If you’ve been thinking about a Costco membership but aren’t ready to pay the full price, now might be the perfect time. Thanks to a special deal, new Costco members can enjoy a one-year membership for effectively $20, making it easier to take advantage of the warehouse club’s great prices on gas, groceries, and other essentials.
Here’s how it works, how to claim the deal, and why so many shoppers are excited about this offer.
What’s Included in a Costco Membership?
A standard Costco membership, known as the Gold Star Membership, typically costs $65 annually. For that price, members gain access to exclusive discounts on thousands of items, including fresh produce, household supplies, electronics, and more. Some of the biggest perks include low prices at Costco’s gas stations, a 90-day return policy on appliances, travel deals, and discounts on popular services like car rentals.
Costco memberships can pay for themselves quickly if you frequently shop for essentials or fuel up regularly. And for many people, the benefits go beyond groceries. With additional savings on items like furniture, tires, and pharmacy products, Costco can be a one-stop shop for quality products at reduced prices.
The Rare Costco Deal That’s Got Shoppers Buzzing
So, what makes this deal so special? Right now, through a promotion available on Groupon, new Costco members or those whose memberships expired before April 2023 can get a $45 digital Costco shop card (like a gift card) when they sign up. Here’s the breakdown:
- You’ll pay $65 for a Gold Star Membership.
- Costco will send you a $45 shop card via email within about two weeks of your purchase.
- After you receive the card, your net cost for the membership is effectively just $20.
This discount is rare and highly sought after among Costco fans and bargain hunters. TikTok user and popular coupon expert Karla (@karlasavings), who has over a million followers, shared the deal with her audience, urging them to act quickly to take advantage of it. Her excitement is contagious, and her followers are thrilled, especially those who have been borrowing a friend or family member’s card for years.
A Few Things to Know Before You Sign Up
While the deal is excellent for new members, there are a few conditions to keep in mind:
- New Members Only: This offer applies only to new Costco members or those whose memberships expired before April 2023. If you’ve been a member within that timeframe, unfortunately, you won’t qualify for this promotion.
- Digital Shop Card: The $45 shop card will arrive by email and can be used toward any in-store purchase, just like a gift card. It’s important to keep an eye on your inbox, as it should arrive within two weeks.
- Limited-Time Deal: According to Karla, this deal has sold out quickly in the past, so it’s wise to act fast if you’re interested.
Karla emphasizes in her TikTok video that this deal doesn’t come around often. She describes it as “rare” and warns that it may end without much notice, so there’s no telling how long it will last.
How to Claim the Deal
If you’re ready to get started, here’s a step-by-step guide to signing up and claiming your $45 shop card:
- Visit Groupon: Search for Costco membership deals. You’ll see options for the standard Gold Star Membership as well as the Executive Membership, both of which come with the shop card.
- Select Your Membership Type: Choose the Gold Star Membership for $65 or the Executive Membership if you want added perks.
- Complete Your Purchase: Follow the instructions to complete your purchase through Groupon.
- Receive Your Shop Card: Within two weeks of joining, your $45 shop card should arrive in your email. Some people have reported delays, so if you haven’t received it by then, consider reaching out to Costco customer service.
Reactions from Shoppers – The Good and the Bad
As with any popular deal, shoppers have mixed reviews. Many people are thrilled to finally have their own membership, especially if they’ve been borrowing cards from family or friends. For these members, the savings on gas and groceries alone make the $20 cost well worth it. One TikTok viewer commented, “Just got my membership! This will help so much with gas and groceries because I always have to track down my parents to borrow their card. Thank you, Karla!!”
However, some customers have reported issues with receiving their shop cards. A few people shared in the comments on Karla’s video that the link sent with the digital card was invalid or that they never received the card at all. Delays in receiving the digital shop card could be due to high demand, so if you find yourself in this situation, it may be worth contacting Costco or Groupon support for assistance.
Why This Deal Is a Game-Changer for Many Shoppers
For budget-conscious families, this Costco membership deal offers incredible value. With prices on everyday items like gas, food, and household essentials consistently rising, finding ways to save has never been more important. The $45 shop card essentially lowers the membership fee to $20, giving shoppers a year of savings for less than half the usual cost.
Costco’s membership often pays for itself within just a few trips for families or anyone who buys in bulk. And with items like electronics, appliances, and tires available at reduced prices, the savings can be substantial. The additional discounts on pharmacy items, vision care, and hearing aids further make Costco an attractive option for shoppers looking to make their money go further.
For those who frequently spend on big-ticket items or travel, upgrading to the Executive Membership may be worthwhile, as it offers 2% cash back on qualified purchases, adding even more value.
Final Thoughts
With this limited-time promotion, new members can get all the benefits of a Costco membership for an effective cost of just $20. It’s a great opportunity to experience everything Costco has to offer, from low-priced groceries to affordable gas, without the usual commitment. Plus, with the flexibility of using the $45 shop card on whatever you need most, it’s easy to start seeing the benefits right away.
If you’re not currently a Costco member, this deal makes it easier than ever to try it out. And if you already shop at Costco, having your own membership unlocks even more savings without the hassle of borrowing someone else’s card.
Costco’s combination of quality, variety, and affordability has won it a loyal following, and this deal gives new members a chance to see why. But don’t wait too long – if you’re interested, this rare offer might disappear soon.
