Introduction to the Costco Affiliate Program
Costco is known for offering bulk deals, affordable essentials, and surprise finds, from everyday groceries to high-end electronics. But did you know you can actually make money by recommending Costco to others? If you’re a blogger, influencer, or someone looking to earn passive income, you might be wondering: Does Costco have an affiliate program? And if so, is it a good opportunity in 2025?
Does Costco Have an Affiliate Program?
Yes, but it’s a little different from typical retail affiliate programs. Instead of offering commissions on products, Costco partners with a third-party network (CJ Affiliate, formerly known as Commission Junction) to promote Costco membership sign-ups. This means you won’t earn commissions when someone buys a TV, groceries, or a 6-pack of socks. Instead, you earn a one-time payment when someone signs up for a new Costco membership through your referral link.
How the Costco Affiliate Program Works
Here’s how the program functions:
- Affiliate Network: CJ Affiliate (https://www.cj.com)
- What You Promote: Costco Gold Star and Executive Memberships
- What You Earn: A one-time commission for each new membership sign-up
- Who Can Apply: Bloggers, influencers, publishers, and digital marketers with an approved platform
Once you’re approved through CJ Affiliate, you’ll get access to Costco’s current promotional links and banners. These usually include special membership deals that you can share with your audience. If someone signs up through your link, you earn a commission.
How Much Can You Earn?
Costco doesn’t publish exact payout amounts publicly, but based on past offers shared by affiliates, commissions typically range between:
- $5 to $12 per new membership sign-up
Keep in mind, this is a flat, one-time payout, you won’t earn recurring commissions or receive a percentage of ongoing member purchases.
Pros and Cons of the Costco Affiliate Program
| The pros and cons of the program are: | Feature | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | ✔ Recognizable Brand: Costco is widely trusted and easy to promote. ✔ High Conversion Potential: Membership promos often include free gift cards or coupons, making it appealing to sign up. ✔ Simple Focus: You’re only promoting memberships, not hundreds of individual products. |
|
| Cons | ✖ Limited Earnings: No commissions on Costco product sales or renewals. ✖ Flat Rate Payouts: No recurring income or commission tiers. ✖ U.S.-Focused: Most offers are available to U.S. audiences only. |
Tips for Success
Want to get the most out of the program? Try these approaches:
- Comparison Articles: Compare Costco to other membership clubs like Sam’s Club or BJ’s to help readers decide.
- Costco Membership Guides: Write detailed posts explaining the benefits of each membership level and what’s included.
- Promo-Driven Content: Keep an eye on Costco’s seasonal promos through CJ Affiliate and write posts around those limited-time deals.
- Use SEO-Friendly Keywords: Target search phrases like “Costco membership deal 2025” or “how to save money at Costco.”
- Add to Newsletters or Deal Roundups: If you have an email list or run a savings blog, a Costco membership offer can be a nice addition to your regular content.
Who Should Join the Costco Affiliate Program?
The program is best suited for:
- Finance and budgeting bloggers
- Deal and coupon sites
- Lifestyle influencers with a family or savings focus
- YouTubers or creators who review memberships, clubs, or shopping hacks
If your audience is already interested in smart spending or family budgeting, this can be an easy addition to your affiliate strategy.
How to Join the Costco Affiliate Program
To get started:
- Sign up for a free CJ Affiliate account (https://www.cj.com/join)
- Search for Costco in the advertiser directory
- Apply to the program and wait for approval
- Once approved, you’ll receive custom tracking links and banners
- Start promoting to your audience via blog posts, emails, or social media
Be sure to follow Costco’s branding and promotion guidelines to remain in good standing.
Final Thoughts: Is the Costco Affiliate Program Worth It?
The Costco Affiliate Program is a simple, low-maintenance way to earn a bit of extra income, especially if your audience is interested in saving money or making smart shopping choices. It’s not a high-earning program, and you won’t make commissions on Costco’s popular products. But if you regularly promote membership-based services or you’re already writing about budget-friendly living, it’s a solid program to explore. Think of it as a complement to your affiliate marketing strategy rather than a primary income stream.
FAQs About the Costco Affiliate Program
- Does Costco pay affiliates for product sales?: No. The program only pays commissions for new member sign-ups, not individual product sales.
- Where can I apply for the Costco Affiliate Program?: You can apply through CJ Affiliate (https://www.cj.com).
- How much can I earn per referral?: Typically between $5 and $12 per new sign-up, depending on the current offer.
- Is this program open to international affiliates?: Most Costco affiliate offers are limited to the U.S., so it may not be ideal for international publishers.
- Can I promote Costco products on Amazon instead?: Yes, you can promote Costco products sold through Amazon if you’re part of the Amazon Associates program. However, that’s separate from Costco’s own affiliate effort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Costco Affiliate Program is a great opportunity for those who want to earn some extra income by promoting Costco memberships. While it may not be the most lucrative program, it is a simple and low-maintenance way to earn money, especially for those who already have an audience interested in saving money or making smart shopping choices. With its recognizable brand, high conversion potential, and simple focus, the Costco Affiliate Program is definitely worth considering for those who want to explore affiliate marketing.