Costco Has A Special Reward For Members Who Reach 40 Years, According To Redditors

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Thanks to price cuts, a bustling food court, and the abundance of sought-after viral goods, 2026 is an excellent time to get a Costco membership. However, the chain has shown dogged commitment to its members since opening its first location for the public in 1983, listing "Take care of our members" within its code of ethics (via Costco). According to Reddit, the chain also honors people who've been long-standing Costco members with special recognition. The post was accompanied by an image of gold Costco cards with a 40+ Year Member emblem on the bottom right corner. The Redditor explained, "I took my parents out to visit our local Costco ...Then I noticed they had whipped out these gold bad boys." 

While we couldn't track down an official statement from the store, it appears the 40+ cards are well-known among some shoppers. The Costco Uncensored group on Facebook also featured a discussion of the mysterious 40+ Year Member cards, with a few commenters sharing images of their own. Along with Gold cards, Costco Executive Members (who get an annual cashback reward when a certain spending limit is met) receive special black cards with the 40+ mark. As for the perks of a lengthy Costco membership, one Facebook commenter joked, "You get a free session in the massage chair and half a taquito!"

If you've ever marveled at Costco's low prices, you have its unique shopping concept to thank. The store makes most of its money through memberships, which lets it set prices lower than your typical grocery chain. As for costs, Costco's Gold Star membership will run you $65 per year, while the Executive card comes with a $130 annual fee. These yearly expenses pay for themselves quickly, especially with the savings of buying groceries in bulk (provided you make smart purchases). Also, Costco offers things like low-cost gas, online savings, and discounted gift cards to stretch your membership even further. 

As for securing your own 40+ year card, members who signed up with Costco in 1986 will be eligible this year. For everyone else, the only thing you can do is maintain your membership for as long as possible. Along with paying the annual fee, you should avoid behaviors that may get your membership revoked. The store has rules and conditions it expects customers to follow, and despite the exceedingly flexible return policy, Costco may cancel your membership if you return too many items or seek refunds fraudulently.