Costco to Issue Refunds for Synergy Gift Card Program Closure

Synergy Gift Card Network shutters after 19 years, leaving Costco customers with unused balances.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Synergy Gift Card Network, a program that sold gift cards at Costco Wholesale stores, has ceased operations after 19 years. Costco is now offering refunds to customers who purchased Synergy gift cards between October 27, 2025 and January 26, 2026 and were unable to use the remaining card balance.

Why it matters

The closure of the Synergy Gift Card Network program impacts Costco customers who had purchased and were relying on these gift cards. Costco is taking steps to mitigate the inconvenience by offering refunds, but the program's shutdown highlights the risks consumers face when third-party gift card programs unexpectedly shut down.

The details

Synergy World, the company behind the Synergy Gift Card Network, announced it was discontinuing the program effective January 31, 2026 after nearly two decades of service. Costco, which sold the Synergy gift cards, is now allowing customers who purchased cards between October 27, 2025 and January 26, 2026 to get refunds if they were unable to use the remaining balances.

  • Synergy Gift Card Network ceased operations on January 31, 2026.
  • Costco is offering refunds for Synergy gift cards purchased between October 27, 2025 and January 26, 2026.

The players

Synergy World

The company behind the Synergy Gift Card Network program that sold gift cards at Costco stores.

Costco Wholesale

The retail warehouse club that sold Synergy gift cards and is now offering refunds to customers with unused balances.

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What they’re saying

“It is with a heavy heart that Synergy World has made the difficult decision to discontinue the Synergy Restaurant Gift Card Program.”

— Synergy World (fox40.com)

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

— Costco (fox40.com)

What’s next

Costco customers who purchased Synergy gift cards between October 27, 2025 and January 26, 2026 and were unable to use the remaining balance can visit their local Costco store to request a refund.

The takeaway

The closure of the Synergy Gift Card Network program at Costco highlights the importance for consumers to be cautious when purchasing third-party gift cards, as unexpected program shutdowns can leave them with unusable balances. Costco's decision to offer refunds is a positive step, but the incident underscores the need for greater transparency and consumer protections around gift card programs.