Understanding The Costco Gift Card Policy What You Need To Know

Costco gift cards are among the most popular choices for holiday presents, employee rewards, and last-minute gifts. They offer flexibility, broad acceptance at Costco warehouses and affiliated retailers, and—importantly—a straightforward but nuanced set of policies governing their use. Whether you're buying one for a friend or received one as a gift, understanding Costco’s official gift card policy can save you time, money, and frustration.

This guide breaks down every critical aspect of Costco’s gift card terms—from activation and balance checks to loss protection and expiration rules—so you can make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Purchase and Activation Rules

Costco gift cards can be purchased in physical warehouse locations, online through Costco.com, or via select third-party retailers like grocery stores and gas stations. Denominations typically range from $25 to $500, with e-gift cards available instantly for digital delivery.

Unlike some retail chains, Costco does not charge purchase fees on its gift cards. The amount you pay is exactly the value loaded onto the card. Once bought, the card is active immediately and can be used at any U.S. Costco warehouse, on Costco.com, or at Costco Travel.

It's important to note that while Costco sells its own branded gift cards, it also accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards for purchases—subject to standard credit card processing rules. However, these third-party cards are governed by their own issuers’ policies, not Costco’s.

Tip: Always inspect your gift card receipt and verify the loaded amount immediately after purchase. Mistakes in value or activation are easier to resolve on-site.

Balance Checks and Usage Limits

One of the most frequently asked questions about Costco gift cards is how to check the remaining balance. Fortunately, several convenient options exist:

• Visit Costco’s official gift card balance page and enter the card number and PIN.
• Call Costco Member Services at 1-800-774-2678.
• Check in person at the customer service counter of any Costco warehouse.

There is no minimum balance required to use a Costco gift card. You can apply it toward any eligible purchase, regardless of size. If your purchase exceeds the card balance, you may pay the difference with another form of payment such as cash, credit card, or debit card.

Conversely, if you have leftover funds, the remaining balance stays on the card for future use. Costco does not issue cash back for partial redemptions, nor do they allow splitting balances across multiple cards.

Where Costco Gift Cards Are Accepted

Location/Service	Accepted?	Notes
U.S. Costco Warehouses	Yes	Full acceptance for all products and services
Costco.com (U.S.)	Yes	Can be combined with other payment methods
Costco Gas Stations	Yes	Must be used in-person; not accepted at self-checkout pumps
Costco Travel	Yes	Book cruises, hotels, car rentals, and tours
Costco Optical	Yes	Applies to exams, glasses, contacts
International Costco Locations	No	U.S. cards not valid in Canada, Mexico, UK, etc.
Coscto Food Court	Yes	Hot dog combo, pizza, drinks—all covered

Lost or Stolen Gift Cards: Can You Get a Replacement?

Losing a gift card can feel like losing cash—especially if it's fully loaded. But Costco offers limited protection under specific conditions.

If your physical gift card is lost or stolen, replacement is possible only if you have the original receipt and the card was registered. While Costco does not require registration at time of purchase, doing so significantly increases your chances of recovery. Unregistered cards without proof of purchase cannot be replaced.

To request a replacement:

1. Contact Costco Member Services at 1-800-774-2678.
2. Provide the gift card number (if known), date of purchase, location, and original receipt.
3. Wait 24–48 hours for verification and issuance of a new card.

A small administrative fee may apply for replacement, though this varies by region and circumstances. E-gift cards sent to email addresses are treated similarly—if the recipient loses access to the email account, recovery depends on whether the sender retains forwarding records.

“We strongly recommend keeping your gift card receipt until the balance reaches zero. It’s the single best safeguard against loss.” — Costco Customer Support Spokesperson, 2023 Annual Retail Policy Update

Expiration, Fees, and Legal Protections

Under federal law—the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Gift Card Redemption Rules enforced by the FTC—most gift cards cannot expire within five years of purchase or have dormancy fees unless specific criteria are met.

Costco complies fully with these regulations. Their gift cards:

• Do not expire due to inactivity.
• Do not carry monthly maintenance fees.
• Are valid indefinitely as long as there is a balance.

This means a $100 gift card bought in 2020 still holds full value today—even if unused for years. However, state laws may impose additional requirements. For example, California prohibits expiration dates and fees on all gift cards, while New York allows them only after five years of dormancy.

Because Costco operates nationally, it adheres to the strictest applicable standards. No hidden fees will erode your card’s value over time, making it a reliable store-of-value option compared to some third-party or bank-issued gift cards.

Tip: Even though Costco gift cards don’t expire, keep your receipt and register the card online if an option becomes available. Proactive documentation pays off when issues arise.

Real-World Scenario: Recovering a Lost Card

Sarah purchased a $200 Costco gift card for her mother’s birthday at the Portland warehouse. She tucked it into a greeting card but accidentally left the envelope in a coffee shop. When she realized the next day, the card was gone.

Luckily, Sarah had saved the receipt in her digital wallet. She called Costco Member Services, provided the transaction ID, purchase date, and approximate card value. After verifying the details, Costco canceled the original card and issued a replacement within two business days. A $5 handling fee was deducted from the new card’s balance, but Sarah considered it a small price to recover $195 worth of value.

Had she not kept the receipt, the outcome would likely have been different. This case underscores the importance of documentation—even for gift cards intended as presents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reload a Costco gift card?

No. Costco gift cards are single-load only. Once the balance is used, the card cannot be reloaded or reused. For repeat gifting, purchase a new card.

Can I use a Costco gift card to buy other gift cards?

No. Federal anti-money-laundering guidelines and Costco’s internal policies prohibit using gift cards to purchase additional gift cards, including airline, restaurant, or prepaid debit cards.

What happens if my gift card has a remaining balance under $1?

The balance remains active. Even fractions of a cent stay on file. While you won’t notice it during checkout, the residual amount continues to count toward future purchases until fully depleted.

Final Checklist Before Using or Gifting a Costco Card

1. ✅ Keep the original purchase receipt digitally or physically.
2. ✅ Check the balance online before first use.
3. ✅ Use the card within the U.S.—it’s not valid internationally.
4. ✅ Combine with other payment types when needed.
5. ✅ Report loss immediately with proof of purchase.
6. ✅ Avoid storing cards near magnets or extreme heat to prevent data corruption.

Make the Most of Your Costco Gift Card

Understanding the nuances of Costco’s gift card policy empowers you to protect your investment and maximize convenience. From knowing where and how to use the card to securing it against loss, each step contributes to a smoother experience. These cards are designed to deliver value without hidden traps—and with proper care, they remain a trusted way to shop at one of America’s most popular wholesale clubs.

💬 Have a question about your Costco gift card? Share your experience or ask for help in the comments below—we’ll provide guidance based on official policies and real-world solutions.