Do you typically look at a membership plan as something that will cost you money without living up to its value? While that may be true some of the time, for many membership programs the value offered can be incredible. Sometimes it’s not even about the savings; rather, it’s about granting access to services, products, and features that wouldn’t otherwise be available to you.
So which memberships are worth your money? Which should make you stop in your tracks and sign up? We’ve gone ahead and created a list of 15 membership programs that are well worth their price, regardless of the cost. It comes down to your priorities and which of these would be of the most interest to you.
As you scroll through these, be aware that many offer different tiers or types of memberships, so the cost and features will vary within those different levels.
Streaming Movie/Television Content Membership Plans
Where it used to be that people would choose a cable package that delivered all their home entertainment needs, today things have become more customizable. Several huge streaming services can be enjoyed on smart TVs and mobile devices, giving viewers more content and access than ever before. For that reason, many have chosen to get rid of their expensive cable packages, opting for streaming services instead.
Some of the most popular and worthwhile streaming services in the US include:
- HBO Max
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Disney
- Apple TV
- Hulu
- Paramount+
- AMC+
- ESPN+
It’s worth noting that many are now offering different membership levels which cover more price points. Subscribers may be able to choose from ad-supported or ad-free versions to bring down the cost of the plan.
Kindle Unlimited
If you like the idea of visiting the library but don’t have one nearby, or just don’t have the time to search through physical copies of books – then Kindle Unlimited is the membership option you may need in your life. Kindle’s are, of course, e-readers that are incredibly portable, lightweight, and user-friendly.
The Kindle Unlimited monthly membership package provides subscribers with the ability to download titles to their e-reader from the Kindle Unlimited library. And they don’t just offer traditional books, Kindle Unlimited subscribers can also access magazine subscriptions, newspapers, and even audiobooks. You’ll never be short on reading material, and it’s all available to you with just a few quick clicks.
Costco
When it comes to memberships that are worth the price, one that often comes to mind is Costco. While it wasn’t the first of its kind in terms of a membership program, it certainly made these types of options more mainstream. Having a Costco membership means you have access to incredible discount prices on all kinds of items.
A typical Costco warehouse carries such things as:
- Groceries
- Health and beauty products
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Electronics
- Garden Center
And if you don’t see what you want in the warehouse, the website offers even more choices. You can choose from different types of memberships to ensure you get one that suits your needs.
AAA Membership
Next, we’ve got AAA (American Automobile Association) membership, which is another program that has been around for a long time. Drivers can choose from the Classic, Premier, or Plus membership but all deliver 24/7 mobile and online access to specific information, services, and products. Having an AAA membership is meant to give drivers peace of mind, and it’s one of those things that should you need to use it, you’ll be so grateful you are a member.
Grocery Delivery Service
Grocery delivery services aren’t new either, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, they became more popular than ever before. More stores also started offering their version of the program. The idea is that you can download a companion app that allows you to do all your grocery shopping online, choose a date and time to have your groceries delivered, and eliminate your need to visit the store in person.
Even if people only use it a few times a month, it can still be very handy. If anything, it can be a big timesaver, especially for those who are always busy and don’t have the time to spend hours in a grocery store each month.
Audible
Because you may not always have the time to read a book, but you’ve got a long list of books you’re interested in, Audible can be a fabulous program to subscribe to. This is an audiobook and podcast platform that offers subscribers a huge library of content. Members have access to popular best-seller audiobooks, podcasts, and even Audible originals.
There are different types of plans available that range in price. It comes down to how much content you want to be able to access. You may even be able to take advantage of a free trial to see if it’s something you’d enjoy subscribing to.
Online Console Gaming Annual Plan (Switch, Xbox, or Sony PlayStation)
Online console gaming is always a popular activity, but without a yearly membership, it can negatively affect your experience. Gamers tend to be console-loyal so whichever one they play on, that’s the membership they can purchase. All the big consoles – Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and Sony PlayStation – have memberships, and some have different tiers to choose from.
The membership plans can offer things such as exclusive features, access to a larger gaming catalog, game trials, cloud streaming, multiplayer modes, and more.
Meal Delivery Service
Also in the category of groceries are meal delivery services. These differ in that they provide specific ingredients, pre-chopped and ready-to-go, and detailed recipes. All you need to do is put everything together as per the instructions and you’ve got a tasty fresh meal to enjoy.
Many of these meal delivery services can also accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and Keto options. It’s always best to thoroughly check the menu options before signing up for a subscription/membership.
YouTube Premium
This particular membership program won’t appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy streaming content through YouTube, the premium membership is a must-have. When you subscribe to YouTube Premium you no longer have to sit through ads, which at times can seem endless. Not only that, but it allows for background play on mobile devices – which is an absolute game-changer.
There are a few different plans to choose from such as individual, family, or student – each is priced differently.
Scuba Diving Travel Insurance
Scuba diving is a popular hobby for many. It’s a wonderful way to explore life under the sea, not just at home but also abroad. One thing you may not be aware of, though, is scuba diving travel insurance.
Scuba travel insurance is meant to cover medical expenses that may be incurred due to a scuba diving mishap or accident. No one wants to think about accidents happening, but the truth is life is unexpected, so it’s best to be prepared. Just like with any type of medical coverage, the amount covered will vary based on the insurance plan/package you choose.
Pet Insurance
If you’ve got a pet, you know how expensive the vet bills can be. One way to manage them a little better and help to bring down the cost can be pet insurance. Depending on the insurance you choose, it can cover things like yearly check-ups, vaccinations, and more. Be sure to read all the fine print and do your due diligence. You can even check with your vet to see if there is a particular company or type of insurance they recommend.
Annual Museum Membership
A museum membership is not always known to people but they offer some big savings. Many towns and cities offer a museum pass that covers more than just one museum, providing even more value.
Then there are cities, such as New York City, that combine museums with other attractions known as The New York Sightseeing Pass. The pass includes over 150 attractions and offers, including museums.
Annual Theme Park Membership
Thrill seekers who love amusement parks can greatly reduce what they spend yearly by investing in a theme park membership. A park pass or membership entitles you to unlimited visits during the operational calendar year. Generally speaking, these types of passes tend to be worth it if you plan on visiting the park more than two to three times.
Don’t forget to also look into add-ons like a parking pass, drink plan, food plan, and more. Some park memberships are also valid at more than one park, providing even more value. A great example is the Cedar Fair All Park Passpor, which gives guests access to all their parks. This is perfect for people planning to visit multiple parks in a year.
Annual Zoo Membership
Here’s another worthwhile membership in the category of entertainment. Just like with any theme park membership, a zoo membership is usually worth it if you plan on visiting more than a couple of times per year. A zoo membership will give you unlimited visits, and depending on the zoo, you may get extra features like early entry, discounts at food/drink stands, discounts on merchandise, and more.
For families considering a zoo membership, be sure to enquire if there is a family membership plan. These can offer even better value. Also, there is sometimes a discount for residents such as what the world-famous San Diego Zoo does with its San Diego Resident pass. Just be aware that some zoo memberships may have blackout dates, which may or may not work with your schedule.
Annual National Park Pass
Visiting a National Park is one of the best ways to experience the sheer beauty the United States has to offer. With more than 2,000 federal recreation sites to choose from, you’ll never get bored. This is why it’s a good idea to look into the U.S. National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This pass includes entrance fees, day-use fees, and standard amenity fees for not just the pass holder but everyone in the car (with a maximum of four adults).
The pass is good for 12 months, and can easily be purchased online. Be sure to check out the U.S. Park Pass website to learn about what’s included, the federal recreation sites you can visit, and of course what the entrance fees would be if you didn’t have the annual pass.