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Costco Is Recognizing 40-Year Members for the First Time Ever - Here’s What You Could Receive

Four decades of shopping the warehouse club entitle customers to these special perks.

By Erica Loop , Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Oct. 14, 2026

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Break out the confetti and snag one of the warehouse club's iconic sheet cakes. Your Costco membership just hit the big 4-0, and it's time to celebrate.

Even though the store won't throw a party in your honor, customers report a perk that might make it easier (or at least more fun) to get more out of your Costco membership.

What happens after 40 years of paying the annual fee? Keep reading to find out the memorable way the chain will mark this very special occasion and how, after four decades of shopping, you can still save money on bulk buys, the hottest brand names, and more.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

What do members get at Costco after 40 years?

Congratulations, you've reached the four-decade mark as a warehouse club shopper. How will Costco celebrate this momentous occasion? Don't expect a party or fanfare when you walk in the door. But you will get something special in the mail.

Gold Star members receive a shiny gold card that reads "40+ Year Member." Executive members get a sophisticated, sleek black card that also says "40+ Year Member." And if your new card isn't exciting enough, there's more. Costco customers also report getting a signed "thank you" letter from the chain's CEO, Ron Vachris.

One 40-year Costco member got another surprise. Redditor Vampire_Slayer2000 explained, "We got ours last week. And they put your original photo on the back." And really, who doesn't want to look 40 years younger?

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Why is 40 years a Costco milestone?

The real question you may have is, "Why does Costco celebrate 40 years?" After all, 10-, 25-, or 50-year anniversaries seem like better milestones to observe. And that leaves many members questioning the four-decade celebration. In a recent Reddit post, one warehouse club customer mused, "I've been a member 25 years and all I got was a fancy seal on the app," and another added, "You think we deserve like a silver card or something."

If you're not sure why you have to wait for your 40th Costco-versary to get a fancy card, here's the most plausible answer. Even though Costco hasn't officially stated why it focuses on 40-year memberships, it could have something to do with when the store first opened its doors: September 15, 1983 (in Seattle, Washington). That makes the 40+ club the longest-standing group of Costco members in the retailer's history.

Is the annual membership fee worth it?

Does the annual membership fee pay off over the course of four decades? The answer to this question depends on several factors. To start with, the membership fee hasn't remained constant over the past 43 years. Back in 1983, new members paid $25 per year. By 2017, the annual expense increased to $60 for a Gold Star membership and $120 for an Executive membership. The club raised rates again in 2024, bringing the total to $65 for Gold Star customers and $130 for Executives.

Even though you'll now pay either $65 or $130 per year, the added cost is often worth it. Larger families that can take advantage of bulk-buy deals, seniors who live on a fixed income and prefer to stock up on non-perishable products (like toilet paper and paper towels), and anyone looking to snag the occasional brand-name buy at a lower price can score serious savings at the warehouse club.

Does the 40+ membership card include other benefits?

Sadly, the shiny new gold or black card does not grant 40+ year members any additional benefits. You won't get special discounts, a 40+ entrance, access to exclusive deals, a percentage off your purchase, or secret menu items at the Food Court. But that doesn't mean you can't continue to save.

Along with lower prices per piece or per quantity on bulk buys (compared to what you could pay at specialty stores or your local grocery store), Costco also offers a wide variety of money-saving benefits for all customers. These include, but aren't limited to, discounts on gas, travel, prescriptions, eyeglasses, hearing aids, tires, checks, home remodeling, car rentals, heating and cooling systems, garage doors, flooring, and insurance.

Should you renew your Costco membership?

You've made it to 40 or more years. Now that it's time to renew, you're not sure if you want to continue paying the annual fee. Before you take a break from this retailer, consider how much you could spend or save elsewhere.

Sam's Club and BJ's are Costco's main competitors. While the three warehouse chains use a similar bulk-buy and generic private label model, Sam's is slightly less expensive per year. As of 2026, the annual membership fee is $60 for the Club level and $120 for the Plus level. BJ's charges the same annual fees as Sam's Club ($60 for the BJ's Club Membership and $120 for the BJ's Club+ Membership).

Yes, the annual fee is slightly higher at Costco. But you also need to compare the per-item cost. Check recent prices at all three retailers to estimate your total savings.

Bottom line

As the saying goes, "Good things come to those who wait." And if you can wait 40 years, Costco will reward you with a special membership card and a note from the CEO. Of course, the real payoff is the money you'll save on everything from baking basics to smart TVs.

While the retailer doesn't offer special discounts for loyal long-term shoppers, we've got you covered with a few ways to keep more cash in your wallet. Swap brand-name items for Costco's Kirkland Signature generics, only choose bulk buys you can reasonably use, and download the store's app to find exclusive online-only deals, browse prices, and track your spending.

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