3 Gift Cards I Always Buy at Costco

I save money at Costco in a number of ways, but probably the easiest is to buy gift cards. Costco sells a variety of gift cards from popular brands, all at a big discount.

While a few gift cards have smaller discounts (around 5%), I’ve seen offers of up to 35% off the face value. That’s a huge discount.

Not every gift card deal is going to be a winner at Costco, but there are some that I buy there almost exclusively. Here are what they are.

1. Popular restaurants

If you frequent chain restaurants, you really need to check out Costco’s restaurant gift card deals. You can find gift cards to many chains with good discounts every week.

Here are some examples of restaurant gift card offers:

• TGI Fridays: $100 Gift Cards for $79.99
• California Pizza Kitchen: $100 Gift Cards for $79.99
• Landry’s Many Brands: $100 Gift Cards for $79.99
• Peet’s Coffee: $100 Gift Cards for $79.99
• IHOPs: $100 Gift Cards for $79.99

The only downside to this strategy is that I don’t get bonus rewards from my credit card for restaurant purchases, but even a 5% cash back card can’t beat the 20% off gift card. Plus, I use my loyalty cards at Costco to buy gift cards, so I at least get some bonus rewards for my purchases one way or another.

2. Gaming system stores

Gone are the days of game cartridges that tap satisfyingly in place — and they only work when you blow on them. Everything is digital now, even the stores where we buy our games.

Costco has gift cards for all three major console digital stores (plus Roblox). Denominations and discounts may vary, but here are a few examples of what’s on Costco.com right now:

• Microsoft Xbox: $100 Gift Cards for $89.99
• Sony PlayStation: $100 Gift Cards for $89.99
• Nintendo eShop: $200 Gift Cards for $179.99
• Roblox: $50 Gift Cards for $44.99

If you buy your gift cards online, you will receive eGift cards, which are essentially digital codes emailed to you. You must purchase in-store to receive physical gift cards.

3. Costco Store Cards

Costco sells a lot of gift cards for other retailers, but it also sells gift cards for its stores: Costco Shop cards. Unlike other gift cards, though, Shop cards aren’t discounted; you’ll pay full face value for these suckers.

So what’s so appealing about it? Well, while you have to be a member to buy Costco Shop cards, NO you have to be a member use their.

Considering that even the Costco food court is now closed to non-members in most locations, store cards can be a great way to let friends and family explore Costco’s unique delights without having to purchase a membership of their own.

Yes, you will also receive an Executive Reward

The last thing worth mentioning is that regular gift card purchases (NO Store cards count towards Executive Reward. That’s an extra 2% back you’ll get on top of other discounts.

If you’re not familiar with Executive Reward, it’s worth checking out. Upgrading to a Costco Executive membership costs an additional $65 per year, but you’ll earn 2% back (once per year via a Reward Certificate) on purchases at Costco and costco.com.

Costco’s annual expenses are about $3,250 to make up the difference of $65 per upgrade, which is about $270 per month. If your Costco expenses exceed that amount, it’s worth upgrading.