Costco is renowned for its bulk buys and discounted prices, but access is limited to members, with annual fees ranging from $60 to $120. For those seeking to explore Costco’s offerings without the commitment of a membership, gift cards can be a perfect solution. A Costco gift card makes an excellent present for anyone eager to shop at Costco while staying budget-conscious.
In this guide, we’ll explore Where To Buy Costco Gift Cards, officially known as Costco Shop Cards, and how to maximize their use. We will also touch upon legitimate methods to potentially acquire free gift cards, including leveraging opportunities with platforms like Mode Mobile.
Can You Shop at Costco with a Gift Card?
The cost of a Costco membership can be a barrier for some shoppers. Fortunately, a Costco Shop Card provides a workaround. Yes, you can enter and shop at Costco warehouses and online at Costco.com using a gift card, even without a membership. Simply present your Costco Shop Card at the entrance to demonstrate you have shopping funds available. This card grants you access to the store and allows you to purchase any item, just like a regular member.
Official Sources: Where to Buy Costco Gift Cards
As of the latest information, Costco exclusively offers its gift cards, termed “Costco Shop Cards,” through its official channels. You cannot purchase official Costco gift cards from third-party retailers like Walmart, Amazon, or Target. To buy a Costco Shop Card, you must go directly through Costco, either online or in-store.
It’s important to note that purchasing a Costco Shop Card typically requires a Costco membership. If you are not a member, you would need to ask a Costco member to purchase one for you.
Costco Shop Cards are available in denominations ranging from $25 to $2,000. Here’s how to purchase them online:
- Navigate to the Costco Shop Card product page on Costco’s website.
- Log in using a valid Costco membership account.
- Select your desired gift card value.
- Choose your preferred shipping method.
- Proceed to the checkout to complete your purchase.
Costco currently only sells physical gift cards. Delivery times typically range from 7–10 business days, although expedited shipping options are available for faster delivery (3–5 business days). Upon arrival, the gift card will need to be activated. You can activate your Costco Shop Card by calling the toll-free number provided with the card.
Redeeming Your Costco Gift Card: In-Store and Online
While buying a Costco Shop Card usually requires a membership, redeeming one does not. Whether you are a member or not, you can use a Costco Shop Card to pay for purchases both in physical Costco warehouses and online at Costco.com.
In-Store Redemption: When shopping at a physical Costco location, simply present your Costco Shop Card to the cashier at checkout to pay for your items.
Online Redemption: To use your Costco Shop Card online:
- Proceed to checkout after adding items to your online cart at Costco.com.
- Locate the “Costco Shop Card” section during the payment process and click “Add”.
- Enter the gift card number and PIN code as prompted.
Both the gift card number and PIN are located on the back of the physical card. The PIN may be concealed under a scratch-off layer for security.
Costco Shop Cards are reloadable, but this service is exclusively available to Costco members in-store.
Costco Gift Card on Display
Exploring Ways to Get a Costco Gift Card for Free
Costco’s vast selection can be tempting, and costs can quickly add up. A gift card can ease your spending, especially if obtained without direct cost. While purchasing a gift card is spending your own money, receiving one as a gift or earning it through rewards programs offers genuine savings.
It’s crucial to be wary of online scams promising “free gift card codes” or generators. These are often designed to steal personal information or distribute malware. Legitimate free gift card opportunities require effort, not just a few clicks.
Legitimate Avenues for Free Costco Gift Cards
Instead of risky schemes, consider these legitimate methods to potentially obtain a free Costco gift card:
1. Giveaways and Social Media Contests: Many social media accounts and websites occasionally host giveaways that include gift cards. Participating often involves simple actions like liking a post, following an account, or leaving a comment. While chances of winning are typically low due to high participation, it’s a low-effort way to try.
2. Online Survey Platforms: Market research companies and survey websites reward participants for completing surveys about products, services, and consumer habits. Businesses value this data for market insights and are willing to compensate for your time and opinions.
However, survey payouts are often modest. Spending a significant amount of time on surveys may yield only a small amount of reward value. Always verify the legitimacy of survey sites and be cautious of those promising unrealistically high payouts or asking for excessive personal data upfront. Reputable survey sites will not ask for sensitive personal information or promise full-time income potential.
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3. Free Gift Card Apps: Gift card apps provide another avenue to earn rewards, which can be exchanged for gift cards. These apps typically reward users for completing various tasks on their smartphones. The types of tasks and earning potential vary by app. Choose apps that align with your habits and offer a variety of earning methods.
When selecting a gift card app, prioritize those that offer Costco gift cards as a redemption option, if that is your primary goal. Some apps offer cash or prepaid gift cards, providing flexibility to purchase Costco Shop Cards or other desired gift cards.
Credibility is paramount when choosing a gift card app. Research user reviews and check the app’s download numbers and ratings. Steer clear of apps with negative reviews, few users, or overly sensational promises.
Mode Mobile: Earn Rewards and Gift Cards Through Your Phone Use
Mode Mobile offers a legitimate platform to monetize everyday phone use. By using Mode Mobile’s products, users can earn supplemental income, potentially ranging from $600 to $1,200+ annually, simply by engaging in regular phone activities like listening to music or playing games.
Mode Mobile partners with businesses seeking user feedback and market research, ensuring users are rewarded for their contribution. You can participate through:
- The Mode Earn App: Installable on any Android device.
- The Mode Earn Phone: An Android smartphone with enhanced earning capabilities.
Both options allow you to accumulate reward points for various phone activities, which can then be redeemed for gift cards, including potentially Costco Shop Cards, and other rewards.
| Ways to Earn Reward Points | Reward Options |
|---|---|
| – Checking weather – Browsing the internet – Listening to music – Locking your phone – Watching videos – Reading news – Installing partner apps – Completing surveys – Playing games – Taking deals – Charging your phone | – Stocks – Cryptocurrency – Physical merchandise – In-game currency and game gift cards (e.g., PlayStation, PUBG, Fortnite) – Cash via PayPal – Free Gift Cards (e.g., Walmart, eBay, Amazon, Starbucks, Sephora) |
Get Free Costco Gift Cards with the Mode Earn App
Costco gift cards can stretch your budget further, and the Mode Earn App offers a way to acquire them through your regular phone usage. Instead of searching for dubious “free gift card generators,” the Mode Earn App provides a legitimate way to earn rewards that can be converted into valuable gift cards.
The Mode Earn App boasts over 2.6 million reviews on Google Play with a 4.4/5-star rating and over 30 million downloads globally, demonstrating its popularity and user satisfaction.
Mode Earn App Interface on a Phone
Download the Mode Earn App for free and start earning rewards for your everyday phone activities, potentially leading to free Costco Shop Cards.
Maximize Your Earnings with the Mode Earn Phone
For dedicated earners, the Mode Earn Phone offers a significant boost in earning potential. This Android device is specifically designed to maximize rewards, featuring the pre-installed Mode Earn App and a dedicated widget with 16 earning modes. Users of the Mode Earn Phone can earn up to twice as much compared to using the app on a standard device, potentially exceeding $1,200 in annual supplemental income.
The Mode Earn Phone offers 16 distinct earning modes:
- Crypto Mode
- Finance Mode
- News Mode
- Watch Mode
- Fitness Mode
- Surf Mode
- Cash Mode
- Weather Mode
- Lock Screen Mode
- Games Mode
- Task Mode
- Charge Mode
- Music Mode
- Data Mode
- Save Mode
- Share Mode
Acquire a Mode Earn Phone through a one-time purchase of $109 or opt for a free trial followed by a quarterly subscription of $9.99 billed monthly. With average daily phone usage, the Mode Earn Phone can potentially pay for itself and your data plan within a few months through earned rewards.
Beyond earning, the Mode Earn Phone is equipped with modern smartphone features suitable for daily use, including calls, messaging, and photography.
Mode Earn Phone MEP2 Specifications
Mode Mobile releases updated phone models every 18 months. The current model, the Mode Earn Phone MEP2, features these specifications:
Mode Earn Phone MEP2 Device
Loyal subscribers to the Mode Earn Phone program are eligible to receive new upgraded models upon release. Consider the Mode Earn Phone to significantly enhance your reward earning and potentially obtain Costco gift cards and more.
Featured image source: Omar Abascal
