For years, Costco gift cards have been presented as a highly attractive alternative for those who wanted to access the benefits of the wholesale club without paying the annual membership fee. For many customers, these cards represented a convenient and flexible solution both for gifting and for making personal purchases.
However, in recent weeks, an unexpected problem has shaken buyers' trust. Numerous users have begun to report that the balance on their cards disappears without any explanation, which has sparked concern and frustration within the customer community.
The problem with Costco gift cards
The so-called Costco Shop Cards have been a useful tool for both members and non-members. These cards allowed purchases in physical stores and were seen as a simple way to access the club's exclusive products. But recent reports show a much less favorable reality.
The main issue is the disappearance of the balance without any apparent cause. Some users claim to have loaded significant amounts, but when they try to pay in-store, they find that the balance shows zero. This has resulted in financial losses and distrust toward the system.
Another problem mentioned is the delivery of physical cards that arrive with a $0 balance. Customers expected to receive a card already loaded with the purchased value, but in many cases, this doesn't happen. Added to this is the difficulty of receiving a clear response or a quick solution from the company.
In addition, several buyers highlight the long wait times to receive physical cards. Sometimes, several weeks pass before they reach their final destination, which creates an impractical and disappointing experience for those who expected immediate use.
Stories of affected users
The complaints have resonated widely in forums like Reddit, where threads with dozens of testimonies have been opened. A user identified as JustBumbling77 reported that after buying a $500 card, when trying to use it in the store, he was told it was empty. According to him, there was no possibility that someone else had gained access.
Another testimony, published by TitusMilo, points directly to Costco's responsibility. In his words, "it seems like a Costco problem that they need to solve as soon as possible." The difficulty disputing the charge makes the situation even worse.
Meanwhile, JunzHefen stated that he had used his card only once, but when he checked the balance online two weeks later, it showed empty. Stories like these are repeated in multiple cases, which reinforces the perception that this is a widespread problem and not just a few isolated incidents.
How is the situation being handled?
According to the testimonies, Costco is aware of the problems, although its response has been inconsistent. Some customers claim to have received a replacement card with the balance restored, while others state that the company told them it was a personal security issue.
What is most concerning is the lack of a clear official stance. Canadian Broadcasting tried to obtain comments from the company, but Costco did not issue any response. This absence of official communication has only increased the frustration among those affected.
Meanwhile, the gift cards, which were once seen as a practical solution, have become a source of uncertainty. For many, trust in this product has been damaged and Costco's reputation is in question.