Costco's $1.50 hot dog deal just got tastier for 2026
Get a free $20 Costco Shop Card with a one-year Gold Star membership with this deal.
If there's one deal that I consistently talk about it is the $1.50 hot dog deal at Costco. Seriously, a hot dog and fountain soda for $1.50 has always been an insane steal, but in 2025? Absolutely unheard of.
I grew up in a Costco household. As a family of six, my mom knew how to shop in bulk and on a budget at Costco. We'd leave that warehouse club with toilet paper, napkins, cans of Arizona iced tea, eggs and paper towels to last us months. My mom is the queen of efficiency so we'd also all get our eyes checked at the Costco optical center while she shopped. And we'd almost always stop for an affordable lunch on our way out.
That's why this week's holiday Savings Spotlight is focused on a Costco membership deal that includes a free $20 or $40 digital Shop Card to be used on your next bulk shopping trip. Below, check out the membership perks, the difference between the two Costco membership tiers what you get with this deal and more.
Savings Spotlight: Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + $20 Digital Costco Shop Card
What you get with a $65 Costco Gold Star Membership:
If you’re a casual shopper who visits Costco a few times a year, the Gold Star Membership might be the perfect fit. Priced at $65 annually, this entry-level membership gives individuals and families access to Costco’s wide selection of products and services, without the added cost of the Executive tier.
- Warehouse Access: Shop in-store at any Costco location.
- Costco Fuel Access: Save on gas at Costco’s fuel stations.
- Free Household Card: Share your membership with one other person in your household.
- Access to Costco Services:
- Auto and home insurance
- Costco Auto Program
- Pet insurance
- Bottled water delivery
Savings Spotlight: Costco 1-Year Executive Star Membership + $40 Digital Costco Shop Card
What you get with a $130 Costco Executive Membership:
If you’re a frequent Costco shopper who spends more than $3,000 annually, the Executive Membership could be a smart upgrade. Priced at $130 per year, this premium membership includes all the benefits of the Gold Star tier, plus a 2% annual reward on qualified purchases and access to exclusive discounts on select services.
- All Gold Star Benefits: Warehouse access, fuel savings, free household card, and access to Costco services.
- 2% Annual Reward: Earn up to $1,000 back per year on eligible purchases.
- Exclusive Discounts: Save more on select Costco services, including travel, insurance, and more.
- Free Household Card: Share your membership with someone in your household.
Does Costco still have the $1.50 hot dog deal?
The famous $1.50 Costco hot dog has been available in Costco food courts since 1984. The price has never increased and Costco’s CFO assured customers in 2024 that the price would not be impacted by inflation.
Can you shop at Costco without a membership?
Generally, no, you can't shop at Costco without a membership. You need a membership for full access to Costco’s products and services and you need to show your membership card as you enter a Costco warehouse club. But, there are a few exceptions:
- Pharmacy Access: Non-members can purchase prescriptions and receive immunizations at Costco pharmacies.
- Costco Shop Card: If you’re gifted a Costco Shop Card, you can use it to shop in-store without a membership.