Over the years, I’ve bought dozens of airline gift cards, for myself, for family, and even as a workaround for travel budgeting. One option that keeps coming up among savvy travelers is buying United Airlines gift cards at Costco. It sounds smart: discounted travel credit from a major airline, sold through one of the most trusted wholesale retailers.
I’ve booked hundreds of flights with United Airlines, across domestic hubs, transatlantic routes, and partner codeshares. And in recent years, I’ve noticed more travelers asking: “Is buying a United Airlines gift card from Costco worth it?”
But is it still possible in 2025? If you shop at Costco often, you already know they sometimes offer discounted travel gift cards. But when it comes to United Airlines, the value proposition isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.
In this article, I’ll break down exactly how these Costco-issued United gift cards work, whether they offer any real value, and how to use them correctly, backed by personal experience and verified airline policies.
What Is a United Airlines Gift Card from Costco?
A United Airlines gift card from Costco is a prepaid digital or physical card that allows you to pay for eligible travel bookings through United’s website or app. The format typically varies,Costco has offered both physical card bundles and email-delivered e-gift cards, depending on stock availability and season.
Unlike third-party vouchers or credits, these cards are treated the same as those sold directly by United. That means the redemption options and limitations are identical. But what often draws attention is the pricing structure, which Costco occasionally sweetens with small percentage discounts.
From my own purchases, I’ve seen a $500 United gift card offered at $449.99, and $100 cards available in two-packs for $189.99. These aren’t regular discounts, you’ll typically find them during special promotions or around major holidays.
Can You Buy United Airlines Gift Cards at Costco in 2025?
As of 2025, Costco does not currently sell United Airlines gift cards online or in-store. This wasn’t always the case. A few years ago, Costco intermittently offered discounted United gift cards in $500 denominations for around $449.99, typically during limited-time promotions, especially during holiday or seasonal travel periods.
However, as of this year, United gift cards are not listed in Costco’s current gift card catalog (online or warehouse). I’ve personally checked several stores and spoken with membership services, and the response has been consistent: United Airlines is no longer part of Costco’s active travel gift card inventory.
Instead, Costco Travel focuses on selling complete travel packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises, through its own booking portal, where flights are typically bundled rather than sold à la carte.
Where Can You Buy United Airlines Gift Cards?
While Costco may not be offering them right now, United gift cards are still very much available through other channels. Here’s where I usually find them:
- United.com: The official place to buy United Airlines gift cards, in denominations from $25 to $1,000. Delivered digitally or physically.
- Gift card marketplaces: Sites like Raise.com, GiftCards.com, and sometimes Amazon list United gift cards, occasionally at a discount (2–5% off), depending on seller availability.
- Corporate or rewards programs: Some credit card point portals and employee reward platforms let you redeem points for United gift cards.
If your goal is saving money, your best bet is watching for promotional discounts on United.com or third-party platforms, especially during holidays or airline sales events.
How Much Do United Airlines Gift Cards at Costco Cost?
Costco doesn’t sell United gift cards year-round. But when they do, pricing usually includes:
- $500 card for $449.99 (10% off)
- Two $100 cards for $189.99 (5% off)
- Four $25 cards for $94.99 (5% off)
The discount varies depending on the offer, but even a 5–10% margin on an airline like United can be meaningful, especially if you’re booking international travel or premium economy.
You can typically buy up to five card packs per transaction, depending on availability. But quantities may be limited, especially online.
How to Redeem a United Airlines Gift Card
Redeeming a United gift card, regardless of whether it was purchased from Costco or directly from the airline,is a straightforward process. I’ve used them on both domestic and international routes without issue. Here’s how it works:
- Go to United.com or use the United app.
- Search for your flight and proceed to checkout.
- On the payment screen, choose “United Gift Card” as your payment method.
- Enter your 16-digit card number and 8-digit PIN.
United allows you to combine up to 4 gift cards per booking, which is a key advantage over some airlines that limit you to one card.
You can use the card to pay for:
- Base fare
- Government taxes and airport fees
- Baggage fees during booking
- Preferred seating and seat selection
- MileagePlus upgrade eligibility charges (if offered at checkout)
Can You Use United Gift Cards on Costco Travel Bookings?
This is a critical point. The answer is no, you cannot use United gift cards to book airfare through CostcoTravel.com.
Costco Travel sells complete vacation packages, and while United flights may be part of those packages, the transaction is processed through Costco’s travel partners, not United Airlines directly. This means your United gift card won’t be recognized as valid payment on Costco’s platform.
If you want to use a gift card, your only option is to book directly with United via United.com or through their app.
What About Costco Travel Credits or Airline Discounts?
While Costco no longer sells United gift cards, they occasionally offer exclusive flight discounts or package upgrades on United-inclusive itineraries, especially for Hawaii, Mexico, and select U.S. destinations.
However, these are typically pre-negotiated rates, not gift card purchases. You can’t apply United flight credits or eCredits to a Costco package either, as all payments go through Costco’s internal system.
What Can United Airlines Gift Cards Be Used For?
Gift cards can be applied to:
- United-operated flight tickets
- Taxes and fees related to those tickets
- Seat upgrades or baggage if added during the booking
- United Economy Plus and preferred seating (if selected at checkout)
You cannot use gift cards for:
- MileagePlus award fees
- In-flight purchases
- Post-booking changes or add-ons
- Travel booked through partner airlines or travel agencies
If you plan to make changes or add baggage after booking, you’ll need to pay those additional charges separately with a card.
Is It Still Worth Looking for United Gift Cards at Costco?
If you’re specifically looking to save on United flights, the answer is: not at Costco in 2025. The days of consistent, discounted United gift card deals at warehouse clubs seem to be over, at least for now.
That said, I always advise travelers to check:
- The Costco Member-Only Hot Buys section during major travel seasons.
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday gift card bundles.
- In-store gift card kiosks around the holidays, just in case a limited run pops up.
Otherwise, your best shot at scoring United credit at a discount is via reputable digital resale platforms or by cashing in loyalty points for gift cards via credit card portals.
My Recommendation for United Travelers
If you fly United regularly, a gift card still offers value, especially if you’re planning a future trip and want to set aside funds. Just be sure to:
- Buy directly from United.com or a verified platform.
- Register your gift card or save the digital file in multiple places, there’s no reissue if you lose it.
- Use it only on United-operated flights booked directly through their website.
If you’re hoping to combine Costco savings with United Airlines, your best route is to book United flights through Costco Travel packages, but pay with a credit card, not a gift card.
Can You Use United Gift Cards for Someone Else?
Yes, absolutely. United gift cards are transferable. I’ve given them as gifts before, and the recipient had no issue using it for their own booking, even though the card was purchased under my name.
There’s no need for the booking passenger’s name to match the cardholder. As long as the gift card number and PIN are valid, the traveler can use it at checkout without restrictions.
That makes United gift cards a practical gift for birthdays, graduations, or company incentives, especially for frequent flyers or business travelers.
What Happens If You Cancel a Flight Paid with a United Gift Card?
This part matters, especially if your plans are flexible.
If you cancel a flight that was paid, fully or partially, with a gift card, the refund portion linked to that gift card will be returned as United travel credit, not back to the gift card itself. That travel credit:
- Is non-transferable
- Must be used within 12 months
- Can only be used by the original passenger
This refund process removes the flexibility that gift cards offer. For that reason, I recommend only using a gift card if your travel dates are fairly certain, or you’re comfortable managing a future flight credit.
What Are the Terms and Conditions for United Gift Cards?
The terms of use for United gift cards are fairly transparent. But there are a few clauses worth noting, especially if you buy them through Costco:
- Expiration Date: United gift cards never expire.
- Refunds: All gift cards are non-refundable, even if unused.
- Transferability: Cards are transferrable, no need for name matching.
- Loss/Theft: If the card is lost or the code is compromised, there is no replacement. Treat it like cash.
- Currency: All cards are issued in USD and valid only on United States-based bookings.
If you return a ticket that was purchased with a gift card, United issues the refund back to a travel credit, not the original card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy United Airlines gift cards at Costco in 2025?
No. As of 2025, Costco does not sell United Airlines gift cards online or in-store. United gift cards are only available directly through United.com or authorized third-party retailers.
Can I use a United Airlines gift card on Costco Travel?
No. United gift cards cannot be used on CostcoTravel.com. Costco processes vacation bookings through its own system, and airline gift cards are not accepted for payment.
Where can I buy United Airlines gift cards?
You can buy United Airlines gift cards from:
- United.com (official website)
- Amazon, GiftCards.com, or Raise.com
- Certain rewards programs or corporate gift portals
They are not currently available at Costco.
What United Travelers Should Know in 2025
United Airlines gift cards are still a valuable tool, just not through Costco. If you’re flying United and want to lock in credit or gift a ticket, buying directly through United.com is your safest option. Cards never expire, can be used flexibly across multiple services, and are easy to apply at checkout.
Costco, meanwhile, remains a good source for full-package travel deals, but you’ll need to use standard payment methods and cannot apply airline-specific gift cards to those transactions.
I’ll keep watching for any return of United gift card promotions through Costco, but for now, treat it as a no-go, and buy your airline credit where it’s officially supported.
Do United Airlines gift cards expire?
No. United gift cards do not expire and do not carry service or maintenance fees. You can hold and use them at any time for future travel.
How many United gift cards can I use per booking?
You can apply up to 4 United gift cards per transaction when booking directly on United.com. Additional payment can be made with a credit card if needed.
Can I use a United gift card for baggage or seat upgrades?
Yes, as long as these services are purchased during the original flight booking. Gift cards cannot be applied to post-booking purchases or MileagePlus award bookings.
Are United Airlines gift cards refundable?
No. United gift cards are non-refundable and non-redeemable for cash, except where required by law.