This Costco deal cuts the price of membership to $45 - here's how to get it

2026-05-22 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Retail & Consumer Goods — Customer Experience & Engagement · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Costco is currently offering a promotional deal that effectively reduces the cost of its annual memberships for new sign-ups. Individuals who have not been a Costco member in the past 18 months can acquire a Gold Star membership for \$65 and receive a free \$20 gift card, bringing the net first-year cost down to \$45. For those opting for an Executive membership, which typically costs \$130, a \$40 gift card is included, making its effective first-year price \$90. This promotion requires setting up auto-renewal on a Visa credit or debit card or a Mastercard debit card to receive the gift card. The deal, rated 3/5 by ZDNET, offers approximately 30% off the first year and has no specified expiration date.

Key takeaway

For individuals considering a Costco membership, especially to save on bulk purchases or rising gas prices, now is an opportune time to join. You can effectively reduce your first-year Gold Star membership to \$45 or Executive membership to \$90 by taking advantage of the current gift card promotion. Ensure you meet the new member criteria and set up auto-renewal with a Visa or Mastercard debit card to secure this initial discount.

Key insights

Costco offers new members a discounted first-year membership via gift cards, effectively reducing the Gold Star fee to \$45 and Executive to \$90.

Principles

• Promotional gift cards reduce membership costs.
• Auto-renewal often required for deal eligibility.
• Membership deals target new or lapsed customers.

Method

To secure the discounted Costco membership, sign up as a new member or after an 18-month lapse, choose Gold Star or Executive, and enable auto-renewal with a specified Visa or Mastercard debit card.

In practice

• Sign up for Gold Star to pay \$45 net.
• Opt for Executive to pay \$90 net.
• Use Visa credit/debit or Mastercard debit.

Topics

• Costco Membership
• Retail Deals
• Wholesale Clubs
• Consumer Savings
• Promotional Offers
• Subscription Discounts

Best for: General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.