Costco may have raised its prices, but right now you can snag a membership for cheaper than ever.
The department store chain’s Gold Star membership normally costs $65. In the coming weeks, shoppers can purchase a 12-month membership through affiliate marketer StackSocial and receive a $45 Costco gift card, effectively lowering their annual rate for the first year up to $20.
The same offer is also available for Costco’s premium Executive Membership, which costs $130 per year and gives members 2% cash back on all Costco purchases. If you add the $45 gift card, you can get an Executive membership for the first year for an effective annual rate of $85.
Costco recently increased its membership rates from $60 and $120 for the Gold Star and Executive memberships, respectively.
To take advantage of the savings, you must purchase your membership through StackSocial. Once you create your account, you will receive your $45 digital gift card from Costco via email within two weeks.
The deal is available until December 22 and must be redeemed by January 31 of next year. You can consult the offer here.
The offer is only eligible for new members or people whose Costco memberships expired more than 18 months ago, which means if you already have a Costco membership, you’re out of luck.
Costco Gold Star or Executive Membership?
If you’re thinking about joining Costco, which membership should you choose?
Costco’s basic Gold Star membership gives you access to Costco warehouses, the chain’s website and its famous affordable gas stations.
The Executive membership has all the benefits of the Gold Star membership, as well as 2% cash back on all purchases and additional savings on Costco services like bottled water delivery and pet insurance.
If you get your home or car insurance through Costco, the Executive membership comes with a number of exclusive benefits, such as roadside assistance and lockout.
Costco’s membership page includes a calculator that lets you enter how much you spend at the store each month to see how much money you can get back at the end of the year to see if the higher rate makes sense for you.
If you’re on the fence about the more expensive option, Costco has taken the stress out of the decision. the chain promises to refund the difference in cost between a Gold Star membership and an Executive membership in your first year if you’re not satisfied.
Please note that the refund is not automatic. To get your refund, you must go to your local Costco location and have the refund processed at the membership counter.
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