Want Free Costco Swag? These 3 Hacks Actually Work!
If you love all things Costco, here’s some amazing news: The warehouse chain regularly gives away Costco merchandise to members! Reddit users recently teased some of the fantastic items they received at their local stores and now shoppers are wondering how they can score a freebie. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities for you to collect everything from branded blankets to tumblers. Find out everything you need to know about this complimentary Costco swag below, including what items are often given away and the best chances to grab yours.
What kind of swag can you get?
You already know how easy it is to score free food samples at your local Costco, but customers have walked away with free Costco swag too!
Each item proudly displays the Costco logo, making it easy for loyal fans to show off their warehouse club pride. You may be able to get apparel, travel gear and even home decor!
Here are some of the products customers have grabbed in the past:
- Luggage tags
- Insulated tumblers
- Snapback hats
- Blankets
- Water bottles
- Insulated cooler bags
- Tote bags
- Large shopping bags
- Pens
This rotation of giveaways often changes, so it’s common for shoppers to get a different freebie depending on the event or promotion.
When Costco gives out free merchandise
Though Costco loves treating customers to exclusive merch, the giveaways don’t happen on a regular basis. On average, each store will typically host anywhere from two to six promotions a year that include the freebies. These are often tied to holidays, a change of seasons or a new marketing campaign.
Also good to know: The swag is also only available for a limited time! You will have to collect yours within the promotion period (usually lasting anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks) or before supplies run out.
So how exactly do you score the goodies? Find out below!
3 easy ways to get free Costco swag
If you’re curious how you can get Costco swag at no cost, keep reading!
Apply for a credit card
Like other retailers, Costco offers its own credit card: the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi. Though you do need a current Costco membership to sign up, it has no annual fee and offers cash back on Costco purchases, gas, dining and travel purchases.
If you sign up during a special promotion, you’ll likely receive a freebie! This month, one Reddit user posted a photo of the 32-oz. Costco tumbler they got after signing up. In March, Costco was handing out blankets to new credit card holders.
Turn on auto renewal
Many people prefer to use auto renewal on memberships and subscriptions because it eliminates the stress of keeping track of expiration dates. Costco likes to make it even more enticing for shoppers by offering swag!
Earlier this year, a customer posted a photo on Reddit of the red and black baseball cap they got from their local store. “Just picked this up,” they wrote. “Heard about it from a friend of mine. Free if you enable auto-renewal on your membership. Good for new and existing members.”
Sign up for a membership
New members often receive a bonus digital shop card when they join, but if you’re lucky, you may get a merchandise freebie too. Sometimes the goodies are automatically gifted to you, and other times you can receive one if you specifically select auto renewal like the example mentioned above.
If you’re not in a rush to sign up for a membership, watch for advertised promotions that include giveaways before you decide to join!
Where to find free merchandise in stores
Costco loves to grab the attention of new and potential customers, so keep your eyes out for special freebie tables. These will usually be placed by the front of the store to catch the most foot traffic.
If you spot one, don’t be afraid to chat with the employee and get the scoop. Even if you aren’t interested or eligible for that specific promotion, they may still hand you some swag.
“They gave me the luggage tag just for walking up,” one shopper recently shared on Reddit.
Also smart: Consider asking the front desk directly. There may be a freebie that isn’t heavily advertised!
“Just ask at the help desk,” one shopper advised. “They’re only too happy for you to help them with some free marketing.”
With these tips and tricks, you may be able to walk away with some great swag during your next Costco shopping trip!
Copyright 2026 A360 Media
This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 2:32 PM.