Costco is one of the most popular chains in the United States, and it's known for offering products at good prices and in large quantities. Its membership-based model has attracted millions of people who trust its system. However, not everything is working as it should during these last few weeks.
Some of its customers have started experiencing problems with one of the services that until now seemed to work without issues. Costco gift cards, a very popular option both for gifting and for shopping without being a member, are generating multiple complaints. Disappearing balances, cards arriving with no funds, and poor customer service are causing growing discontent among users.
Costco experiences issues with both physical and digital gift cards
One of the most serious errors is with cards that, despite being purchased with a balance, show a zero balance. Some customers claim to have paid up to $500 for a card that, when they tried to use it, no longer had any funds. Although Costco has replaced some of these cards, the process isn't easy or quick.
Internet forums and social media are full of messages from affected users, explaining that after contacting customer service, they receive contradictory responses. Some employees acknowledge that the problem is known, while others blame the user and wash their hands of the matter. This lack of consistency has increased frustration.
In addition to the problem with balances, long wait times for receiving physical cards have also been reported, as revealed in The Street. Some users have had to wait several weeks without clear updates about their order. In an era when immediacy is expected, these delays have left many unable to use what they've already paid for.
Poor service and staff's lack of knowledge
Another focus of criticism is the lack of training among some Costco employees regarding how gift cards work. Some customers recount experiences in which cashiers didn't know how to process them, creating uncomfortable moments and even unprofessional attitudes. In one case shared by a user, the employee suggested that using the card was a way to "avoid paying the membership."
As for digital cards, the situation doesn't improve much either; some don't arrive by email or have technical issues that prevent their use. In several cases, customers have been forced to wait more than 24 hours with no guarantee that the system will work afterward. There have even been reports of failures when trying to use these cards at gas stations or food courts, where they're simply not accepted.
Although some users have found practical solutions, such as using the cards at self-checkout registers, the reality is that many others still don't have a clear answer from Costco. The company's silence, especially from its headquarters in the United States, has caused even more concern.