Costco’s current U.S. Join Costco page lists a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card for new Gold Star members; the $40 card is listed for Executive members. The offer requires qualifying new-member status and auto-renewal enrollment at signup. These amounts are what Costco displayed on October 8, 2026, and may change.
How much is the Costco Gold Star new-member Shop Card?
Costco lists a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card for a qualifying new Gold Star member and a $40 card for a qualifying new Executive member on its Join Costco page. That means the title’s $40 Gold Star amount does not match the offer Costco displayed when the page was checked on October 8, 2026.
The same page lists annual membership prices of $65 for Gold Star and $130 for Executive, plus applicable sales tax. Executive is the higher tier and includes separate membership benefits. The card offer by itself does not show whether Executive is worthwhile for a particular household.
| Membership | Annual price displayed | New-member Shop Card displayed |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Star | $65 per year, plus applicable sales tax | $20 |
| Executive | $130 per year, plus applicable sales tax | $40 |
Costco’s displayed figures are current only as of October 8, 2026; check the Join Costco page before signing up because promotional terms and amounts can change.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#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.
Who qualifies for the offer?
Costco’s promotion is for new members in their first membership year. To qualify, you must not have held a Costco membership in any capacity—Primary, Household, or Affiliate—during the previous 18 months. Existing members cannot claim the offer by upgrading or renewing, and it cannot be combined with other promotions. Costco employees are excluded.
Do you have to enroll in auto-renewal?
Yes. Costco requires you to enroll in membership auto-renewal at signup to receive the incentive. The terms state: “If you elect not to enroll in auto renewal at the time of sign-up, incentives will not be owed.” Costco specifies a Visa credit or debit card or a Mastercard debit card for auto-renewal enrollment. You also need to provide a valid email address.
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.
When and how does Costco send the card?
Costco says it will email the Digital Costco Shop Card to the email address provided by the Primary Member within two weeks after successful signup and auto-renewal enrollment. Costco disclaims responsibility if the card is not received because an invalid email address was entered, so check the address during signup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can the Shop Card be used?
The incentive is not redeemable for cash except where required by law, and Costco does not accept it at food courts in the United States or Canada. Review Costco’s current promotion terms on the Join Costco page before enrolling.
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.
