Costco Gift Cards: Where You Can Snag Them Today
You can buy a Costco gift card - officially called a Costco Shop Card - at a Costco warehouse customer service desk or on Costco's website, but only a Costco member can purchase it; non-members can usually use one once they have it. Costco's own member-privileges language says non-members may use Shop Cards at Costco locations and online, while multiple recent explainers reiterate that purchase is member-only and use is broader.
Where to buy it
The most reliable place to buy a Costco gift card is directly from Costco, either in-store at the membership desk or online through Costco.com. That is the channel most shoppers use because it avoids resale markups and reduces scam risk compared with third-party marketplaces.
- Costco warehouse: Ask at the membership or customer service desk.
- Costco.com: Search for Costco Shop Card in the gift card section.
- Gift card resale sites: Sometimes available, but stock and pricing vary widely.
- Marketplace sellers: Possible, but this is the highest-risk option for fraud or inflated prices.
What to know before buying
A Costco Shop Card is not the same as a generic retail gift card: it is a payment card for Costco warehouses and Costco.com, and it is also used by many shoppers as a way to let a non-member shop. Costco-related reporting published in 2024 and 2025 consistently notes that only members can purchase the card, while non-members can generally use it under Costco's rules.
| Buying option | Who can purchase | Best for | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco warehouse | Members only | Fast, direct purchase | You need a valid membership |
| Costco.com | Members only | Convenient online buying | Online checkout rules may be stricter |
| Resale marketplaces | Anyone | Occasional discounts | Fraud and markup risk |
| Gift card exchanges | Anyone | Occasional availability | Limited stock, quick sellouts |
How people actually use it
One reason the Shop Card is so popular is that it can function like a temporary access pass for shopping at Costco, especially for a gift recipient who is not a member. Recent reporting says non-members can use it in store and online, although warehouse enforcement can vary by location and some stores may handle entry differently.
- Buy the Shop Card from Costco as a member.
- Give it to the recipient or use it yourself for Costco purchases.
- Present it at entry or checkout when shopping in a warehouse.
- Use the balance for eligible purchases until it runs out.
Best buying strategy
If you already know a Costco member, the simplest route is to ask them to buy the card directly from Costco. If you are buying for someone else, the direct Costco channel is still the safest choice because it avoids third-party fees, counterfeit risk, and the inconsistent inventory often seen on resale platforms.
"Non-members as well as members may use Costco Shop Cards to shop at any Costco location in the U.S."
Common questions
Practical bottom line
The best place to buy a Costco gift card is Costco itself, either at a warehouse or on Costco.com, and the buyer usually must be a member. For the person receiving it, the card is valuable because it can often be used by non-members for shopping, making it one of the most useful gift cards in warehouse retail.
Key concerns and solutions for Costco Gift Cards Where You Can Snag Them Today
Can non-members buy Costco gift cards?
No. The common rule reported by Costco coverage is that only members can purchase Costco Shop Cards, but non-members can use them after they receive one.
Can I buy one online?
Yes, but the purchase still generally requires a Costco membership login, since Costco.com is the official channel for member purchases.
Are third-party sellers safe?
Sometimes, but they are riskier than Costco's direct channels because prices can be marked up and gift cards can be in limited supply or have verification issues.
Can a gift card replace a membership?
It can reduce the need for a membership for a one-time or occasional shop, but it does not fully replace membership benefits, and some locations may enforce access rules differently.