What Is Costco Gold Star Membership? (All You Need To Know)

Today, most retailers have membership plans and loyalty cards that customers can sign up for to enjoy discounts and offers when they shop.

Costco is an American retailer that operates a chain of membership-only retail stores. Costco customers can sign up for Gold Star membership, popularly known as the warehouse club. So, how does this work? Here’s all you need to know!

What Is Costco Gold Star Membership In 2024?

Customers can sign up for the Gold Star membership in-store or online for $60 annually in 2024. With this membership, you can purchase products from any Costco store and Costco.com. The Gold Star membership is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. It includes one free Household Card that you can use to purchase products.

Read on for more information about the Gold Star membership at Costco, how much it costs, how to sign up, and the benefits!

What Is The Difference Between Costco’s Gold Star & Executive Memberships?

Although it’s possible to shop at Costco without a membership, it’s advisable to get one, especially if you regularly shop at this warehouse club.

That said, you can choose to sign up for the basic Gold Star membership or upgrade to the Executive option.

So, what’s the difference between the two? Let’s find out!

Costco Gold Star Membership

This membership lets you buy products for personal use from any Costco location globally or via the website.

Once you sign up, you get one additional Household Card for a household member at no extra cost.

Also, the Gold Star membership is valid for one year; therefore, it should be renewed annually. Since it’s the basic membership plan, customers pay $60 annually to enjoy the benefits.

Costco Executive Membership

On the other hand, with an Executive membership, the annual fee is $120, including a free Household Card and validity at all Costco locations.

However, this membership has additional benefits such as an annual 2% reward on qualifying purchases, other benefits when using Costco Travel, and savings on Costco services.

Can You Use Your Costco Gold Star Membership When Shopping At Costco.com?

Fortunately, you can use your Gold Star membership to shop in-store and online.

That said, Costco allows customers to take advantage of membership benefits regardless of the shopping method.

Therefore, if you prefer to shop online, you can still get the benefits as a Gold Star member.

What Are The Benefits Of A Costco Gold Star Membership?

What Are The Benefits Of A Costco Gold Star Membership?

With the Gold Star membership, customers get one free Household Card to purchase their homes and family products.

Additionally, the primary members can add one extra household member who lives at the same address and is over 18. Of course, these cards come in handy if you regularly shop at Costco.

Lastly, you can shop at any Costco warehouse or online via Costco.com when you have a Gold Star membership.

How To Sign Up For A Costco Gold Star Membership

If you want to get a Costco membership, you need to visit the website and go to the “Join Costco” page.

After that, select “Personal Membership” and click on “Everyday Value, Gold Star.” 

On the new sign-up page, you’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, address, email address, and phone number, and choose whether you want to receive promotional materials.

Once the payment gets processed, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your new membership number.

To pick up your cards at Costco, you should provide the email confirmation and a valid government-issued ID at the membership counter.

According to Costco, you can add two people to the Gold Star membership: a primary member and one free household member who lives at the same address.

How Many People Can You Add To Your Costco Membership Card?

As a primary member, you can choose who receives the second card at the membership counter at a Costco warehouse or via your account.

Moreover, once you add the second person to your “Account Details” section, they can pick up the membership card at the nearest Costco.

Can Other Non-Members Use Your Costco Membership Card?

Once you become a member, the membership card is non-transferable. However, you can bring up to two guests with every visit to Costco.

Additionally, keep in mind that shopping at Costco is limited to members only.

To learn more, you can also read our posts on Costco Executive membership, Costco Business membership, and does Costco membership auto renew.

Conclusion

Costco customers can sign up for the Gold Star membership to shop at the retail store. With this membership, you can purchase products from any Costco store worldwide and via Costco.com.

Further, this Gold Star membership is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

In addition, it includes one free Household Card that you can use to purchase products.

Lastly, Costco charges $60 annually for the Gold Star membership.

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Cara Suppa

Cara Suppa has been freelance writing for over a decade and holds a BA in English and an MS in Integrated Marketing Communications. Outside of work, she is an avid cook, gardener, and discount shopper.

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