If you missed the chance to sign up for a new membership just before Costco Canada raised prices last year, worry not: the chain is offering a sweet new deal.

On September 1, 2024, Costco raised its annual membership fees for the first time in years. The Gold Star membership increased from $60 to $65 per year, and the higher-tier Executive membership jumped from $120 to $130 annually.

But now, the retailer is offering a sweet membership deal that'll save you some money.

The website reads, "Now is the best time to become a member. At Costco, it's all about quality you can see and feel, brands you know and love, and services you can trust."

This offer is for new members or memberships that have been expired for 18 months or more.

Until February 2, 2025, if you sign up as an Executive member online using the promo code COSTCO130, you'll receive a $130 voucher, valid for us on a $250 purchase on Costco.ca.

For Gold Star members, the voucher is worth $65, which can be applied to a $150 purchase on the big box store's website. The promo code for this one is COSTCO65.

You'll also get a free Household card with these memberships for the primary and affiliate members.

After completing the signup process, you'll receive your voucher by email within two to four business days.

Remember that it can only be used online and not at physical Costco locations. It is valid until March 2, 2025.

Once you receive your membership number, head to the membership counter at your nearest Costco location. You can show the staff the email to pick up your membership cards.

Costco's online store troubles

Costco Canada has been in the news lately for its online store.

A proposed lawsuit filed by Quebec-based law firm Perrier Attorneys alleges that the retail giant charged Canadian customers more for online products than those sold in stores. This practice, called "double ticketing," violates section 54 of the Competition Act.

Ibrahim El Bechara brought the lawsuit forward, and it is pending authorization.

According to the court documents (in French), on July 10, 2024, Bechara purchased a blender online for $84.99. He then noticed that the same blender was being sold at a Costco store for $79.99, $5 less than he paid online.

In October and November, Bechara purchased other items from the website, including four pairs of wool-blend socks, a vacuum sealer, and food storage containers. Each item was sold for $4, $9, and $10 less at a Costco store. However, upon checkout, the website stated that shipping and handling totalled $0.

The lawsuit argues that these are "false and misleading."

You can check online to see if you're an eligible class member and keep up with the case proceedings.

With files from Simran Singh and Irish Mae Silvestre