Costco Gift Cards – How to Buy and Use Them

Costco gift cards, sometimes called Costco Shop Cards, are a handy way to shop at Costco even if you don’t have a membership. You can only buy them at Costco warehouses or online through Costco.com.

Using a Costco gift card is pretty straightforward. It works just like cash in the store or on their website.

You can pick between a physical card or a digital one. Digital cards can be emailed and used on your phone or printed out, which is honestly super convenient for gifts or just for yourself.

People often ask if these cards expire or if you can reload them. Good news: Costco gift cards never expire, and you can reload physical cards at any warehouse, though not online.

What Is a Costco Gift Card?

A Costco gift card is basically a prepaid card that makes shopping at Costco a little easier. You use it to pay for stuff instead of cash or a credit card.

There are a couple of different types and some specific rules about where you can use them, so it’s not quite as simple as just any old gift card you’d grab at the grocery store.

Costco Shop Card vs. Gift Card

Costco has two main types of cards: the Costco Shop Card, which they make themselves, and other store-specific gift cards. The Shop Card is only for Costco stores.

Other gift cards you see at Costco are for things like restaurants or entertainment, but those aren’t actually issued by Costco. The Shop Card is reloadable and kind of acts like a prepaid debit card, but it only works at Costco warehouses, gas stations, and online.

Other gift cards are just regular gift cards for whatever brand is listed, and you can’t use them at Costco itself.

Card Denominations and Expiration

Costco Shop Cards come in amounts ranging from $25 to $2,000. You can pick any amount in that range when you buy or reload.

➤ They never expire, so you don’t have to worry about losing your balance if you don’t use it right away.

Other gift cards at Costco have their own set denominations and might have expiration dates or fees, depending on the retailer. Always check the fine print if you’re buying something besides a Shop Card.

Where the Card Can Be Used

Costco Shop Cards work for purchases inside Costco warehouses, at their gas stations, and business centers. They’re also good for shopping online at Costco.

If you have a Shop Card, you can shop at Costco without a membership. That’s a pretty nice loophole if you just want to try Costco out or give someone access without buying them a membership.

Just remember, gift cards for restaurants or entertainment sold at Costco only work at those specific places, not at Costco stores.

How to Buy Costco Gift Cards

You’ve got a couple of options if you want to buy Costco gift cards. It’s not complicated.

Purchasing at Costco Warehouses

The most straightforward way is to walk into a Costco warehouse. You do need to be a member to buy gift cards in-store.

They’re usually near the checkout or customer service desk, but if you don’t spot them, just ask someone. They come in amounts starting at $25 and can go up to $1,000.

You can pay with any method Costco accepts. That’s about it, super simple.

Buying Online at Costco.com

You can also buy gift cards through Costco, but you’ll need to log in or sign up for a member account. They offer both physical and digital cards online.

You can have a physical card mailed to you or send a digital card straight to someone’s email. That’s a lifesaver if you forgot a birthday or just don’t want to deal with shipping.

Physical vs. Digital Gift Cards

Costco has both physical and digital gift cards. Physical cards can be mailed or picked up in the store, and they work anywhere Costco does business.

Digital gift cards (or e-gift cards) are sent instantly by email. You can print them or just show your phone at checkout, honestly, it’s hard to beat that for convenience.

Neither type expires or has hidden fees. If you want something fast, digital is the way to go. If you like a card you can hold, stick with the physical version.

Using Costco Gift Cards Online

Costco gift cards work online, but there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you’re not a member. Let’s break down how it works and what limits there are.

Shopping on Costco.com

Costco Shop Cards are accepted as payment on Costco.com, just like in the store. At checkout, you type in the card number and it covers your purchase.

If your order costs more than what’s on the card, you just pay the difference with another payment method. And since these cards are reloadable, you can keep topping them up (as long as it’s a physical card).

You can use the cards for anything Costco sells online, food, electronics, household stuff, you name it. You can use the card until the balance runs out.

Online Restrictions for Non-Members

Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Non-members can use Costco gift cards in the warehouse, no problem, but online is another story.

If you’re not a member, you can’t actually complete a purchase on Costco.com, even with a Shop Card. You’d need to ask a member to place the order for you or just stick to shopping in person.

Where You Can Use Costco Gift Cards

Costco gift cards, or Shop Cards, can be used in a bunch of different spots inside Costco locations. They’re a solid way to pay for gas, food, or business supplies without a membership.

They’re especially handy if you want to keep your spending in check or just try out different Costco services.

At Costco Gas Stations

You can pay for fuel at Costco gas stations with a gift card. Their gas is usually cheaper than other places, which is a nice perk.

Even if you’re not a member, you can use a Shop Card for gas and skip the usual non-member surcharge. The amount comes right off your card balance, so keep an eye on what’s left.

At Costco Food Courts and Business Centers

Gift cards work at Costco food courts, too. If you’re craving pizza, hot dogs, or frozen yogurt, you can cover it all with your Shop Card.

Business centers inside Costco also take Shop Cards for things like printing, copying, or office supplies. It’s a useful option for small business owners or anyone who needs business gear on the fly.

Managing Your Costco Gift Card

If you’ve got a Costco Shop Card, it helps to know how to reload it and what to do if it goes missing. A little planning can save you from losing your balance.

Reloading Shop Card Balance

You can reload physical Shop Cards at any Costco warehouse. Just head to the register or membership desk and ask for help.

You can add any amount within the allowed limits, and since the balance never expires, it’s easy to keep the card ready for whenever you need it.

Checking your balance is simple, just go online before you shop so you know what you’ve got left.

Handling Lost or Stolen Cards

If you lose the email for a digital card, you can resend it using the tracking link from your Costco order. That can save you if you accidentally delete the email.

If you’re totally stuck and didn’t buy the card from Costco, try reaching out to customer service, but don’t expect miracles.

Costco Gift Cards for Travel and Retail

Costco offers gift cards for different needs. Some are for travel bookings through Costco Travel.

Others are retail gift cards sold at Costco for popular stores and restaurants. Both types give a fair bit of flexibility and convenience, whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift.

Using Gift Cards for Costco Travel

Costco Travel gift cards can be used to book vacations, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. They let you pay for travel packages at member prices, even if you don’t actually have a Costco membership.

You can get these cards in digital or physical form. They’re redeemable online through Costco Travel’s website.

They cover a range of travel services, so planning a trip with prepaid funds gets a little easier. It’s also a good way to keep spending in check, especially if you’re worried about going over budget.

Just keep in mind, you can’t use these cards in Costco warehouses or for regular store purchases. That’s a bit of a bummer, but it keeps things clear.

Retail Gift Cards Sold at Costco

Costco carries a bunch of retail gift cards from big-name restaurants, movie theaters, and stores. They’re usually discounted, so you get a bit more for your money than if you bought straight from the brand.

You can use these cards pretty much anywhere in the country, and they don’t expire. That’s probably why they’re such a go-to for gifts.

Pick them up at Costco warehouses or just order online at Costco.com. They’re available as physical cards or digital codes, so you can gift them however you like.

Most of these retail gift cards skip the annoying activation fees or sneaky charges. That’s always a relief.