Costco’s Black Friday sale starts today! Here’s how to score $45 to shop there for the holidays

Costco kicked off its Black Friday sale today, and the first week of deals are now live online and in stores.

But in order to shop these big holiday discounts, you’ll need to be a Costco member. Luckily, Costco is offering a huge membership deal that will give you some extra spending money for the holidays.

Costco is giving away free $45 gift cards with a new Gold or Executive annual membership in a new deal that comes just in time for the holiday shopping season. The gift cards can be used online or in stores on your next shopping trip to stock up on gifts, holiday treats, or a little something for yourself.

Whatever way you decide to spend your free $45 at Costco, your new membership will also score you perks all year. You’ll have access to all of Costco’s giant holiday discounts as well as exclusive sales all throughout the year.

With a Gold membership, you’ll also be able to shop at any Costco warehouse store and online. You’ll receive an additional membership card and Costco’s 100% guarantee promise, so you’ll never be disappointed with your purchase.

Get a Gold membership for $65 a year, plus a $45 gift card.

Costco also has an Executive membership that will snag you this $45 gift card deal as a new member. Executive members are privy to even more benefits, including 2% cash back on qualifying purchases and savings on Costco services, such as travel, pharmacy, optical, tire installation, and more.

Get an Executive membership for $130 a year, plus a $45 gift card.

A Gold or Executive membership will allow you to shop during Costco’s holiday savings, including Black Friday. These exclusive deals will run all through Dec. 1, with new markdowns dropping every week leading up to Black Friday on Nov. 29. Even more price drops will launch online for Cyber Monday (Dec. 2).

Both membership deals are only available online new members, or those who have not had an active membership in at least 18 months. Memberships need to be redeemed by Jan. 31. The $45 Costco gift card will be emailed within two weeks of redeeming your membership. After the one-year promotion period, memberships will be automatically renewed at the regular yearly rate unless canceled first.