Costco, the renowned warehouse club, offers a treasure trove of deals and bulk buys. But what if you’re not a member, or want to gift the Costco experience to someone? A Costco gift card, officially known as a Costco Shop Card, can be the perfect solution. These cards allow access to the store’s vast offerings even without a membership. So, Where Can You Buy Costco Gift Cards and how can you make the most of them? Let’s dive into the details.
Can You Shop at Costco With a Gift Card?
The allure of Costco is undeniable, yet the membership fees can be a hurdle for some. Fortunately, a Costco Shop Card acts as your golden ticket to enter and shop at any Costco location. You don’t need to be a member to use a Costco gift card. Simply present your Shop Card at the entrance to demonstrate you have shopping funds available, and you’re in! This makes gift cards an excellent way to experience Costco’s deals without committing to an annual membership or relying on a member friend.
Where to Officially Buy Costco Gift Cards (Costco Shop Cards)
As of now, Costco exclusively distributes its Shop Cards through its own channels. Unlike gift cards from other retailers that might be found at various stores, you won’t find official Costco gift cards at places like Walmart, Amazon, or Target. To buy a genuine Costco gift card, you need to purchase it directly from Costco.
This can be done in two primary ways:
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Online at Costco.com: The most convenient method is through Costco’s website. However, there’s a key point to remember: you need to be a Costco member to purchase a Shop Card online. If you are a member, or know someone who is, this is a straightforward process.
Here’s how to buy a Costco Shop Card online:
- Go to the Costco Shop Card product page on Costco’s website.
- Log in using an active Costco membership account.
- Select the desired gift card value, ranging from $25 to $2,000.
- Choose your preferred shipping method. Note that standard shipping is free, but express options are available for faster delivery at an extra cost.
- Proceed to checkout to complete your purchase.
Costco only sells physical gift cards online, not digital versions. Expect delivery within 7–10 business days for standard shipping, or 3–5 days with express shipping. Importantly, the card arrives without pre-loaded funds and requires activation via a toll-free number provided upon receipt.
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In-Store at Costco Warehouses: You can also purchase Costco Shop Cards directly at any Costco warehouse location. Similar to online purchases, buying a gift card in-store typically requires a Costco membership. You would need to visit the customer service desk or inquire at the checkout. This option is ideal if you need the gift card immediately.
Costco Shop Card displayed in store
Redeeming Your Costco Gift Card: Membership Not Required
While purchasing a Costco Shop Card usually involves a membership, redeeming or using a gift card at Costco is open to everyone, members and non-members alike. This is a significant advantage, allowing anyone to shop with a Costco Shop Card, whether online or in-store.
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In-Store Redemption: To use your gift card at a physical Costco store, simply shop as usual and present your Costco Shop Card to the cashier during checkout to pay for your purchases.
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Online Redemption: You can also redeem your Costco Shop Card for online purchases at Costco.com. Here’s how:
- Browse Costco.com and add your desired items to your shopping cart.
- Proceed to checkout when you are ready to pay.
- Locate the “Costco Shop Card” section during the payment stage and click “Add”.
- Enter the gift card number and the PIN code. Both are found on the back of your physical card. You might need to scratch off a protective layer to reveal the 4-digit PIN.
If your purchase amount exceeds the gift card balance, you will need to pay the remaining amount with another payment method.
It’s also worth noting that Costco Shop Cards are reloadable, but this service is exclusively for Costco members and must be done in-store.
Beyond Direct Purchase: Exploring Ways to Get Costco Gift Cards for Less or Free
While buying directly from Costco is the standard method, there are alternative strategies to potentially acquire Costco gift cards at a reduced cost or even for free. These methods often involve rewards programs or promotions.
Free Gift Card Apps and Reward Programs: Earning While You Engage
In today’s digital age, numerous apps and online platforms offer reward programs where you can earn points or cash back for everyday online activities. These rewards can often be redeemed for gift cards, including potentially Costco Shop Cards.
Mode Mobile stands out as a platform that allows users to earn rewards simply by using their smartphones. By engaging in common phone activities like listening to music, playing games, completing surveys, or even just charging your phone, you accumulate reward points. These points can then be exchanged for various rewards, including gift cards from a wide array of retailers. While the availability of specific gift cards can vary, it’s worth checking if Costco Shop Cards are among the options offered by Mode Mobile or similar reward apps.
Mode Earn App interface on a smartphone
Here’s a glimpse at how reward programs like Mode Mobile work:
| Ways to Earn Reward Points | Redemption Options |
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