Costco gift cards come in two main forms: Costco Shop Cards, which can be used for Costco purchases, and third-party gift cards sold through Costco for restaurants, entertainment, gaming, travel, and other services. Costco Shop Cards are available as physical or digital cards, do not expire, and can be used by both members and non-members for eligible purchases.
How Do You Check a Costco Gift Card Balance?
You can check a Costco Shop Card balance online using the card number and four-digit PIN.
For a physical card, the required information is printed on the card. For a Digital Shop Card, the card number and PIN are provided in the email. Costco’s balance page allows you to enter those details and view the remaining amount.
It is worth checking the balance before a large purchase, particularly when the card has been used several times.
How Much Do Costco Shop Cards Cost?
Costco Shop Cards can be purchased in different dollar amounts. Costco’s current Shop Card balance page states that cards start at $25 and can go up to $2,000, while the exact denominations available for a particular online listing may vary.
| Shop Card detail | Current information |
|---|---|
| Starting value | $25 |
| Maximum stated value | Up to $2,000 |
| Physical card | Available |
| Digital Shop Card | Available |
| Expiration | Does not expire |
| Refundable | No |
| Reloadable | Yes, at Costco warehouses |
| Purchase eligibility | Costco members |
| Use eligibility | Members and non-members |
Costco also limits the total value of certain gift card and similar-item purchases to $10,000 per day, whether purchases are made in person, online, or through a combination of both.
Where Can You Buy Costco Gift Cards?
The easiest place to buy a Costco Shop Card is directly through Costco.
Costco warehouse
Costco members can purchase Shop Cards at Costco warehouse locations. Members can also reload existing Shop Cards at warehouse registers.
Costco.com
Physical and digital Costco Shop Cards can also be ordered online. Costco’s website offers digital delivery for eligible Digital Shop Cards, while physical cards are shipped to the address provided during checkout.
Costco’s Gift Cards & Tickets section also offers third-party gift cards. The available brands and promotions can change, so the online selection should be checked before buying.
Can Non-Members Use Costco Gift Cards?
Yes. Non-members can use Costco Shop Cards for eligible purchases. Costco’s Shop Card FAQ specifically states that members and non-members may use Shop Cards at Costco locations in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, as well as online at Costco.com.
However, membership rules still matter for ordinary Costco shopping. Costco’s general membership policy says only members may purchase and reload Shop Cards, while Shop Cards themselves can be used by non-members.
This makes a Shop Card a practical gift for someone who does not currently have a Costco membership, although the recipient should understand Costco’s membership and warehouse access rules before visiting.
Where Can You Use a Costco Shop Card?
A Costco Shop Card can be used for eligible purchases at Costco locations in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It can also be used online at Costco.com and Costco.ca.
Common uses include:
- Costco merchandise
- Groceries and household products
- Electronics and appliances
- Costco gas
- Eligible online purchases
- Membership purchases
Costco’s payment information also confirms that Shop Cards are accepted at U.S. Costco warehouses and gas stations.
There are some exceptions. For example, Costco Shop Cards cannot be used to pay for Same-day Delivery powered by Instacart, and they cannot be used as payment on Costco Next.
Physical vs. Digital Costco Shop Cards
Costco offers both physical Shop Cards and Digital Shop Cards.
A physical Shop Card is mailed to the recipient and can be presented at checkout. A Digital Shop Card is delivered by email and can be shown on a smartphone or printed for use at a Costco location.
Digital cards can be useful when a gift is needed quickly. Costco says digital orders are usually fulfilled within about two hours, although processing can take up to 24 hours.
Digital Shop Cards can also be transferred by forwarding the original email to another person.
Can Costco Shop Cards Be Reloaded?
Yes, but Costco currently does not offer online reloading for physical or Digital Shop Cards. Members can reload a Shop Card at a Costco warehouse register.
This is useful for people who regularly use a Shop Card for household spending, business purchases, or controlled spending for family members.
Costco also states that only members may purchase and reload Shop Cards.
Do Costco Gift Cards Expire?
Costco Shop Cards do not expire. Costco describes them as reloadable cards with no expiration date.
That makes them different from some third-party gift cards sold through Costco, which may have separate terms. Always review the individual gift card’s conditions before purchasing a third-party card.
Costco Shop Cards are also non-refundable, and transactions are final. If you want to increase the value after completing a purchase, Costco says you need to make a new transaction.
What Happens If a Costco Shop Card Is Lost or Stolen?
Physical Costco Shop Cards should be treated like cash. Costco says it is not responsible for lost or stolen cards and generally cannot replace them.
Digital cards are easier to recover if the original email is still available. If a Digital Shop Card was purchased through Costco.com, Costco provides an option to resend the email through the order-tracking area.
For that reason, keep the original digital email and avoid sharing card details publicly.
Are Costco Gift Cards a Good Gift?
Costco Shop Cards can be useful when the recipient already shops at Costco or would benefit from spending the money on groceries, gas, household items, electronics, or other eligible purchases.
They can also work well for:
- Family members
- College students
- Employees
- Business associates
- New Costco members
- People who prefer practical gifts
For someone who does not need Costco purchases, a discounted third-party gift card from Costco may be more appropriate. Costco’s selection can include restaurant, entertainment, gaming, retail, and wellness brands, although availability and discounts change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Costco Gift Cards
Can anyone buy a Costco Shop Card?
No. Costco states that only Costco members can purchase and reload Shop Cards. Non-members can use Shop Cards that have already been purchased.
Can I use a Costco Shop Card without a membership?
Yes. Costco states that both members and non-members can use Costco Shop Cards for eligible purchases.
What is the highest Costco Shop Card amount?
Costco’s Shop Card page currently states that cards are available from $25 up to $2,000. Specific denominations offered online can vary.
Can Costco Shop Cards be used for gas?
Yes. Costco lists Shop Cards as an accepted payment method at its U.S. gas stations.
Can I use a Costco Shop Card online?
Yes. Shop Cards can be used at Costco.com, and Costco’s checkout process requires the Shop Card number and four-digit PIN.
Can Costco Shop Cards be exchanged for cash?
Generally, no. Costco says Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash except where required by law. Certain states have laws allowing cash redemption when the remaining balance falls below specified amounts.
Can I use a Costco Shop Card for Same-day Delivery?
No. Costco says Shop Cards cannot be used as payment for Same-day Delivery powered by Instacart.
Final Thoughts
Costco gift cards are most useful when you choose the right type for the recipient. A Costco Shop Card provides flexible spending at Costco and does not expire, while Costco’s third-party gift cards can offer discounts on restaurants, entertainment, gaming, and other services. Members can purchase Shop Cards, and both members and non-members can use them for eligible Costco purchases.
Because denominations, third-party brands, promotions, and online availability can change, check Costco’s official Gift Cards & Tickets section before making a purchase.
