What’s the cheapest way to join Costco? Find out here

• A current Groupon deal offers a free $45 Costco Shop Card to new members who sign up for a one-year membership.
• The offer applies to both the $65 Gold Star and the $130 Executive membership plans.
• The Executive membership offers a 2% annual reward and is best for frequent shoppers, while the Gold Star is ideal for casual shoppers.

A Costco membership can provide shoppers with some serious savings on groceries, gas, travel and household essentials—but paying full price isn’t always the smartest move.

While Costco rarely discounts its annual membership directly, there are plenty of reliable ways to get extra value when you sign up, including limited-time promotions that offer bonus perks like digital Costco Shop Cards. These offers tend to rotate throughout the year and are typically available only to new members or expired memberships.

Below, we break down the best way to save on a Costco membership, how the current Groupon deal works and what to know before choosing between a Gold Star or Executive membership—so you can decide if joining Costco makes sense for you right now.

• What does a Costco membership cost?
• What’s the best way to save on a Costco membership?
• Gold Star vs. Executive membership: Which is better?
• Does Costco still have the $1.50 hot dog deal?

What does a Costco membership cost?

Costco offers two membership tiers and the standard annual fees outside of any promotions are listed below:

• Gold Star Costco membership: $65 for an annual membership
• Executive Costco membership: $130 for an annual membership

What’s the best way to save on a Costco membership?

1-Year Gold Star Costco membership

For a limited time, you can get a one-year Gold Star Costco membership on Groupon for $65 and receive a $45 Costco Shop Card to use on future purchases at any Costco location or online.

1-year Executive Costco membership

You can also get a one-year Costco Executive membership on Groupon for $130 and receive a $45 Costco Shop Card to use on future purchases at any Costco location or online.

Groupon deal: One-year Costco membership

Take advantage of this Groupon offer on Costco memberships. Join now to get a $45 Shop Card to use on future purchases at Costco. Become a Costco member

→ Two membership cards are included with both offers: One for you (the primary member) and one for another adult in your household (18+), both valid at all U.S. Costco locations.

This Costco offer is valid through April 12, 2026

What does the Costco Shop Card do?

A Costco Shop Card works like a gift card and can be used toward purchases in Costco warehouses or online at Costco.com.

Gold Star vs. Executive membership: Which is better?

Costco 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 of the Costco Gold Star membership:

• 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

Costco 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 of the Costco Executive membership:

• All benefits of Gold Star
• Annual 2% reward on qualified purchases
• New: $10 monthly credit on same-day Costco.com or Costco via Instacart orders
• New: Extended Executive shopping hours
• Free household card
• Access to Costco services with discounts on select services

What’s the cheapest way to join Costco?

The cheapest way to join Costco is usually to sign up during a promotion that includes a bonus Shop Card, effectively lowering the out-of-pocket cost of the membership. USA TODAY Shopping has found that Groupon typically offers the best deals on warehouse memberships, including Costco, BJ's and more.

How do you claim your Costco membership through Groupon?

Your Costco membership is instantly confirmed online when you purchase through Groupon. You’ll receive an email confirming activation and membership number, followed by your digital Costco Shop Card in one to two weeks.

How long does it take to receive a Costco Shop Card from a deal?

Your digital Costco Shop Card will be emailed after your membership is activated and eligibility requirements are met. Groupon says this usually takes one to two weeks.

Can existing Costco members use the Groupon membership deal?

No, Costco membership promotions are limited to new members or those who haven’t had an active Costco membership for a specified period. Renewals and upgrades typically don’t qualify.

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. 

Editor's note: If you've never experienced Costco's $1.50 hot dog and soda offer, this Groupon membership offer is for you.

USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best deals and drops so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!