Costco Military membership cost makes joining simple with two main options: $65 annually for Gold Star and $130 for Executive. Costco membership cost includes added rewards, as the Executive plan offers 2% cash back on qualifying purchases with no surcharge. Costco membership cost becomes even more affordable with a $20 Gold Star voucher or a $40 Executive voucher for new enrollees who sign up for auto-renewal, creating instant savings on the first purchase.
Costco military membership is designed to give service members and their families exceptional value through low prices, bulk savings, and trusted quality. Costco Membership creates everyday needs with premium items, from groceries to high-end electronics. Costco membership creates a reliable way for military families to save more while enjoying a wide variety of products.
Costco military membership goes beyond just pricing by honoring military service with exclusive offers and recognition. Costco membership strengthens the value of belonging by connecting savings with benefits like discounted gas, optical services, and travel perks. Costco military membership ensures service members enjoy both appreciation and financial rewards every time they shop.
Benefits of Costco Military Membership
Following are the key advantages of this family membership:
Bulk Savings
Bulk savings enable members to purchase Kirkland Signature groceries and Costco home items at discounts of up to 30% compared to local grocery-store chains. Military families stock up on essentials, saving money during relocations or deployments.
Low Gas Prices
Gas stations at Costco locations offer low gas prices, saving cardholders several cents per gallon compared to other retailers or merchants. Frequent travelers or commuters find this benefit valuable for year-round savings.
Pharmacy and Optical Services
Pharmacy and optical services provide affordable prescriptions, hearing-aid support, and discounts on glasses, outshining many credit cards’ perks. Military families reduce healthcare costs through these members-only privileges.
Costco Travel
Costco Travel offers deals on vacation packages, cruises, and car-rental services, perfect for military families planning restful getaways with Costco Canada options. Club members book trips at discounted rates, enhancing their membership value.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card
Executive cardholders can apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, earning 5% cashback on gas (up to $7,000/year), 3% on restaurants and travel, and 2% on Costco purchases, with no foreign transaction fee. Cashback rewards maximize savings after you spend on qualifying purchases with Amex compatibility.
Digital Costco Shop Card
New members receive a Digital Costco Shop Card ($20 for Gold Star, $40 for Executive) for redemption on merchandise like Costco furniture or tickets to events. Shop Cards provide instant savings, making the membership fee more affordable compared to shoppers at warehouse stores.
When to Consider Upgrading to the Executive Membership
The Executive membership, or “Black Card,” suits military families who shop often at Costco. If you spend over $3,250 yearly, the 2% cashback can offset the higher fee. The $40 Digital Costco Shop Card also lowers the cost for new members.
Consider upgrading if you use Costco Travel or the Costco Anywhere Visa Card. Frequent bulk purchases increase your savings with this plan. The Executive membership maximizes benefits for high spenders.
How to Sign Up for a Costco Military Membership
Following are the seven steps to enroll in Costco Military Membership
Step 1: Visit Costco’s Website or Store
Costco’s website or Costco stores allow members to start the sign-up process by logging in to or creating an account. Military families choose the most convenient option based on their proximity to Costco locations.
Step 2: Choose Membership Type
Gold Star ($65) or Executive ($130) memberships suit different shopping needs, with Executive offering cashback rewards for shopping at Costco. Members select the plan that aligns with their budget and habits.
Step 3: Verify Military Status
ID.me or SheerID confirms military status for active duty, veterans, retirees, or dependents to shop. Verification ensures members are not eligible without proper credentials, securing the discount program.
Step 4: Enroll in Auto-Renewal
Auto-renewal enrollment ensures the membership never expires and qualifies members for the Digital Costco Shop Card. Cardholders avoid interruptions in their club membership privileges with this step.
Step 5: Pay Your Membership Fee
Payment of the membership fee completes the sign-up process, with no Costco coupon or discount code required at checkout. Military members receive their Shop Card automatically upon approval.
Step 6: Receive Shop Card
Costco emails the $20 or $40 Digital Costco Shop Card within two weeks for use on all purchases, unlike a cash-card option. Members redeem it for Costco food, merchandise, or services like auto buying.
Step 7: Start Smart Shopping
Membership cards, transferable to someone in the same household, grant access to wholesale clubs, Costco online, and services. Military families shop at any Costco store worldwide, enjoying free samples and Black Friday deals.
Additional Tips for Maximizing Your Membership
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Plan Bulk Purchases | Save money by buying non-perishable items in bulk. Great for relocations or deployments to ensure essential supplies are stocked. |
| Use Costco Gas Stations | Fuel up at Costco to benefit from lower gas prices, ideal for long commutes or road trips. |
| Leverage Costco Travel | Book vacations or car rentals through Costco Travel for exclusive member discounts. |
| Maximize Cashback with Costco Anywhere Visa Card | Executive members can use the Visa card for everyday purchases to accumulate rewards faster. |
| Redeem Shop Cards Strategically | Use your Digital Costco Shop Card for big purchases like electronics or furniture to get the most value. |
| Shop Seasonally | Take advantage of seasonal promotions (e.g., Black Friday, holiday specials) to stretch your savings further. |
FAQ
How much is a Costco membership for the military?
A Costco membership for military members costs $65 for Gold Star or $130 for Executive, with a $20 or $40 Digital Costco Shop Card for new members who enroll in auto-renewal.
Does Costco give a military discount for membership?
Costco offers a military discount through a $20 Shop Card for Gold Star or $40 for Executive memberships to new military cardholders. Active duty, veterans, retirees, and their families qualify for this benefit.
What are Costco membership plans?
Costco provides Gold Star ($65/year) for basic access and Executive ($130/year) with 2% cashback and additional perks. Both plans include two membership cards for the same household.
How to get a Costco card for free?
Costco does not offer a complimentary membership or day pass, but the military discount ($20 or $40 Shop Card) reduces the cost for new members. Shop Cards provide savings on the first purchase.
What is Costco’s cheapest membership?
Gold Star Membership at $65 per year is Costco’s cheapest club membership, with a $20 Shop Card for military members. This option suits families or individuals seeking low prices and member benefits.
Kasen Blackwood is a renowned cost-saving expert specializing in membership program optimization, warehouse club memberships, and discount strategy development. He delivers expert insights on smart spending, frugal living, and money-saving techniques, helping individuals and families maximize savings through warehouse clubs like Costco, membership programs, and strategic discounts.