Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool

Have you been thinking about joining a warehouse club like Costco to access members-only deals that could save you money? Many shoppers are able to keep more money in their checking accounts by shopping at the popular retailer.

But to shop here, you must pay a yearly membership fee. Now is an excellent time to join. Thanks to this membership deal, you can pay as little as $20 for your first year of membership. Here’s what you need to know.

Get $45 to spend at Costco with this membership deal

StackSocial is a website offering discount deals for products, subscriptions and memberships, mobile apps, gift cards, and more. Right now, it has a Costco membership deal that could offer savings to new members.

New members who purchase a one-year Costco Gold Star membership will receive a $45 digital Costco Shop Card. You can spend the Shop Card funds in-club at Costco or Costco.com. You must be new to Costco, or had your last membership end at least 18 months ago.

Costco’s Gold Star membership costs $65 per year, so you’ll pay the standard membership fee if you purchase this deal. But considering you’ll receive a free $45 to spend at Costco later, your first year of membership will effectively cost only $20. That’s a steal of a deal.

Costco’s premium Executive membership offers more perks, most notably 2% back on most Costco purchases (more on this below). If you prefer to become an Executive member, you’ll pay $130 to join. Eligible new Executive members who take advantage of this offer will also receive a $45 Shop Card, making the first year of membership cost $85.

Qualified new members will receive their Shop Card via email within two weeks of making their purchase. You must redeem your membership through Costco by Jan. 31, 2025 — but StackSocial encourages customers to redeem within 30 days of purchase.

This new membership deal provides an excellent way to try Costco for less money. Shopping the retailer’s exclusive deals could be a good move for your wallet.

Want to earn cash back rewards on your Costco hauls? With the right credit card, you can earn rewards. Click here to review our list of top credit cards that offer big rewards at Costco.

Which Costco membership is ideal for you?

Still deciding which membership type is right for you? Besides the annual membership fees, the most noticeable difference between a Gold Star membership and an Executive membership is that Executive members can earn rewards.

Members can earn up to $1,250 in rewards each year. If you plan to shop at Costco often and want to earn rewards, the $130 Executive membership may be a good fit.

You can maximize your rewards by using a cash back credit card to pay for your purchases. Check out our list of the best cash back credit cards to see how easy it is to earn cash back when you shop at Costco and other retailers.

If you’re not sure you’ll shop Costco enough to earn back the Executive membership upgrade fee, a standard Gold Star membership may be best. You can shop Costco’s deals in-club or online while paying less.

Are you on the fence about investing in a membership? Costco offers a 100% membership satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with your experience, you can cancel your membership and get a refund. This policy can give shoppers more confidence in joining.

If you need an incentive to join Costco, this StackSocial deal may be for you. Happy shopping!

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.