What Zips Membership Offers

Zips Car Wash membership is a monthly subscription that gives you unlimited car washes at participating Zips locations. You pay a fixed monthly fee — typically between $20 and $35 depending on the membership tier and your location — and can wash your car as many times as you want during that month. The membership is tied to your account, not to a physical card, so you use your phone number or app to unlock the wash bay.

Zips operates in multiple states, primarily in the Southwest and Midwest, with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Not all locations offer the same membership tiers, and pricing varies by region. The company also runs a pay-per-wash option for customers who do not want a subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • Zips membership costs vary by location and tier, ranging from roughly $20 to $35 per month for unlimited washes.
  • You enroll through the Zips app or website, and your membership is accessed by phone number rather than a physical card.
  • Membership is month-to-month and can be paused or cancelled anytime without penalty at most locations.
  • The savings depend on how often you wash — members who wash weekly typically save money compared to pay-per-wash pricing.
  • Some memberships include add-ons like spot-free rinse, undercarriage wash, or tire shine; others charge extra for these services.

Membership Tiers and What Each Includes

Zips typically offers three to four membership levels, though the exact names and features vary by location. A basic tier might include an exterior wash only, a mid-tier adds spot-free rinse or undercarriage wash, and a premium tier bundles multiple add-ons. Some locations call these "Basic," "Deluxe," and "Premium," while others use different names. You should check your local Zips website or app to see which tiers are available in your area and what each one covers.

Each tier has a monthly price. A basic membership might cost $20 to $25 per month, while a premium membership could run $30 to $35 or higher. Some locations offer seasonal pricing or promotional rates for new members. The app or website will show you the exact price and features for each tier at your nearest location before you commit.

How to Set Up Your Membership

To start a Zips membership, read the Zips Car Wash app or visit the Zips website and create an account. You will need to provide your name, phone number, email address, and payment method — typically a credit or debit card. Once you have created your account, select your membership tier and confirm the monthly charge.

After you enroll, your membership is active when ready. You access the wash bay by entering your phone number at the kiosk or scanning a QR code in the app. There is no physical card to carry. Your payment method will be charged on the same date each month, and you can view your membership status, remaining washes (if applicable), and billing history in the app.

Pausing, Changing, or Cancelling Your Membership

Most Zips locations allow you to pause your membership for up to three months without losing it. This is useful if you are traveling or do not need washes for a period. You can pause through the app or by contacting customer service. During a pause, you will not be charged, but your membership will resume on the date you specify.

You can also upgrade or downgrade your tier at any time. If you upgrade mid-month, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of that billing cycle. If you downgrade, the change usually takes effect on your next billing date. To cancel entirely, you can do so through the app or by contacting Zips customer service. Most locations do not charge a cancellation fee, and the cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle.

When Membership Saves You Money

Whether a Zips membership saves you money depends on how often you wash your car. If you wash your car weekly, a $25 monthly membership costs about $6.25 per wash, which is typically cheaper than the pay-per-wash price at most locations. If you wash every other week, you are getting four washes per month, bringing the per-wash cost to around $6.25. If you wash less than twice a month, you may pay less by using pay-per-wash.

Zips publishes the pay-per-wash price at each location, usually between $8 and $12 for a basic wash. You can compare this to your membership cost and estimate how many washes you would need per month to break even. The app often shows this calculation for you when you are deciding which tier to choose.

What Happens If You Use a Wash Bay at a Different Location

Zips membership works at all participating Zips locations within the network. If you travel to another state where Zips operates, you can use your membership at that location by entering your phone number at the kiosk. However, not all Zips locations are company-owned; some are franchised, and franchise locations may have different policies or pricing. Before traveling, check the Zips app to confirm that your membership is honored at your destination location.

If you have a membership at one location and want to switch to a different location as your primary wash site, you can usually do this through the app or by contacting customer service. There is typically no fee to change your home location.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

If your membership does not work at the kiosk, the most common cause is that your phone number is not linked to your account or the app is not up to date. Try logging into the app, confirming your phone number, and logging out and back in. If the problem persists, contact Zips customer service through the app or website. They can verify your membership status and troubleshoot the issue.

If you are charged twice in one month, this usually happens when your billing date falls on a day when the system processes payments twice, or if you manually purchased a wash after your membership renewed. Contact customer service with your billing statement, and they can review the charge. Most locations will refund duplicate charges or issue a credit toward your next month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my membership at any Zips location?

Your membership works at all company-owned Zips locations in the network. Some Zips locations are franchised and may not honor memberships from other franchises. Check the app before you visit a location outside your home area to confirm it accepts your membership.

What if I forget my phone number or lose access to my account?

Contact Zips customer service through the app or website. They can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account. You may need to provide your email address or the card you used to enroll. Once your account is restored, you can use your phone number at the kiosk again.

Do I have to commit to a year-long membership?

No. Zips memberships are month-to-month. You can cancel anytime without penalty, and the cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle. You can also pause your membership for up to three months if you need a temporary break.

Are there any hidden fees or charges beyond the monthly price?

The monthly membership price is the main charge. Some locations may charge extra for premium add-ons like tire shine or interior vacuuming if those are not included in your tier. Check the tier details in the app before you enroll to see what is included and what costs extra.

What if the wash bay is broken or out of service?

If a wash bay is down, you can usually use a different bay at the same location. If all bays are out of service, contact customer service. Many locations will credit your account for the missed wash or extend your membership by one day. Keep a screenshot of the out-of-service notice if you want to request a credit.