Latest news with #CostcoShopCard
Miami Herald
06-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Costco hack gets you food court access without membership
A lot of people have no problem paying for a Costco membership. They're happy to hand over the $65 a year for a Gold Star membership or the $130 for an Executive membership for the many perks involved. For one thing, there's the savings on groceries and everyday essentials. Toilet paper isn't exactly a fun thing to buy, but it's a necessity. At Costco, you can buy it for less. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Costco also happens to offer great customer service, which makes buying things there less of a risk. If you purchase something from Costco and end up dissatisfied, or if you find that you no longer need the item, you can, for the most part, bring it back at any time for a complete refund. That takes a lot of the stress out of shopping. Related: Costco's latest price change shocks members Plus, if you're someone who tends to get hungry while you shop, Costco's got you covered. Not only can you fill up on free samples while walking around the store, but you can head over to Costco's food court for an ultra-cheap meal. It's a good way to take a load off in the middle of a long shopping trip or reward yourself for pushing that overloaded shopping cart all over a giant store. For a long time, it was possible to grab a meal at a Costco food court without being a member. In fact, welcoming in non-members for a meal worked to Costco's benefit, since it introduced opportunities for those folks to check out the store's inventory, get excited, and sign up to join. Related: Costco adds new food item members already love Last year, however, Costco made the decision to limit food court access to members only as part of its broader plan to crack down on membership sharing. Costco also made that decision in response to customer complaints about crowded stores and parking lots. It's not a secret that shopping at Costco on weekends and other peak times can be nothing short of a nightmare. And while non-members perhaps weren't clogging the checkout lanes so much, they were just more people to have to fight over a parking spot with. Also, Costco wants to make sure its members feel like they're getting great value for their fees. Making the food court more of an exclusive thing lends to that sentiment. There are lots of things to love about Costco's food court – the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, the cheap pizza, and the gooey, melty chicken bake. If you want the option to indulge in those delights without having to fork over an annual membership fee, there's a sneaky trick you can use. Non-members are allowed to enter Costco as guests of paying members. But it's not always convenient to visit the store with someone else. Related: Costco quietly pulls popular product, upsets fans Another option is to have a paying member buy you a Costco Shop Card, which is the store's version of a gift card. Even if you're not a member, if you have a Costco Shop Card, you'll be allowed access to the store. Now when you go to check out purchases using a Costco Shop Card, you're forced to surrender that card at the time. And you can't just hang onto your Shop Card and pay for your purchases fully in cash – the people who work the checkout lanes won't let you get away with that. However, the food court is a bit different. At the food court, you can pay for your purchases in cash, and your purchases aren't tied to a membership number. So what you could conceivably do is have a Costco member buy you a Shop Card, use it to gain entrance into the store, and indulge in the food court whenever you start to feel hungry. More Retail: Walmart CEO sounds alarm on a big problem for customersTarget makes a change that might scare Walmart, CostcoTop investor takes firm stance on troubled retail brandWalmart and Costco making major change affecting all customers Of course, just because you can use this hack to get access to Costco's food court doesn't mean you should. If too many people abuse it, Costco may change the rules so that Shop Cards don't get non-members into the store, period. But for now, if you really can't justify the cost of a membership, you have options for getting your hands on the tasty treats Costco's food courts have to offer. Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco. Related: Costco CEO admits warehouse club may change its hours The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Want a free $50 Costco Shop Card? Join now with this last-chance Groupon deal
Want a free $50 Costco Shop Card? Join now with this last-chance Groupon deal Sign up for a one-year Gold Star or Executive Costco membership on Groupon and get a free Costco Shop Card, plus more! If you've ever considered joining Costco, now's the perfect time to make it official. From exclusive savings on groceries, household essentials, gas, and travel, a Costco membership pays for itself and then some. And yes, the legendary $1.50 hot dog and soda combo is still going strong after 40+ years (and we're hoping for 40 more!). Here's the summer deal we're loving right now: Groupon is offering a limited-time Costco membership bundle that includes a free $50 Costco Shop Card when you sign up for either the Gold Star or Executive membership tiers. Go for the Executive tier and you'll also get travel perks and an extra $100 off a $200+ order at At USA TODAY Shopping, we're always on the hunt for the best deals, and this one's a true fan-favorite. Whether you're stocking up for summer or planning your next road trip, this Costco offer delivers serious value. Get a free Costco Shop Card on Groupon What does Groupon's Costco membership deal include? Now through Sunday, June 22, you can get an annual Gold Star Costco membership on Groupon for $65 and receive a $50 free digital Costco Shop Card to use on future purchases at any Costco location or online. 1-year Gold Star Costco membership Includes access to exclusive member-only savings $50 Digital Costco Shop Card : Valid in-store and online : Valid in-store and online $200 Digital Costco Shop Card : With purchase of a Mexico or Caribbean vacation package ($3,500 or more) through Costco Travel Book by September 2, 2025 , for travel by December 31, 2025 : With purchase of a Mexico or Caribbean vacation package ($3,500 or more) through Costco Travel 1-year Executive Costco membership You can also get the Costco Executive Membership Package for $130 and receive the same $50 Costco Shop Card and $200 Digital Costco Shop Card for Costco Travel, PLUS an additional perk of $100 off a order of $200 or more! The special Groupon offer is valid for new members or previous Costco cardholders whose membership has been expired for at least 18 months. Want more deals? Check out other offers at Groupon. What's the difference between a Costco Gold Star membership and Executive membership? Gold Star Membership: Best for casual shoppers The $65 Gold Star Membership is a better option for individuals or families who shop at Costco on an occasional basis or do not require the additional benefits of the Executive Membership. With a lower annual fee, this membership includes access to Costco's wide range of products and services, making it a cost-effective choice for those who do not have substantial spending at Costco each year. Benefits: Warehouse access Costco Fuel access Free household card Access to Costco services including: auto and home insurance, Costco Auto Program, pet insurance as well as bottled water delivery Get a free $50 Costco Shop Card Executive Membership: Best for frequent shoppers The $130 Executive Membership is ideal for frequent Costco shoppers, offering a 2% annual reward and additional benefits. For those who spend more than $3,000 annually at Costco, the Executive Membership includes major savings through exclusive discounts and promotions. The higher annual fee is counterbalanced by the rewards and benefits, making it a practical option for regular Costco customers. Benefits: All benefits of Gold Star Annual 2% reward on qualified purchases Free household card Access to Costco services with discounts on select services Get a free $50 Costco Shop Card New tariffs could spike gas prices: Get fuel discounts from Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco How do you claim your Costco membership through Groupon? After you complete your purchase on Groupon's website, you'll receive an email from Costco confirming your membership details. Groupon says to allow up to two hours to receive your confirmation email. Your Costco Shop Card will be emailed within two weeks after sign-up to qualifying members. A physical membership card is not required to shop online or receive your included gift card. To receive a physical membership card, visit the membership counter at your preferred Costco location. ➤Pro-tip: Remember to bring a photo ID with a copy of your Costco or Groupon confirmation email. Does Costco still have the $1.50 hot dog deal? The famous $1.50 Costco hot dog has been available in Costco food courts since 1984. The price has never increased and Costco's CFO assured customers that the price would not be impacted by inflation. Can you shop at Costco without a membership? You can't shop at Costco without a Costco membership. According to Costco, non-Costco members can purchase prescriptions at a Costco pharmacy and if they were given a Costco Shop Card as a gift, they can use that to visit Costco locations.
New York Post
03-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Costco members rejoice after stores make big changes to improve its gas stations
Customers are getting a lot of mileage out of this change. Costco has extended the hours of its gas stations and tacked on more pumps, causing fuel sales to soar and delighting loyal customers fed up with languishing in mile-long gasoline lines. The big-box retailer announced in a Facebook post several months back that the gas stations will now be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Fox News reported. However, those hours could vary for refueling stations in California and Hawaii. 'Costco remodeled their gas station, and I love it. It's so spacious and each lane has an extra pump,' wrote one satisfied customer on X. 'Been there twice now. Late evening and early afternoon. No lines!! In and out.' Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Time 'We also extended our gas station hours during the quarter to make filling up at Costco more convenient for our members,' Costco CEO Rob Vachris told investors during the company's first-quarter earnings call, the Daily Mail reported. 'Generally, our stations are now staying open an hour later than they did previously, with some opening earlier as well.' Costco also expanded the number of its diesel depots, which are located at Costco Warehouses and are only available to Costco members and Costco Shop Card customers, per the company's site. These changes reportedly paid financial dividends for the retail giant. During Costco's third-quarter earnings call last week, Vachris said that the company had experienced two of its 'all-time highest gallon weeks' in the U.S. in April, which he attributed to 'expanded gas station hours, new gas station openings and lower prices at the pump.' Costco devotees understandably seemed thrilled with the changes. 'Costco remodeled their gas station, and I love it. It's so spacious and each lane has an extra pump,' wrote one satisfied customer on X. 'Been there twice now. Late evening and early afternoon. No lines!! In and out.' 'Found out that the gas station at COSTCO opens at 6AM,' exclaimed another. 'It's on my way to work. No lines and top tier gas for 2.48.' Costco's chief financial officer, Gary Millerchip, noted 'an improvement in overall usage of the gas station.' 'It's early days, of course, but so far, we've been pleased by the member response,' he said. Fuel sales reportedly comprised 12% of total sales for the big-box giant last year. Their affordable gas prices — which are often between 5 and 25 cents cheaper than other stations — and accessible diesel options have been a major incentive for memberships.
Indianapolis Star
28-05-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
We found a new Costco deal: Join now, get a free $50 Costco Shop Card
From exclusive savings on groceries and household essentials to invaluable discounts on gas and travel, a Costco membership can help you save all year long. And of course, no mention of Costco is complete without the legendary $1.50 hot dog and soda combo—a fan-favorite that's held strong for over 40 years (and hopefully 40 more!). The USA TODAY Shopping team loves to dig up deals for our readers and honestly, this is one of my favorites. Here's the deal: Groupon has a new offer on Costco memberships that includes a free $50 Costco Shop Card when you sign up for the Gold Star or Executive tier memberships, plus travel perks and an extra $100 off a order of $200 or more when you sign up for an Executive membership. Learn more below and check out other offers at Groupon. Get a free Costco Shop Card on Groupon Now through Sunday, June 22, you can get an annual Gold Star Costco membership on Groupon for $65 and receive a $50 free digital Costco Shop Card to use on future purchases at any Costco location or online. You can also get the Costco Executive Membership Package for $130 and receive the same $50 Costco Shop Card and $200 Digital Costco Shop Card for Costco Travel, PLUS an additional perk of $100 off a order of $200 or more! The special Groupon offer is valid for new members or previous Costco cardholders whose membership has been expired for at least 18 months. The $65 Gold Star Membership is a better option for individuals or families who shop at Costco on an occasional basis or do not require the additional benefits of the Executive Membership. With a lower annual fee, this membership includes access to Costco's wide range of products and services, making it a cost-effective choice for those who do not have substantial spending at Costco each year. Get a free $50 Costco Shop Card The $130 Executive Membership is ideal for frequent Costco shoppers, offering a 2% annual reward and additional benefits. For those who spend more than $3,000 annually at Costco, the Executive Membership includes major savings through exclusive discounts and promotions. The higher annual fee is counterbalanced by the rewards and benefits, making it a practical option for regular Costco customers. Get a free $50 Costco Shop Card After you complete your purchase on Groupon's website, you'll receive an email from Costco confirming your membership details. Groupon says to allow up to two hours to receive your confirmation email. Your Costco Shop Card will be emailed within two weeks after sign-up to qualifying members. A physical membership card is not required to shop online or receive your included gift card. To receive a physical membership card, visit the membership counter at your preferred Costco location. ➤Pro-tip: Remember to bring a photo ID with a copy of your Costco or Groupon confirmation email. The famous $1.50 Costco hot dog has been available in Costco food courts since 1984. The price has never increased and Costco's CFO assured customers that the price would not be impacted by inflation.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
We found a new Costco deal: Join now, get a free $50 Costco Shop Card
We found a new Costco deal: Join now, get a free $50 Costco Shop Card Sign up for a one-year Gold Star or Executive Costco membership on Groupon and get a free Costco Shop Card. Show Caption Hide Caption Chick-fil-A unveils new Parmesan Caesar dressing The new dressing will sold at club stores like Costco and Sam's Club. Fox - LA Groupon offers a Costco Gold Star membership with a $50 Costco Shop Card and travel perks. The Executive Membership includes an additional $100 off a $200 order. The iconic $1.50 Costco hot dog and soda combo is still available. From exclusive savings on groceries and household essentials to invaluable discounts on gas and travel, a Costco membership can help you save all year long. And of course, no mention of Costco is complete without the legendary $1.50 hot dog and soda combo—a fan-favorite that's held strong for over 40 years (and hopefully 40 more!). The USA TODAY Shopping team loves to dig up deals for our readers and honestly, this is one of my favorites. Here's the deal: Groupon has a new offer on Costco memberships that includes a free $50 Costco Shop Card when you sign up for the Gold Star or Executive tier memberships, plus travel perks and an extra $100 off a order of $200 or more when you sign up for an Executive membership. Learn more below and check out other offers at Groupon. Get a free Costco Shop Card on Groupon What does Groupon's Costco membership deal include? Now through Sunday, June 22, you can get an annual Gold Star Costco membership on Groupon for $65 and receive a $50 free digital Costco Shop Card to use on future purchases at any Costco location or online. 1-year Gold Star Costco membership Includes access to exclusive member-only savings $50 Digital Costco Shop Card : Valid in-store and online : Valid in-store and online $200 Digital Costco Shop Card : With purchase of a Mexico or Caribbean vacation package ($3,500 or more) through Costco Travel Book by September 2, 2025 , for travel by December 31, 2025 : With purchase of a Mexico or Caribbean vacation package ($3,500 or more) through Costco Travel 1-year Executive Costco membership You can also get the Costco Executive Membership Package for $130 and receive the same $50 Costco Shop Card and $200 Digital Costco Shop Card for Costco Travel, PLUS an additional perk of $100 off a order of $200 or more! The special Groupon offer is valid for new members or previous Costco cardholders whose membership has been expired for at least 18 months. What's the difference between a Costco Gold Star membership and Executive membership? Gold Star Membership: Best for casual shoppers The $65 Gold Star Membership is a better option for individuals or families who shop at Costco on an occasional basis or do not require the additional benefits of the Executive Membership. With a lower annual fee, this membership includes access to Costco's wide range of products and services, making it a cost-effective choice for those who do not have substantial spending at Costco each year. Benefits: Warehouse access Costco Fuel access Free household card Access to Costco services including: auto and home insurance, Costco Auto Program, pet insurance as well as bottled water delivery Get a free $50 Costco Shop Card Executive Membership: Best for frequent shoppers The $130 Executive Membership is ideal for frequent Costco shoppers, offering a 2% annual reward and additional benefits. For those who spend more than $3,000 annually at Costco, the Executive Membership includes major savings through exclusive discounts and promotions. The higher annual fee is counterbalanced by the rewards and benefits, making it a practical option for regular Costco customers. Benefits: All benefits of Gold Star Annual 2% reward on qualified purchases Free household card Access to Costco services with discounts on select services Get a free $50 Costco Shop Card How do you claim your Costco membership through Groupon? After you complete your purchase on Groupon's website, you'll receive an email from Costco confirming your membership details. Groupon says to allow up to two hours to receive your confirmation email. Your Costco Shop Card will be emailed within two weeks after sign-up to qualifying members. A physical membership card is not required to shop online or receive your included gift card. To receive a physical membership card, visit the membership counter at your preferred Costco location. ➤Pro-tip: Remember to bring a photo ID with a copy of your Costco or Groupon confirmation email. Does Costco still have the $1.50 hot dog deal? The famous $1.50 Costco hot dog has been available in Costco food courts since 1984. The price has never increased and Costco's CFO assured customers that the price would not be impacted by inflation. Can you shop at Costco without a membership? You can't shop at Costco without a Costco membership. According to Costco, non-Costco members can purchase prescriptions at a Costco pharmacy and if they were given a Costco Shop Card as a gift, they can use that to visit Costco locations.
