How to Check Your Costco Gift Card Balance – The Easy Way

Costco gift cards, officially called Costco Shop Cards, are a convenient and thoughtful gift for friends, family, or even yourself. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries, buying electronics, or grabbing a hot dog from the food court, having a Costco Shop Card in your wallet is always a good idea.

But before you hit the aisles or go online, it’s important to check your Costco gift card balance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how to check your balance, where you can use your card, and some helpful tips for getting the most out of your Costco Shop Card.

What Is a Costco Gift Card?

A Costco gift card, also known as a Costco Shop Card, is a prepaid card that you can use at any Costco warehouse or on Costco.com. You can use it to pay for purchases just like you would with cash or a credit card.

Here’s what makes it special:

• It can be used by both members and non-members
  
  

• It never expires
  
  

• It’s reloadable (by Costco members)
  
  

• It can be used in-store and online
  
  

Why Check Your Costco Gift Card Balance?

Knowing your balance helps you plan your shopping better. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting to the checkout line only to find out your card doesn’t have enough on it.

Checking your balance can help you:

• Avoid surprises at checkout
  
  

• Know how much more you can spend
  
  

• Keep track of your budgeting
  
  

• Decide whether it’s time to reload your card
  
  

3 Easy Ways to Check Your Costco Gift Card Balance

1. Check Online

The fastest and most convenient way to check your Costco Shop Card balance is through Costco’s website.

Here’s how:

1. Visit Costco.com
   
   

2. Scroll down and click “Customer Service” at the bottom of the page
   
   

3. Click “Check Gift Card Balance”
   
   

4. Enter your Shop Card number and the 4-digit PIN
   
   

5. Click “Check Balance”
   
   

💡 Tip: Your Shop Card number and PIN are on the back of the card. You may need to scratch off the silver strip to see the PIN.

2. Call Costco Customer Service

Prefer to speak to someone? You can check your balance by calling Costco’s customer service number.

Just follow these steps:

• Dial 1-800-774-2678
  
  

• Choose the option for “gift card balance” (or ask the representative)
  
  

• Provide your card number and PIN
  
  

3. Ask In-Store at the Membership Counter

If you’re already at Costco, stop by the membership counter or customer service desk. A team member will happily check your gift card balance for you.

Just hand over the card, and they’ll let you know your remaining balance within seconds.

Where Can You Use a Costco Gift Card?

You can use your Costco Shop Card in a few different ways:

• In-store at any Costco warehouse (U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico)
  
  

• Online at Costco.com or Costco.ca
  
  

• At Costco gas stations
  
  

• At the food court
  
  

• For prescription pick-ups at the pharmacy
  
  

Even if you’re not a Costco member, you can still use the card to shop in-store or online. Non-members can enter the store and make purchases using a Costco Shop Card—pretty cool!

Can You Reload a Costco Gift Card?

Yes, but only Costco members can reload a card.

If you’re a member and you want to add funds:

• Go to the membership counter in-store
  
  

• Ask to reload your card
  
  

• Choose the amount you want to add (usually up to $2,000)
  
  

Non-members cannot reload a card, but they can still use any remaining balance until it runs out.

Lost Your Card? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve lost your Costco Shop Card, don’t panic—but do act quickly.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Call Costco customer service immediately at 1-800-774-2678
   
   

2. Provide your original receipt or proof of purchase
   
   

3. If the balance hasn’t been used, they may be able to cancel and replace it
   
   

💡 Pro Tip: Always keep your receipt when you buy or receive a gift card. It makes things easier in case you lose it.

Can You Use a Costco Gift Card Without Being a Member?

Yes! This is one of the best features of a Costco Shop Card.

Here’s how it works:

• A member purchases the card and gives it to a non-member
  
  

• The non-member brings it to Costco and shows it at the entrance
  
  

• The card acts as a one-time “pass” into the warehouse
  
  

• The non-member can shop using the card until the balance is gone
  
  

Non-members can also shop online at Costco.com, but keep in mind they may pay a 5% surcharge on purchases.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Costco Gift Card

1. Keep Track of Your Balance – After every purchase, check your remaining balance.
   
   

2. Use It as a Budgeting Tool – Load a specific amount and limit your spending to that.
   
   

3. Combine It with Other Payment Methods – If your card doesn’t cover the full total, you can pay the rest with a debit or credit card.
   
   

4. Give It as a Gift – It’s a great birthday, holiday, or thank-you gift—even for non-members.
   
   

5. Use It for Gas – Costco gas prices are typically lower than other stations. Your Shop Card can save you even more.

Final Thoughts

A Costco gift card is more than just a prepaid card—it’s a key to all the savings and value that Costco has to offer. Whether you're a long-time member or just trying it out, checking your Costco Shop Card balance regularly is a smart move.

Now that you know all the ways to check your balance—online, by phone, or in-store—you’re ready to shop with confidence.