If you feel like these days, almost everything requires a membership or subscription, you aren’t wrong. We live in times some call the “subscriptioneconomy”, where even the most useless memberships are for up for grabs.Yet, there are still some subscriptions that are worth paying money for. When someone online asked “What membership is worth every single penny?” plenty of netizens provided examples, so we decided to put them in one list, like a handbook of useful ways to spend money. Let’s check it out, shall we?More info:RedditThis post may includeaffiliate links.

If you feel like these days, almost everything requires a membership or subscription, you aren’t wrong. We live in times some call the “subscriptioneconomy”, where even the most useless memberships are for up for grabs.

Yet, there are still some subscriptions that are worth paying money for. When someone online asked “What membership is worth every single penny?” plenty of netizens provided examples, so we decided to put them in one list, like a handbook of useful ways to spend money. Let’s check it out, shall we?

More info:Reddit

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Library cards are the ultimate life hack; free books, movies, audiobooks, and even online courses. Feels like cheating the system in the best way.

People reading in a cozy bookstore, surrounded by valuable memberships and a variety of books.

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Your UNION membership!Unionize and fight back. They have Citizens United. Unions ARE citizens, united.Source: This IBEW JIW.

People joining hands in a circle, symbolizing teamwork and valuable memberships.

AAA - they’ve towed my car for free within the hour twice when I’ve been in a bind, that’s worth the $5/month for me.

Blue Dodge Dart GT being loaded onto a tow truck in a parking lot with two people overseeing the process.

You may have (or may have not) noticed that nowadays, almost everything we use has its own subscription or membership form. Especially apps or programs. Some have dubbed this situation the “subscription economy” and we can’t say we disagree with such a name.In the last couple of years or so, many things that we used to buy with one-time purchases have now become subscription-based. That means that now, instead of buying a product to own, you have to constantly pay in order to have access to it and when you stop paying, you no longer have it.As an example, let’s takemusicCDs. Back in the day, you used to buy and have it for all time (or at least until you decided to give/throw it away). So, one sale and that’s it, the companies had no way of knowing how much you listen to that CD or make money from those listens.

You may have (or may have not) noticed that nowadays, almost everything we use has its own subscription or membership form. Especially apps or programs. Some have dubbed this situation the “subscription economy” and we can’t say we disagree with such a name.

In the last couple of years or so, many things that we used to buy with one-time purchases have now become subscription-based. That means that now, instead of buying a product to own, you have to constantly pay in order to have access to it and when you stop paying, you no longer have it.

As an example, let’s takemusicCDs. Back in the day, you used to buy and have it for all time (or at least until you decided to give/throw it away). So, one sale and that’s it, the companies had no way of knowing how much you listen to that CD or make money from those listens.

In Michigan when you get your plate sticker you can get the “Recreation Pass” for $14 that lets you park for free at all state parks. Most state parks are $8 for parking so you use it twice its already paid for itself.

A red convertible parked on a street in front of a historical building, showcasing valuable memberships and lifestyle.

Costco and National Park Annual Pass.

Costco Wholesale storefront, showcasing a valuable membership option in a parking lot setting.

Columbia House Records. You gotta be old to get it.

Columbia Record Club offers 6 records or tapes for 1 cent, featuring valuable memberships and popular music selections.

Now, buying CDs isn’t that common, as people usually stream music on variousplatforms. While some of these services are paid, others are free, but come with ads (that the app makes money from) and other inconveniences that make people consider a subscription. And, well, we don’t have to tell you that this option isprofitablefor the companies.

Besides, with streaming services, artists can see how much their music is listened to, what songs are the most popular, and things like that. Still, that doesn’t mean that they no longer try to sell CDs orvinylrecords – oh, they surely do. And they keep coming up with various ways to draw fans’ interest in buying.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library Book Club.

Open books stacked, pages fanned out, symbolizing valuable memberships worth considering for readers.

I have a toddler, so right now, the zoo is the best membership. $90 for year covers two adults and a child. You can also bring a friend (child). If you go more than once it’s already paid for itself. It’s a fun thing to do after school or the weekends.

A child feeding capybaras through a fence, highlighting a valuable animal membership experience.

AA. Alcoholics Anonymous saved my life and while it isnt a membership fee, the dollar i put in the basket is the best money I spend.

Two people holding hands, symbolizing valuable memberships and support.

Different versions aren’t the only way to sway the fans to buy physical albums. In theSouth Koreanentertainment industry, selling limited editionphotocardsof artists, a common collectible among the fans, isn’t uncommon.For example, recently rapper, singer, and songwriter G-Dragon released his new albumÜbermensch. There were various versions of it for fans to buy, which included photocards, as well as the photocard book with an NFC chip. This made fans to want to purchase at least one (or often more than one) version of the album, so they could get their hands on limited edition photocards.While current artists get slammed for finding ways to sell various versions of their records, it should be noted that this concept isn’t new. Back in 1979,Led Zeppelinreleased their albumIn Through the Out Doorwith different versions of the cover.Otherartists like The Beatles and David Bowie have made different versions of their records too.

Different versions aren’t the only way to sway the fans to buy physical albums. In theSouth Koreanentertainment industry, selling limited editionphotocardsof artists, a common collectible among the fans, isn’t uncommon.

For example, recently rapper, singer, and songwriter G-Dragon released his new albumÜbermensch. There were various versions of it for fans to buy, which included photocards, as well as the photocard book with an NFC chip. This made fans to want to purchase at least one (or often more than one) version of the album, so they could get their hands on limited edition photocards.

While current artists get slammed for finding ways to sell various versions of their records, it should be noted that this concept isn’t new. Back in 1979,Led Zeppelinreleased their albumIn Through the Out Doorwith different versions of the cover.Otherartists like The Beatles and David Bowie have made different versions of their records too.

Tsa Precheck. 100 bucks for 5 years is 100% worth it if you even fly once a year. Especially if that annual travel is over the holidays.

Sign for TSA PreCheck entrance with people queuing, highlighting a valuable membership option.

Vpn subscription. Then fly the black flag.

Hand holding a smartphone showing a VPN app, with a laptop displaying the same VPN logo in the background.

The membership that I use on the most consistent basis is Spotify.

Hand holding a smartphone displaying music streaming app, symbolizing valuable memberships.

The only difference between artists back then and now is that the musicfansbuy with physical objects is reachable via streaming nowadays. Yet, as we already acknowledged, it’s dependent on programs which have the ability to limit,alteror remove the product.That’s why physical media is important. Purchasing an album means you own it, you will always have access to it, and no service can delete it on a whim. Additionally, quite often, physical media has betterqualitythan streaming, only adding worth to physical objects.

The only difference between artists back then and now is that the musicfansbuy with physical objects is reachable via streaming nowadays. Yet, as we already acknowledged, it’s dependent on programs which have the ability to limit,alteror remove the product.

That’s why physical media is important. Purchasing an album means you own it, you will always have access to it, and no service can delete it on a whim. Additionally, quite often, physical media has betterqualitythan streaming, only adding worth to physical objects.

Health insurance that covers all medical costs.Edit: I’m European so it’s just a small fee, or for free if your income is not high enough :).

Healthcare professional in uniform with a stethoscope, representing valuable memberships in medical fields.

My gym membership is great as long as I actually use it often enough .

Woman drinking water on a treadmill in a gym, exemplifying valuable fitness memberships.

Hand holding a TV remote in a cozy living room setting.

And let’s just say the list isdiverse– some of them you might have heard about or even subscribe to, while others might surprise you and maybe make you consider becoming a member.

Kindle unlimited. I usually read 2 or 3 books a week and can always find something on unlimited. For things I want to read that are not part of unlimited, I use the library.

Hands holding an e-reader with an open book and croissant nearby, suggesting valuable memberships for readers.

Honestly, YT red or whatever it’s called now. music streaming and zero commercials on YT,and if you spend a lot of time there it’s worth it.

Hands holding a smartphone with the YouTube logo, laptop open in the background, highlighting valuable memberships.

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Barkbox- my dog knows the box and the day it’s delivered is my favorite day of the month. He gets so excited!

Dog with BarkBox products, showcasing valuable memberships with pet treats and toys on colorful blocks.

If you travel a lot, Global Entry is worth the $20/year. Comes with TSA Precheck. Some credit cards will reimburse you for the cost.

Global Entry brochure and instructions for kiosk use, highlighting valuable membership benefits for international travelers.

I like my humble bundle membership…I get games every month…usually 1 is worth the sub.

Discover new games with valuable memberships on Humble Choice, featuring diverse game covers.

Couple enjoying a movie with popcorn and drinks, representing valuable memberships experience.

Amazon Prime membership trial offer shown on smartphone screen.

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