before then.
Do You Need a Membership to Buy a Car Battery at Costco?
Yes. Costco’s Tire and Battery Center is a members-only area of the warehouse, so you’ll need an active Gold Star membership (currently $65 a year) to purchase a battery there. Non-members can’t buy from the Tire Center, even with a day pass that lets them shop the rest of the warehouse in some states. If you’re not already a member and only need one battery, it’s worth comparing the $65 membership fee plus the battery price against what a non-membership retailer like Walmart or AutoZone would charge for a comparable battery before deciding.
Does Costco Install the Car Battery?
No — Costco does not install car batteries. The Tire and Battery Center sells the battery, but there’s no installation service, even for members. If you need the battery put in for you, AutoZone typically installs for free with a battery purchase, and Walmart’s Auto Care Center charges a small fee. For a full breakdown of installation options, pricing, and what to expect once you’re at the counter, see our complete guide to Costco’s battery installation policy.
Not Every Costco Has a Tire and Battery Center
Some smaller or newer Costco locations don’t have a Tire and Battery Center at all, which means no batteries, no tires, and no automotive services on-site. Before making a trip, use Costco’s store locator on its website and filter for locations with a Tire Center, or call ahead to confirm your local warehouse carries them and has the group size your vehicle needs in stock.
Costco vs. Other Retailers for Car Batteries
Walmart, AutoZone, and O’Reilly Auto Parts all sell car batteries without requiring a membership, and each offers free or low-cost installation — something Costco can’t match. Costco’s edge is Interstate’s reputation and the 36-month warranty, but only if you’re already paying for a membership anyway. If you’re weighing whether the membership fee is actually worth it just for a battery, we cover that trade-off in detail in our guide to whether Costco is a good place to buy a car battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costco Sell Car Batteries In Store?
Yes. Costco sells Interstate-brand car batteries in the Tire and Battery Center at warehouses that have one. Batteries are sold in-store only — there’s no online ordering for home delivery.
Does Costco Install Car Batteries?
No, Costco does not install car batteries, even for members who buy one there. AutoZone offers free installation with a battery purchase, and Walmart’s Auto Care Center installs for a small fee.
How Much Does A Car Battery Cost At Costco?
Most Interstate batteries at Costco cost between $90 and $180, depending on the group size and whether you need a standard flooded battery or an AGM battery for start-stop technology.
Do I Need A Membership To Buy A Battery At Costco?
Yes. The Tire and Battery Center is a members-only department, so you need an active Gold Star membership to purchase a battery there, regardless of whether you’re buying anything else in the warehouse.
What Is The Warranty On A Costco Car Battery?
Costco’s Interstate batteries carry a 36-month limited, prorated warranty. If the battery fails from a defect, you get a partial refund based on the months remaining in the warranty period, not a free replacement — Costco moved away from free replacements in mid-2023.
The Bottom Line
Costco is a solid option if you’re already a member and just need a reliable Interstate battery at a fair price with a real warranty behind it. It’s a weaker choice if you need installation done on the spot or if you’d have to buy a membership just for the battery — in that case, a retailer like AutoZone or Walmart that installs for free or cheap is usually the simpler trip.
