Military.net

Here’s the Scoop on Costco’s Military Discount

Costco has decided to offer military members and veterans a discount when they enroll in a new membership.

The promotion is for a $20 Costco Shop Card, and it can only be redeemed by new members.

Here’s who is eligible for the Costco Military discount:

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  • Active duty
  • Veterans
  • Retired military
  • Spouses and dependents of active duty, veterans, retired military

Getting Your Costco Military Discount

To take advantage of the offer, you will need to verify your military service.  This can be done online through ID.me.  Once there you will be able to complete a new registration and purchase a Costco Membership Activation Certificate.

After you complete your registration, you will then need to bring that certificate to your local Costco and your discount will be mailed to you once you have joined Costco.

Your Costco Shop Card can be redeemed both online and in the store.

If you would like to take advantage of Costco’s military offer, you can do so here.

This article originally appeared on USMilitary.org and was shared with permission.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Thomas Basile says

    My membership expires next month. Will never go to Costco again until they really do something for Veterans

    • Casiano says

      They’re more about making a profit and not really appreciate the service you did in the military.

  2. John Miller says

    A non-Veteran friend member of Costco has for months tried to get me to get a Costco membership. No way now.
    I’m a Veteran and nobody owes me a living but I do appreciate a courtesy discount where available. Am retired and on fixed income so every little bit helps. God Bless America with its free enterprise system.

  3. RAY MCGRATH says

    iI HAVE BEEN A MEMBERE FOR OVER 20YEARS AN WE HAVE NO DICOUNT FOR BEING A RETIRED NAVY V ETERIAN , KEEP YOUR $20 DALLOR CARD
    YOU ARE NOT DOING VERTISN MEMBERS ANY BENIFIT
    RAY MCGRATH AN MY WIFES MEMBERSHIP
    AS MUCHAS POSSIBLE I WILL SHOP AT SAM, LOWES.HOME DEPOPT AN ACE

  4. Joseph Rappe says

    I agree with most of the posts I have already read. my father who is 88 years old served in the Korean conflict,His is disabled, two years ago he also got diagnosed with Alzheimer’s It’s getting so bad the last few months I moved my mother and father and to live with me and cut way back on the hours at work so I could help my mom caregiving for my father..
    The only reason I’m divulging the above personal information is to point out the great sacrifices veterans make to keep us safe, to keep our nation safe. A company as large as profitable as Costco which she is a member of and has been for decades,They want to come up with this measly $20 deal and exclude my father for instance because he’s been a loyal customer and not a new customer it’s flat out a bunch of BS I am on his account because I do all of his shopping. I think this is the last straw brother reasons I’ve been unhappy with Costco as of late. they can take the $20 offer that doesn’t even apply to my father and shove it. I look forward to canceling our membership in person, I know losing our business I have no effect on them but of all of the vets who were insulted by this $20 deal or excluded even we should all cancel our memberships go to Sam’s Club.

      • Judith+Hogan says

        I totally agree that this is an insult. I had been a member for years where I
        lived and stationed in California. When I retired and moved to Oklahoma there was Sam’s so i joined. I was glad when Costco came but goods are so much more expensive than Sam’s, As an introduction they gave that teaser of returning half your membership if you took the “prime” membership only,
        I would respect them better if they didn’t toss veterans this pittance and call it a discount like they’re doing so much. As it’s been said other big stores give military disounts every time you shop. Costco should be ashamed.

        • J.c Chaplar says

          Nobody is forcing you to be a member if you’re so unhappy about it. I served for 36 years. I don’t go around asking for people to appreciate me. Suck it up and drive on soldier.

    • Ann F Konasiewicz says

      BJ’s honors Veterans with a big discount year round on the annual membership. A flat $40 vs $60 regular membership.

      COSTCO most certainly can AFFORD to give ALL VERTERANS a discounted membership price. What the hell is a measly $20 – 1 time??????? A discounted membership – ALL THE TIME is a much more APPRECIATED PRICE!

      • Mario Montemayor says

        All these veterans discounted are to get you in the door. They are not really giving you anything. They just want your money.

      • Joe says

        Costco sucks mine in apex nc told me I should be happy because they don’t support military! I have a service dog that’s small enough to tide in child seat of cart and she detects when I have a seizure the told me she couldn’t ride in the cart I fought with them for a good hour about service dogs until I finally just walked off and continued shopping.

    • Betty Newton says

      I agree with you. I am also a disabled vet whose husband was also a vet. He passed away 5 years ago. My son has been a caregiver for me as I am 89 years old. He is trying to handle two jobs. The
      Other day I sent him to Costco with my VA ID and debit card. After he filled his basket, they would not allow him to pay for the things we needed. We have been a customer for about 30 years and we’re very disappointed.. yes, $20 is a slap
      In the face. Sam’s Club is much bette. I’m finished with Costco!

    • Donald Scalzo says

      I have read ALL of the comments and replies. It is totally wrong to offer a one time $20.00 gift card to NEW members only and USING the word VETERAN to drum up business. If costco really wanted to honor veterans they would give the SO CALLED veteran discount to ALL veterans both existing and new members.

      SFC Donald Scalzo US Army Retired Dec 1969 to Feb 1991

    • SGMAJ says

      HA,HA,HA,. COSTCO IS TOTALLY DISRESPECTFUL OFFERING CRUMBS FEOM THEIR BILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS. THEY SHOULD OFFER 1.% ALL YEAR ROUND AND 10% ON VETERANS DAY!!!

    • D. Ward says

      I am AMAZED or is that DAZED……. A number of “big Box stores” offer a CONTINIOUS %% off discount for Military/Veterans.. What is $20 and why should one have to get a NEW membership. We have been card holders for 20+ years… really!?!

    • Chazz Snay says

      Hello Joeseph,
      I am also a disabled Veteran, and my father served in the Korean conflict and 2 tours in Vietnam. I contacted Costco and here’s what they even told me. If I had been a member, and I canceled my membership, I would have had to wait for 6 months and get my new membership even to get their so-called VETERAN BENEFIT. This is NOt A BENEFIT at all, it’s a SCAM in my book to get veterans to join and pay that HIGH membership fee they have. COSTCO is probably one of the largest examples of CORPORATE GREED you are going to see. The big wigs are paying themselves millions of dollars a year, CEO 8+ million a year the COO 4+ million a year…and you would think that they would ENSURE ALL VETERANS would be compensated with the same discounts that is made by other companies like LOWES, HOME DEPOT who have stepped up to compensate the veterans of this nation. Let us see how much money they would make a year if ALL VETERANS canceled their memberships. Interesting thought in my book. Just wanted to voice my opinion on your posting. Best to you and my fellow veteran.

    • Teague Phyllis says

      SAMS Club does not give Military Discount either, so what’s the difference?? I have both Memberships

    • William Heuser says

      Costco needs to give all military active or retired a discount on everything. We are struggling to survive and have given so much

  6. Patrick Madison says

    A one time $20 dollar gift card for veterans from a 125 billion dollar company is a joke. They should offer a 20 dollar annual membership for veterans existing and new! I pay 120.00 less the 2% cash back for that years purchases for our current membership but the names on the account are my wife and my daughter so I can’t shop there unless I’m with one of them. I really have no need to shop at Costco without one of them present with the possible exception of using the gas station.

  7. Herbert E Manager says

    Retired Military Member, With 100% Disability Received From Veteran Administration. Why Do I Have To Pay $20.00, To Become A Member Of Your Corporation. Costco Your Corporation Is A Joke. My Brother Vets, Don’t Do Any Business With This Corporation. They Appreciate Our Sacrifices.

  8. SGT. Joe D. Hill, USMC, 1967 - 1972 says

    I served in Nam because I thought I was doing it for my country. Years later I find out about all the corporate big wigs who got rich off the war. Me?, I ended up giving most of my body for that war. I have metal in every joint of my body, a pin in my back, PTSD, TBI, can’t do most of the things I did before going to NAM. I walk with a walker or cane(s), can’t hear without hearing aids. Spend most of my days in constant pain and for what? I appreciate the little 10% discount other companies give me because it’s telling me they appreciate what I did serving in the Marines. Most people say it’s not much, but it is something. As far as I’m concerned, COSTCO can keep their discount. I’ve been doing business with Costco for years and if I’m not worth 10% discount, who needs them. I’ll go elsewhere. I’m rated 100% disabled by the Veterans Administration and any discount any company gives me is very much appreciated and helps me more than anyone can know. It’s time COSTCO woke up and realized it was the veteran who them at the top in their business. Time to recognize that and give something back to the VETERAN not just the newbies.

    • Ron Sinclair says

      Based on the sacrifices you have made. you have every right to point out any inequity in our country’s system And there are many.. Try to find anyone in the Donald Trump family tree that has ever served, much less sacrificed for this country or any other in the last 150 years.. Ans: -0- On the January 6th attack on our capital,, which he promoted very visibly,but ended up retreating to the safety of his office protected by his security people, watching his followers and those they were attacking our capitol on TV, Some died, some got badly injured, some are in jail or going to jail. doing brave Donald’s bidding.. . Where was he? in his office, watching on TV. Veterans such as you have a right to complain over the many inequities we have in many corners of our society.. Inequities no more apparent however, than those that occured that famous day on January 6th, when a former president could not accept losing an election and decided to put the lives of his followers and the defenders of our capital at risk. hoping to benefit from their sacrifices, ………………Title for his book, “How a general charged up his troops. but went home and hid in his bedroom when the battle started”

      • Gary Wallace Carson says

        Amen Ron it’s time for all of us to stand up to his BS and lies, lies, lies. I do feel sorry for my fellow Americans who have fallen for his BS. How can anyone believe the 2020 election was rigged. We teach our children how to be and why it’s important to be good sports but that’s something that’s not in the Trump family code. I am just sick sick sick of that name. I only hope we can eventually straighten out the damage he has done to our great country. We don’t need him to make America Great again. America was great long before he came along. Most people don’t know he stole that line from Clinton. Bill used it in his campaign. Make America Great Again.

      • Mark Patton says

        All I see is wining in these comments. If you did 20 plus years or have a disability from service, I would say it’s deserved If you didn’t what $20, $30 or $120 to a person. Absolutely nothing in today economy. Quit trying to get the free handouts.

      • Chad says

        I’m sorry attack on our capital. Being you want to turn this into something political. You seem to do your research on Trump how about the numerous videos that showed White House police letting marchers in the door to then turn around and arrest them like they pushed they’re way in. Then cause the stampede that killed a women in the steps exiting the capital. I think any congressmen or politician for that matter should have to seve at minimum 2 years in a military branch before being elected.
        And atleast trump supported our Troops.
        But I absolutely agree that Costco is being cheap cheap cheap. They should offer a 20 yearly membership to vets.

    • Fran Devine Heidel says

      Sgt Joe Hill, I admire you so much. You were brave to sign up, brave in Nam and are still brave to suffer as you do. I must have taken a lot of humility to face anyone who was not receptive to you when you returned from Nam. I admire all of the Military, Active and Retired and, especially, those like you who are disabled. Why don’t we give more notice in this country to you guys who were forced to leave your good health and good conditions over in the war zone. They are coming out with lots of different holidays, some are confusing. We should do the same for our disabled Vets whose lives, like yours, is not the same since Viet Nam, Korea, Philippines, Europe, USA etc etc. God bless you. Please try your hardness to enjoy your life, if at all possible. We are proud of you and you must be very proud of yourself. You DID IT!!! For us….your Family, Friends, and Strangers. We love you, for YOU, and for what you rendered for us. God bless.

      • Ken bradshaw says

        Thanks Fran. Your words are seen from the big picture of life as a veteran sees it and has experienced. I am one of those veterans and suffer from military disability. It doesn’t heal our wounds but it does add a heap of appropriations just to know someone has the heart and courage to say the words and share from your heart your feelings and appreciation for the sacrifices we have made for our great country and all who live here and enjoy the freedom that we bought and paid for with all we had to give, “ ourselves” …..some of us came home to enjoy the freedom some wounded and some not wounded and some of us did not come home, god rest their soles ( RIP ) .

  9. Roger says

    Roger G. (Medically retired United States Army Master Sergeant)
    Come on Costco. You can do better than that. Offer our service members, active, retired veterans or disabled veterans, a 10 percent discount every time they shop or give them an annual membership at no cost to them. We’ve been members of Costco for over 20 years but I’m kind of leaning to what some of the other vets are stating. So, I might just check out Sam’s Club myself.
    Apparently, you don’t have any veterans on your staff because you wouldn’t have made some of these stupid remarks if you did. You’re going to shake up a lot of vets over this. you need to rethink your strategy.
    Have a wonderful day!

  10. Robert R Dickinson says

    The old Las Vegas, when run by mobsters, gave better discounts/comps. Will $20 buy a large pizza? Pathetic, Insulting and a slap in the face. If you’re going to do something, do it right or not at all.

  11. Craig Engdahl says

    Sorry if I am somewhat UNDERWHELMED. One time $20.00? Really? Retired Navy and a COSTCO member for over 25 years. Probably spend $300.00 – $500.00/month at COSTCO. Even Home Depot and Lowes give a 10% discount.

    • Sue says

      I agree….the upper crust needs to let go of some profits to the military. Who do you think has been protecting us. It sure isnt that dope in Washington.

    • Keith says

      Lowe’s no longer give the 10% discount on everything. Only select items, which excludes all appliances.

      • Angel D Escobales says

        I’m from CT and get 10% for everything in Lowes. Home Depot In my state only gives 10% on selected items.

      • John G Labie says

        There is No discount on Lowe’s lumber, that’s their main bread and butter., I bought a truck load of ceramic tile from them, then went in the hospital and it took months to get right with the world. When I finally was well enough I started opening the boxes and a vast number of the tiles had the corners broken off. Useless. Would they replace them? Of course not, the hospital took too long,
        “Thank a veteran” are only words, do something to help one once in a while. I served in the USN during Nam, I even married a Nam war protester. and preacher’s daughter. There are three sacrifices in a row.. 🙂

  12. Jon Bishop says

    POORLY THOUGHT OUT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT

    It use to be that customer loyalty and payment punctuality earned you good customer discounts. That has been relegated to faint memories and the modern approach is to use the one-time discount or benefit to get new customers, subscribers, members, etc.

    Costco’s new member military discount offer falls into the latter category and is a slap in the face to all the military veterans who may have been Costco members for years if not decades. Imagine how they might have appreciated that same expression of appreciation for their service to this nation, not to mention all those years of Costco shopping revenue.

    Somewhat less than respectfully,

    • Adrian Almodovar says

      Very disappointing to hear about Costco efforts in treating Veterans like they haven’t done enough for our country, I’m a veteran of 22 years active duty and also a Costco patron.

  13. Henry says

    … I don’t need Costco… or their $20 discount… their pandemic idiocy was enough for me…

    • Tom says

      They can put their face mast and along with the rest of the Democrats and put their store up where the sun don’t shine.

  14. Terry says

    It’s a one time $20 gift card. Not a $20 yearly membership fee. Quit whining about it it’s only $20

    • Chad says

      No but it’s tied to a membership. You must register for a membership to get the 20 card. So what’s your point. Still means the same damn. Cheap ass multi billion dollar company. You must be jealous all the veterans getting the attention.

  17. Al Battista says

    If I drop my existing membership, and let it lapse for several months, then rejoin, will I be eligible? When my wife passed recently, I lost her social security! That, along with Biden inflation, is a real problem for my household with a disabled son. Will Costco see the response of our veterans here so they might get a clue that this is n0t a service to veterans, but another scam and slap in the face for veterans?

  18. The NC Taxman says

    I misread this and thought Costco was allowing Veterans to buy an annual Costco Membership discounted to $20 – but alas, they merely give you a one time discount card of $20 but you still have to pay the full price for an annual membership.

    I will stick with the merchants who give me an automatic 10 – 20 percent discount without having to pay any annual membership fees. Most of the merchants allow me to show my VA medical card or a copy of my DD-214 and put it under my phone number in their system. I merely say I am a Vet and give them my phone number and the discount is applied at any of their stores!

    I stopped shopping at Sam’s Club and BJ’s when my kids left home and I no longer needed to buy large amounts of food, toilet paper, paper towels, cereal etc. Now it is just me and the wife and Walmart/Harris Teeter/Food Lion/Kroger fill the bill and the prices are reasonable. As to hardware/plants/yard stuff Lowes is my favorite and they have always given me my Veteran 10% discount without even asking (it is attached to my Lowe’s Credit Card)!

  19. al says

    THIS OFFER IS AN INSULT TO ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES.LOWES HAS HAD THE BEST DISCOUNT FOR YEARS. DOES HOME DEPOT HAVE A DISCOUT?

      • Dick says

        Home Depot Military Discount is only good for $400.00 savings annually. Once u hit the $400 savings point u are done for the year. Lowes, don’t play that game . no savings limit for veterans discount

        • Kevin Fitzpatrick says

          And I recently went to Home Depot the discount only applies to certain things I haven’t found one yet. I asked the Supervisor in Home Depot in Tampa Fl on Bruce B downs. I said that it didnt seem fair. I was told that sw hy you can go somewhere else if youre unhappy. Bye Home Depot !

      • John K says

        Yes, but lumber and building supplies are excluded from the discount. I just learned that last week when checking out. Loews’ continues to be better then Home Depot in many ways.
        And yes, COSTCO’s “discount” is an embarrassment.

      • james d priest says

        I spent hours trying to sign up for Homedepot military 10% discount…my husband served from 1968-1971…… is rated 100% permanently disabled……we are in our eighties…..we have the tan DoD card……..they make one jump through 48 hoops……almost a scam….Ilona Priest….James D Priest Major Med cor

    • Rex Painter says

      Yes, But store policy is less then clear and different employees implement it differently, even in same store. some of the lame excuses told to mr
      1). sorry, it is only good on holidays
      2) Sorry, NO we don’t Offer that anymore
      3) Sorry, NO it is only good for disabled vets, active duty, under VA medical care.
      Lowes appliers it fairly to all veterans.

  20. William Rowse says

    It sound like the same treatment we got when we came home from Nam.
    Very poor treatment for what we went thru it would be better to not give anything.
    We get better treatment from a small town company then big Corp.
    I have never been a member and never will be I will go to Sam’s

  23. Terry says

    Quite whining all you little girls. Even the Costco employees don’t get a discount. I served with pride including a year in Nam. I didn’t do it to get a discount from anybody or any place. I did it because my country ask me too.

    • Ryan McNamara says

      Well said I too didn’t join for the college money or any special recognition. I felt a calling to serve as both of my grandfather’s did as well as my step grandpa and uncle and and many cousins. All the little perks are nice and I know the companies are generally well meaning by doing it,. But I generally feel weird about going out and asking for these things.. I don’t like drawing attention to the fact that I’m a veteran because I don’t think I’m special because of it.

      • Just Me says

        I here you. I served for the two ancestors that were patriots in the Revolutionary War, as well as 2 in WWII, 3 in Nam and what the Declaration of Independence and Constitution represent.

      • James says

        Well you are “SPECIAL” less than 1/2% of this country serves since the all volunteer force was Institute.

      • peggie spinner love says

        lol lol lol not me i joined up for the GI Bill and all the perks because my father severed in WW2 and only used the housing Bennie. I knew going in if i stuck it out I’d get the college perks, housing perks and so much more. And, I did it. Even go married on my last year in. I served 5 years in Navy as Hospital CorpsWave but was able to function like a PA. I would’ve stayed in if the Navy buttheads hadn’t treated me and my husband like crap.

    • peggie spinner love says

      okay. but we didn’t get the thank you as we should’ve. so companies are offering discounts. is it fair not really. for home depot won’t even give a discount unless you were service connected and had proof. Lowes is the best. So for some reason Costco is wanting to give discounts sorta to newbie veterans. Hm. whatever. Who doesn’t like a discount?

  24. Jackie Pudvay says

    Good for Costco’s Military and Veterans especially the disabled Veterans need all the help they can get. I see the other comments and if they had to live on a disabled Veterans pay they may change their opinions. They should all give discounts to the military. You Go Costco I think it’s great 👍

  25. Nick says

    Some wet nose collage student that has no common sense probably came up with this scheme Costco im a disabled veteran. I’ve been a member of Costco for years not anymore. To me that’s discrimination. Like other members I will go to Sam’s club.

    • Pat says

      So you’re a disabled vet and resent your brothers getting help? We’re did you serve and for how long?

      • J says

        No, I believe he resents the fact that the discount applies to “NEW MEMBERS ONLY” Not exosting members that are veterans, or disabled veterans that have been memebera for years. Really sucks that this is ONLY FOR NEW MEMBERS. Like when you have been with Verizon for 20+ years, but only “New” clients get the discounts for switching, and existing gets nada.

  26. Paul Bergeron says

    This is just another example of using whichever group is “IN” at the moment. Next you know BLM members will be getting a kickback.

  28. James Plunk says

    Guess what Lowes has reduced the “military” discount. Now only some items are discounted, no lumber or appliances will be discounted.

      • Lee says

        The Home Depot 10% military discount has had non-discounted items for years, it’s not a new policy. Lowe’s policy is new though, they seem to be following in HD footsteps by limiting the items that get the 10%. Either way, I still appreciate that they recognize their service members.

    • Kenny says

      Yes that is correct. They are starting to follow in Home Depot’s steps. An employee at Lowe’s informed me that one of Lowe’s newest CO’S is a transplant from Home Depot, so there you go.

  29. Andy Olcese says

    Ditto to all comments stated…

    Thanks for the gesture but it falls short in substance as you can tell from the input… not totally thought thru .

    It sounds like a promotion ploy to gain new members while using Veterans as a gimmick rather than a realistic discount program.. We
    are loyal customers ….

    Consider another try to Rework. .
    Your veterans would appreciate it !!! We all seem to support another try to remain customers ..

    Also thanks for the solicitation of comments … sounds like the remarks encourage another run for this discount category…

  30. Ken says

    Nope. This is not good. COSTCO management should talk to a few active and retired SMs from all the services. This likely results from some wet behind the ears college graduate who pitched it to his boss – neither of them with a clue about the teamwork, sacrifice, and comradeship that is integral to military life. This is a sham and a shame. Attempts to increase your traffic using the military like this Sucks.

    • Ryan McNamara says

      I see your point and pretty much agree with what you are saying. After 9/11 so many companies started giving vet’s and military special discounts or deals just because it was the flavor of the day and if a company didn’t do it would likely hurt their brand. So I generally don’t take part in these business that are just doing it to look good. The companies that truly are pro veteran are also involved in so much more than a small discount or shitty free meal on veterans day. They have work programs to hire veterans and sponsor events for disabled veterans and families or are veteran owned. Otherwise it’s just lip service

  31. Norm Osborne says

    This is totally Absurd !!!!! Non members only is wrong, How can vendors like Lowes & Home Depot five a continuous 10% discount and you give a one time $20,00. I’m going to Sams Club

  32. Patsy Pankey says

    Are you kidding? What about existing members? We served and deserve everything that is thrown our way. I’ve been a loyal Costco member since it was Price Club. I think I deserve the discount.

    • Roberto Zamora says

      U. are 1,000 % correct, same with me, I live in Yuma AZ because that is were I work as a retired military. I have been driving for one hour each way to el Centro CA once a mo. but U. know no more. Costco does not believe in loyalty I will go to Sam’s from now on.
      LOYALTY it has always been a BIG thing to me every where.

  33. Larry says

    I may not renew my Costco membership and utilize Sam’s Club, only because I’m so insulated not to be included for a discount and yes $20 for a time of military service is very insulting and short sited!

  34. Zee says

    Costco, keep the $20: perhaps you need it more. Our veterans deserve your respect if not your discount. This veteran is done with you.

  35. Zee says

    Cosco keep the $20: perhaps you need it more. Our veterans deserve your respect if not your discount. This veteran is done with you.

  36. China says

    Why not just do 20% discount for all military? All the time. Old and new members we didn’t server and gave $20 worth or service!

  37. ERIC ESPINOZA says

    I agree with all of you! Another kicker is this benefit (ONLY FOR NEW MEMBERS) won’t be advertised, you gotta ask for it.

  38. Greg says

    Well I now have a reason to forego shopping at Costco. A shop card for new members? I guess loyalty is not a Costco thing.

  39. Hat old says

    We spend $400-$500 every time we go to Costco. $20 gift card—what an insult to all veterans!