Car Keys Express – What’s the Deal

Car Keys Express (CKE) is an automotive key replacement company which provides discount, mobile or on-site key replacement, including transponder keys, remote key fobs, smart keys, etc. They have partnered with Costco so that at select Costco warehouse lots, mobile technicians set up a “vendor event” (often a van or tent) where Costco members can get car keys made / remotes replaced / programmed while they shop. Car Keys Express+3Car Keys Express+3Costco Wholesale+3

They stock a large variety of key types: in their vans they have 600+ SKUs and over 1,000 keys, which allows them to cover a very broad range of vehicles. They also offer online ordering / shipping (buy keys online; search by vehicle make/model/year). Car Keys Express+3Car Keys Express+3Car Keys Express+3

As of May 2025, Car Keys Express is entering or has started entering certain Canadian Costco locations (Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia), with a plan to roll out to ~85% of all Canadian Costco buildings by end of 2026. Car Keys Express+1

One key selling point: their pricing is claimed to be significantly lower than dealerships. At Costco events, they advertise “save up to 50% off dealership prices”. Costco Wholesale+1

They also offer a degree of security / guarantee: they are working through Costco (so transactions involve Costco’s oversight / rules), and there are warranties on keys (in many cases). There are as well reviews & customer feedback in forums indicating 3-year warranties in some cases. Reddit+2Car Keys Express+2

Pros & What Works Well

1. Cost Savings vs Dealerships
   Dealerships often charge very high rates for replacement keys/fobs (especially smart keys, remote fobs, transponder keys). Car Keys Express frequently costs much less — sometimes half, or significantly less. The “up to 50% off” figure is advertised. Costco Wholesale+1

2. Convenience & Speed
   Because the service is mobile or at a Costco parking lot event, you often don’t have to wait for dealership appointments, drop-offs, etc. The van/tent setup means you can wait while they do the work, or shop nearby. Many users report the job completed in under an hour. Reddit+2Car Keys Express+2

3. Wide Product Range
   With large inventory in the van (hundreds of blanks / key options), they can handle many makes/models. This reduces lead time compared to waiting for OEM parts ordered by dealerships. Car Keys Express+2Car Keys Express+2

4. Warranty & Security
   Because you're paying Costco (or through a recognized vendor event), there is built-in oversight. If something goes wrong, there is a somewhat clearer path to recourse than with unknown vendors. Also warranties (3 years in some reports) are meaningful. Reddit

5. Alternatives Exist in Canada
   For those not near Costco or not in roll-out-areas yet, there are Canadian mobile locksmiths / key-replacement services / online retailers that offer similar value. I’ll list some below.

Cons, Caveats & Things to Watch Out For

1. Vehicle Make / Model Limitations
   Some newer vehicles, especially with advanced anti-theft / secure smart key / remote start etc., may require OEM parts, or special programming equipment. German high-end makes often are more restrictive. There may be cases where Car Keys Express cannot do the job or must order parts, which introduces delay & cost. Car Keys Express+1

2. Quality / Aftermarket vs OEM
   Many of the keys/fobs they use are aftermarket or aftermarket variants / “universal” versions. While many users report satisfactory performance, aftermarket parts sometimes wear differently, may be less durable, may have limited compatibility or battery life issues, or weaker remote range. If you want absolute OEM fidelity, the dealership may still be preferred (though costlier).

3. Warranty Limitations
   The warranty is good, but you should be clear about what is covered (e.g. mechanical wear, internal electronics, programming issues). For example, if a blank fails, or if the remote fails after some time, what is covered? Also, physical damage (dropping, water damage) may not be covered.

4. Delay When Parts Not On Hand
   Even though they stock many keys, for rarer or newest models the parts may not yet be in stock. So sometimes you may need to wait for shipping or for a key fob to arrive. Some users report delays. Reddit

5. Vendor Event vs Permanent Shop
   Being in a Costco lot event means there can be crowding, limited hours (only during the event), possibly limited staff. If you miss the vendor being there, you might have to wait for next event or go direct. Also some reports note that sometimes being “on event” vs buying online or off site gives different pricing / different service terms. Always check what the Costco event-specific details are. Reddit+1

6. Programming Requirements / Legal Restrictions
   In Canada especially, programming key fobs / smart keys may have regulatory, licensing or computer / scan-tool requirements. Some models require that only dealers or certified locksmiths do programming. If you lose all keys, or only have one working remote, sometimes extra steps (or proof of ownership / VIN) will be required. Even aftermarket fobs may need OEM-level programming. Always check what is required for your vehicle. (Some online forums show people being told they needed two working remotes to add a third, etc.) Reddit

7. Cost vs Risk Tradeoffs
   Very low prices can sometimes hide lower quality, or parts that will fail earlier, or lack of support. Also, doing business with a vendor in a parking lot vs an established shop has risks: what if there is damage, or what if the remote doesn’t work, or what if the unit fails after the warranty window? Having strong evidence of warranty and good reviews is essential.

My Thoughts

Overall, Car Keys Express offers a very compelling alternative to dealership key replacement, especially for people who want to save money, need fast service, or have lost/spread keys. The Costco partnership makes the service more visible, gives credibility (because Costco tends to vet vendors), and gives consumers a place where one can see the work being done or have some oversight.

If I were a driver in, say, Ontario or British Columbia, and I lost a key fob or needed a spare, I would strongly consider using CKE (if available at my local Costco). I'd do the following:

• First, get a quote from the dealership / my car’s brand service center to know what “dealer price” is.

• Then compare with CKE quote.

• Check whether CKE’s key/fob will be OEM or aftermarket / what warranty is offered.

• Make sure all necessary programming is included.

• Ensure I have proof of ownership, VIN, etc., to avoid complications.

Given the rollout in Canada is underway, many people will have access soon. For many use-cases (spare key, lost fob, etc.) the savings plus convenience will outweigh the downsides.

What I’d Recommend / Best Practices

If you are considering using Car Keys Express (or a similar service), here are best practices to maximize your value and minimize risk:

• Verify what is included in the quoted price: is programming included? Key blank + cutting + fob + remote? Are there extra fees for programming or diagnostic / VIN verification?

• Check the warranty: how long is it, what is covered, what isn’t. Sometimes parts only, sometimes parts + programming.

• Bring proof of ownership & VIN: some vehicles (especially newer ones) won’t allow key programming without proper documentation.

• Ask about compatibility: if your car has features like remote start, proximity sensing, push to start, etc., make sure the replacement supports all of them. Sometimes cheaper fobs don’t.

• Inspect the key/fob physically & test all modes: unlock, lock, remote start (if applicable), panic button, etc., before leaving. If possible, test in self-parking / on site.

• Keep your existing working key / fobs if possible: adding extra ones is easier than replacing all when lost.

• Compare with local locksmiths: sometimes local mobile locksmiths or independent shops have competitive pricing and may offer more personalized service.

Verdict

Car Keys Express is a game-changer for many car owners who feel stuck with exorbitant dealership charges. Its partnership with Costco gives it visibility and consumer trust, and the cost savings + convenience are very compelling. It won’t be perfect for every vehicle (especially brand new, heavily encrypted smart keys, luxury / performance brands, or ultra-recent vehicles), but for the majority of folks who need a spare key or fob, or who lost one, it's very likely to save both time and money.

For Canadians, especially in places where CKE is rolling out, this is something to watch closely. Meanwhile, using reputable domestic vendors like Car Keys Canada, AutoRemotes, KeysRUs, or mobile locksmiths remains a strong fallback.