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Costco’s current U.S. online offer pairs a one-year Gold Star membership with a $20 Costco Shop Card, or an Executive membership with a $40 Shop Card. The offer requires auto renewal at signup and is limited to new members and people who have not held any Costco membership in the prior 18 months. Costco’s current page does not identify this as a Black Friday promotion or state an expiration date.
What Costco’s current membership offer includes
Costco lists annual dues of $65 for Gold Star and $130 for Executive, plus applicable sales tax. The online-only promotion adds a $20 Shop Card to Gold Star or a $40 Shop Card to Executive. These are Shop Cards, not cash rebates or a reduction in the membership fee. Costco’s U.S. Join Costco page lists the current prices and offer.
| Membership | Annual fee | Shop Card offer | Other listed benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Star | $65 plus applicable sales tax | $20 | Standard membership benefits |
| Executive | $130 plus applicable sales tax | $40 | 2% reward on eligible Costco and Costco Travel purchases, up to $1,250; early shopping hours; monthly Same-Day credit, subject to terms |
Costco does not state an offer end date in the accessible text of its current page. Because the page does not call this a Black Friday promotion or say that it continues a prior Black Friday price, the Black Friday framing is not confirmed.
Who qualifies for the Shop Card
The offer is for new members and people who have not been a Costco member in any capacity during the preceding 18 months. Costco’s terms include Primary, Household, and Affiliate memberships in that lookback. Enrollment must include setting up auto renewal with a Visa credit or debit card, or a Mastercard debit card. Costco’s offer terms list these eligibility and payment conditions.
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- Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- Double check if the URL/website is genuine before entering card details online. Do not provide any gift card details (example: claim code) to someone you do not know or trust. There are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- If you believe that your Card has been lost or stolen, notify Mastercard immediately by calling 1-833-791-7288. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Mastercard Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted, including online. Your Amazon.com Balance cannot be used to purchase Mastercard gift cards.
Before enrolling, check that you meet the membership-history requirement and can use an accepted payment method for auto renewal. The offer is labeled online only, so complete enrollment through Costco’s online join page.
How the two tiers differ
Gold Star
Gold Star costs $65 plus applicable sales tax per year and comes with a $20 Shop Card under the current offer. Choose it if the standard membership meets your needs and you do not expect the Executive benefits to justify the higher annual fee.
Rank #2
- Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.
- Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
- Redeemable towards millions of items store-wide at Amazon.com or certain affiliated websites.
- Available for immediate delivery. Gift cards sent by email can be scheduled up to a year in advance.
- No returns and no refunds on Gift Cards.
Executive
Executive costs $130 plus applicable sales tax per year and comes with a $40 Shop Card under the offer. Its ongoing benefits include a 2% annual reward on eligible Costco and Costco Travel purchases, subject to terms and a $1,250 maximum, as well as early shopping hours and a monthly Same-Day credit subject to terms. The $40 signup Shop Card is separate from those continuing benefits. Whether Executive is worthwhile depends on your eligible spending and use of its other benefits; the reward is not guaranteed to offset the fee for every member.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Membership term and automatic renewal
Costco says the membership fee covers one 12-month period from the Primary Cardholder’s enrollment date. A membership card is valid at Costco warehouses worldwide and is not transferable. The membership term and card conditions appear on Costco’s Member Privileges and Conditions page, updated March 30, 2026.
Rank #3
- If they treat wholesale clubs like Disneyland, this card is their dream come true.
- The card is made of 300GSM material, with exquisite workmanship, high quality, smooth writing and no paper jam, making it your first choice
- Every card we create is a singular artwork, ensuring your blessings shine with both warmth and originality.
- Ample blank space inside allows you to pen your own heartfelt thank-you, favorite memories, making your wishes more warm and creative
- Thanks for visiting our shop! If you receive damaged products or other problems, you can contact us.
Auto renewal is both a condition of the Shop Card offer and a potential future charge. Costco says the renewal payment is charged on the first day of the renewal month. To stop automatic renewal, use your Costco account, visit a membership counter, or contact the Member Service Center. Cancellation must be completed at least 72 hours before the first day of the renewal month to avoid the charge, according to the membership conditions.
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Best Value
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Rank #4
- Redemption: Instore and Online
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
