Let’s be honest — teachers deserve way more appreciation than they usually get. They’re the ones shaping future doctors, engineers, writers, and leaders, all while managing packed classrooms, long hours, and limited resources. It’s only fair for companies to step up and offer them some well-deserved perks.
Luckily, many brands have started doing exactly that — including Costco.
While Costco might not have a year-round teacher discount at the checkout counter like some stores, they do have a pretty great membership offer for teachers that can lead to some serious savings.
Does Costco Have a Teacher Discount?
Not in the traditional sense, no.
You won’t get a percentage off your bill at the register just for being a teacher. But Costco does offer teachers a special deal when they sign up for a new membership online through their teacher program.
Here’s how it works:
New Executive Members get a $120 Digital Costco Shop Card.
New Gold Star Members get a $60 Digital Costco Shop Card.
It’s basically free Costco money you can use on anything in the store — from groceries and electronics to classroom supplies or even bulk snacks for your students (or yourself… no judgment).
But keep in mind — this is a one-time offer for new members only. You need to sign up online through Costco’s specific link for teachers, verify your employment status, and activate your membership to get the card.
Why Costco’s Offer Actually Makes Sense for Teachers
Let’s face it — being a teacher is expensive. Between classroom decorations, supplies, books, and sometimes even snacks for kids, the costs add up fast.
So having a Costco membership on top of the digital Shop Card is honestly a smart move. Costco is known for offering quality products at discounted prices, which means over time, you’ll likely save way more than the cost of the membership.
And Costco even says that most members end up making their membership fee back pretty quickly because of their everyday low prices — especially on essentials like food, cleaning products, and office supplies.
Read Also: Costco Employee Benefits & Job Perks
Who Qualifies for the Costco Teacher Offer?
Costco’s teacher program isn’t limited to just school teachers. If you work in education in almost any capacity, you might be eligible.
Here’s a quick breakdown of who can qualify:
- Licensed teachers (K-12)
- Teacher’s assistants and aides
- Certified teaching assistants
- Lifetime teaching certificate holders
- College or university professors
- Speech-language pathologists
- School administrators
To claim the Shop Card, you’ll need to verify your status online during the membership signup process.
How Many People Can I Add to My Membership?
Costco lets you add one free household member (age 16+) to your Gold Star or Executive Membership — perfect for a spouse, partner, or family member living at the same address.
If you’re signing up for a Business Membership, you can add even more people for an additional fee.
What is a Business Membership at Costco?
A Business Membership is designed for people who want to shop for their business or even buy products for resale.
The membership costs the same as a Gold Star Membership, but you’ll need to provide some form of business ID (like a license or tax document) when signing up.
It also comes with one free household card and access to Costco’s global locations.
Read Also: Apple Employee Discount: Complete Guide
Other Discounts Costco Offers (Including for Students)
Teachers aren’t the only ones who can score deals at Costco.
- If you’re a student currently enrolled at a Title IV U.S. college or university, you can qualify for Costco’s student discount offer.
- It’s pretty similar to the teacher deal:
- Gold Star Student Membership = $10 Costco Shop Card
- Executive Student Membership = $20 Costco Shop Card
You’ll need to verify your student status online and sign up through their special student page.
Additionally, Costco sometimes offers exclusive events, workshops, and special savings opportunities for educators. It’s always worth checking their website or asking at your local warehouse for any current deals.
Final Thoughts
While Costco doesn’t offer a traditional, everyday teacher discount at checkout, their new member deal is still a pretty solid way for educators to save money — especially when combined with their everyday low prices.
Getting a Digital Shop Card just for signing up as a new member feels like a nice “thank you” for all the hard work teachers do. Plus, the savings can really add up over time — whether you’re shopping for home, your classroom, or your side hustle.
If you’re a teacher looking to cut costs without cutting quality, Costco might just be worth adding to your budget-friendly toolkit.
