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What Is A Costco Cash Card?
The first thing to know is that a Costco Cash Card is the same thing as a Costco Shop Card which is also the same thing as a Costco gift card. They’re just three different names for the same thing.
In other words, while “Costco Cash Card” sounds fancier, it’s really no different than a pre-loaded gift card from Costco.
So, how do Costco gift cards work?
A Costco gift card (officially called a Costco Shop Card) is a physical or digital gift card preloaded with a specific amount of money that can be used to shop at Costco, Costco Gas, or on Costco.com.
Costco Shop Cards never expire and can be used by anyone regardless of membership status.
How Much Are Cash Cards Worth?
Costco Shop Cards can be loaded with any amount of money between $25 and $2000.
Your Shop Card is worth the amount of its remaining balance.
How Do They Work?
Costco Shop Cards work the same way as any other brand-specific gift card. They function as a preloaded debit card that can be used as a valid form of payment when purchasing merchandise at Costco (including fuel) or on Costco.com.
However, Costco Shop Cards come with some limitations that you won’t encounter when paying with other payment methods.
What Can You Buy?
Costco Shop Cards can be used to purchase any items for sale at Costco or on Costco.com except for the following:
- Alcohol
- Other gift cards
- Anything available through Costco Travel
Can You Redeem Shop Cards For Cash?
In most cases, Costco gift cards can no longer be redeemed for cash. However, once your Costco Shop Card balance dips below a certain threshold, you might be able to receive the remaining balance in cash depending on where you live.
Granted, this service is only available in about one third of US states, and the threshold is quite low in most places (sometimes as low as $1). In other places, such as California, you can exchange your Costco Shop Card balance for cash as long as the balance does not exceed $10.
To exchange your Costco Shop Card balance for cash, first find out if this service is allowed in the state where you live. Once you know this, simply visit your local Costco Warehouse and ask someone at the customer service desk to help you exchange your balance for cash.
You can also do this while making a purchase if your purchase leaves you with an amount on your card below the threshold allowed for cash exchange. At this time, the cashier may ask you if you would like to receive the remaining balance in cash, to which you can either say yes or no.
How To Get A Costco Shop Card
If you are a Costco member, buying a Costco Shop Card is super easy. All you have to do is browse Shop Cards on Costco.com or visit your nearest Costco Warehouse location to purchase a Shop Card in person.
Shop Cards are categorized as a members-only item and can be purchased in the following amounts when you shop online–$25, $50, $100, $250, $500. Costco Shop Cards purchased online can be delivered as physical gift cards in the mail or as digital shop cards via email.
If you purchase your Costco Shop Card in person at a Costco Warehouse location, you can load your card with any amount between $25 and $2,000.
However, if you are not a Costco member, then you do not have the option of purchasing a Shop Card for yourself as they are considered a members-only item. To acquire one, try talking to a friend or family member with a Costco membership to see if they would be willing to purchase one on your behalf.
Activation
In most cases, Costco Shop Cards do not need to be activated prior to use.
However, if you purchase a physical Shop Card online and have it delivered to you or another recipient in the mail, it will need to be activated manually.
To activate, call the toll-free number listed on the card (or alternatively call 1-888-668-9668 or 1-866-815-8120). You will be prompted by an automated system to enter the last four digits of the phone number associated with the purchase of the card. This means that you will need to know the phone number of the person who purchased the card for you.
In some cases, you will be prompted to enter the last four digits of the Costco membership number associated with the order instead of the phone number. Be prepared with both numbers as you might not know ahead of time which you will be asked for.
Once you have completed the prompts given to you by the automated activation system, your card will be ready to use.
Checking Your Balance
The easiest way to check the balance of your Costco Shop Card is to visit this link. Once you’re there, enter your card number and PIN and the website will provide you with your card’s current balance.
Alternatively, you can call the dedicated Costco Shop Card customer service line at 1-888-668-9668 and ask an agent to help you find out your balance.
If your balance is low or empty, your card can be reloaded. However, it can only be reloaded by someone with an active Costco membership.
Is A Costco Shop Card Worth It?
If you’re a Costco member, shopping with a Costco Shop Card doesn’t really provide you with much benefit. It’s simply another form of payment.
However, if you are not a Costco member and you have reliable access to someone who can provide you with Costco Shop Cards, then shopping with these special gift cards is very worth it. These cards enable you to shop at Costco without having to pay for a membership, meaning that you can access Costco’s everyday low prices and promotions without having to invest as a member.
The only big downside of shopping with a Shop Card and no membership is that you will not have access to Costco’s full return policy. Returns and refunds can only be processed for active (paid) Costco members. There are also some items that cannot be purchased with a Costco Shop Card, such as alcohol or “members-only items” on Costco.com.
For full access to Costco’s services and inventory, you’ll need to become a member. But without that, shopping with a Shop Card is definitely a worthwhile workaround.
FAQs
Can you use someone else’s Costco Cash Card?
Yes. Anyone with a valid Costco Shop Card can use it regardless of where they got it.
Do you need to use a Costco Cash Card to be able to shop at Costco?
No. Costco Shop Cards are just one way to shop at Costco, but you do not need one to shop there. Purchasing a Costco membership and paying with a regular credit or debit card is the most common way to shop at Costco.
Can you use a Costco Cash Card without a membership?
Yes. Anyone with a valid Costco Shop Card can shop at Costco without a membership.