How to Buy and Use Costco Gift Cards in 2026

Finding the perfect present for a friend or looking for a way to control your grocery budget can be challenging. Costco gift cards, officially known as Costco Shop Cards, provide a highly flexible solution. They offer access to thousands of warehouse items, travel deals, and discounted gas.

What types of Costco gift cards are available?

Costco offers several types of gift cards, including physical Costco Shop Cards, Digital eGift Cards, and specialty third-party brand cards. Members can purchase reloadable Shop Cards ranging from $25 to $2,000. Additionally, Costco sells discounted third-party gift cards for restaurants, travel, and entertainment.

Costco structures its gift card offerings to serve multiple consumer needs. Here is a breakdown of the primary options available to shoppers.

Types of Gift Cards Available at Costco

Choose the physical Costco Shop Card if you want a tangible item to place in a greeting card. Choose the Digital Shop Card if speed is your priority, as email delivery typically occurs within two hours.

Where can you buy Costco gift cards?

You can buy Costco gift cards directly at Costco warehouse registers, online at Costco.com, or through the Costco app. Only active members can purchase or reload Costco Shop Cards. You cannot buy official Costco Shop Cards at third-party retailers like grocery stores or pharmacies.

To avoid fraud and ensure card activation, always purchase directly from official channels.

• Costco.com: The easiest method for buying physical or digital Shop Cards. You can select your denomination and have it shipped or emailed.
• In-Warehouse: Visit any register to purchase and immediately activate physical gift cards.
• Third-Party Retailers: While some resellers on platforms like eBay offer them, this carries a high risk of fraud and is generally not recommended.

How do you use Costco gift cards?

You can use Costco gift cards to pay for merchandise at any Costco warehouse, Costco Business Center, Costco gas station, or online at Costco.com. Non-members can use a Costco Shop Card to enter the warehouse and purchase items, making it a great workaround for membership requirements.

Redeeming your balance is simple. Here is how you can use your funds:

• In-Warehouse Shopping: Present your physical card or digital barcode at the checkout register.
• Costco.com: Enter the card number and 4-digit PIN during the online checkout process.
• Gas Stations: Insert the physical Shop Card directly into the pump to pay for discounted fuel.
• Food Court: Swipe or scan your card at the digital kiosks for pizza and hot dogs.

What are the benefits of Costco gift cards?

Costco gift cards offer incredible flexibility, zero hidden fees, and no expiration dates. They provide non-members a legal way to shop at the warehouse without paying the annual membership fee. Additionally, they are excellent budgeting tools for college students and families managing grocery expenses.

According to Costco policies, these cards do not lose value over time. They also protect your primary credit card information when shopping online. If saving money on gas and bulk groceries matters more than building credit card points, funding your shopping trips with a Shop Card is a smart strategy.

How do you check your Costco gift cards balance?

You can check your costco gift cards balance online at Costco.com, by calling the costco gift card balance phone number printed on the back, or by asking a cashier in the warehouse. You will need your card number and the 4-digit PIN to access your shop card balance.

Managing your funds ensures you never get surprised at the checkout counter.

Costco Balance Check Methods

If you need your costco shop card transaction history, you must visit the membership desk at your local warehouse, as detailed histories are not fully available through the online balance portal.

If your costco shop card balance disappeared unexpectedly, contact costco shop card customer service immediately through their official support page to report potential fraud or technical errors.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I buy a Costco gift card without being a member?

No. Only active Costco members can purchase or reload Costco Shop Cards. However, non-members are allowed to use them to shop in-store and online.

Does Costco still offer gift cards?

Yes. Costco actively sells both physical and digital Costco Shop Cards, as well as a wide variety of discounted third-party specialty gift cards for restaurants and entertainment.

What is the $40 Costco gift card deal?

Costco occasionally runs a targeted costco shop card promotion offering a $40 digital shop card to new members who sign up for a Gold Star membership using a specific promo code.

Can I buy a Costco gift card at CVS?

No. Costco Shop Cards are exclusive to Costco and cannot be purchased at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, or any other third-party supermarket or pharmacy.

Is Costco membership free for seniors?

No. Costco does not offer free or discounted memberships for seniors. The standard Gold Star membership is $65 per year for all eligible adults.

Does Costco sell physical gift cards?

Yes. Costco sells physical Shop Cards that can be mailed to your home, as well as physical gift cards for third-party brands available directly in the warehouse aisles.

Can I use a digital Costco Shop Card at the gas station?

No. Currently, Costco gas pumps require a physical Costco Shop Card with a magnetic stripe. Digital barcodes cannot be scanned at the pump.

Do Costco Shop Cards expire?

No. Costco Shop Cards do not have expiration dates, and Costco does not charge any dormancy or inactivity fees.

What happens if I lose my Costco Shop Card?

Treat your Shop Card like cash. If a card is lost or stolen, Costco cannot replace the exact card, but if you have the receipt and card number, the membership desk may be able to transfer the remaining balance to a new card.

Can I cash out my Costco gift card online balance?

No. Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash unless required by local state law (for example, in California, gift cards with a balance less than $10 can be cashed out).