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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Costco’s U.S. sign-up page currently advertises a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card for eligible new Gold Star members. You must join online and enroll in auto renewal with an accepted payment card to qualify. The card is store credit—not a $20 discount on the membership fee—and the offer may change. Check Costco’s current offer and terms before signing up.
What the $20 Costco offer includes
Costco’s U.S. join page lists a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card with an eligible new Gold Star membership. It also lists a $40 Shop Card for eligible new Executive members. The promotion is online only; the listed Gold Star incentive is not cash and does not reduce the fee charged at enrollment. Costco’s offer page does not state a clear expiration date or when the card will be delivered, so confirm the terms shown during checkout.
Who qualifies for the Gold Star Shop Card
The offer is for new members and people who have not held any Costco membership during the preceding 18 months. That exclusion covers Primary, Household, and Affiliate memberships. If you had any of those types within that period, you do not meet the stated eligibility condition.
What you must do when signing up
- Join online. The promotion is available through Costco’s online sign-up flow, not as an in-warehouse offer.
- Choose Gold Star. The current U.S. page lists the $20 Shop Card for eligible new Gold Star members.
- Set up auto renewal during enrollment. Use a Visa credit or debit card, or a Mastercard debit card. Costco’s offer terms require this step for the Digital Costco Shop Card.
- Review the live offer terms before paying. Verify that the incentive and conditions remain in effect, and check the terms for details on delivery and expiration.
Gold Star’s fee is separate from the $20 credit
Costco’s membership comparison lists Gold Star at $65 per year, plus applicable sales tax. The Shop Card is a separate promotional benefit, not a lower sign-up charge. As simple arithmetic, $65 minus $20 is $45 before tax, but that is only an effective net cost if you value and can use the Costco credit for its full face value; Costco still charges the stated membership fee.
#1 Best Overall
- Gift 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.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
Gold Star is a one-year membership that must be renewed annually. It permits personal-use purchases at Costco locations worldwide and at Costco.com, and includes one additional Household Card.
Gold Star versus Executive
Executive costs $130 per year plus applicable sales tax, comprising the $65 base membership fee and a $65 upgrade fee. It includes the Gold Star base membership, a free Household Card, and an annual 2% reward on qualified Costco purchases, subject to terms. The current offer page lists a $40 Shop Card for eligible new Executive members.
Rank #2
- Gift 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.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
The extra reward and larger promotional card do not automatically make Executive the better value. Compare the additional $65 annual fee with your expected qualified spending and review the reward exclusions and terms before choosing the upgrade.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- Gift 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.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
Rank #3
- 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.
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.
