ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

Have you been debating a Costco membership ahead of the summer (especially as gas prices continue to rise)? Now is a good time to sign up: Costco is offering a deal where you can sign up for a Gold Star membership for $65 and get a $20 gift card to the wholesale retailer for free, essentially cutting the price of your membership to $45 for the year. If you sign up for an Executive membership for $130, you'll get a $40 gift card included.

The caveats: This deal is valid only for new members, and for those who have not been a Costco member (whether Primary, Household, or Affiliate) in the past 18 months. To get your gift card, you'll have to set up auto-renewal of your membership on a Visa credit or debit card or a Mastercard debit card when you sign up. (However, you can still cancel your membership before the year is up if you don't want to be charged full price the next year.)

I joined Costco with a deal like this on a Gold Star membership a few years ago, and I'm now a devotee with an Executive membership. Especially in this economic climate, buying in bulk for less and getting discounts on gas, prescriptions, and of course, the $1.50 hot dog and soda deal, is totally worth it.