Shopping at Costco without a membership card can be done only in specific situations for the most part. These situations include shopping online, purchasing alcohol, prescriptions, and other items if you have a Costco Shop Card that is bought by a member. Non-members who shop online are charged an additional 5% surcharge.

Knowing how you can shop at Costco without having a membership depends on how much time you want to spend and what you may be shopping for. Read on to learn how you can shop at Costco without a membership and other details you may want to discover.

Ways To Shop At Costco Without a Membership

While having a membership is the best way to shop at Costco without not having to jump through hoops, there are ways that some people work around the process. Whether you are wanting to do this to figure out if Costco is right for you, or just want to take advantage of what they offer from time to time, these ways are worth checking out.

First of all, it is important to understand that currently, Costco does not offer trial memberships or even one-day passes to non-members. However, you are welcome to tag along with someone who has a membership or even ask them to pick up the things you may need.

Another way you can purchase designated items at Costco is if it is a prescription drug-related purchase. Since this is an industry that is held to quite a bit of regulation, most retail pharmacies are required to offer access to all citizens whether they are members or not.

This is similar to the purchase of alcoholic beverages since they have a different type of regulation than most items you can purchase in Costco. In most cases, as reported by others, if you inform the attendant as you are entering that you are purchasing alcohol, they most likely will let you on through.

The only way you can purchase food and other products at Costco is by having a Costco Shop Card that was purchased by a member. You can redeem the Costco Shop Card in the store or online regardless of whether or not you are a member. 

The Shop Card is a great option, however, you will need to purchase them from a member. Costco limits the use of these to two times per year. You are required to register them in your name, so they can keep track of your use. This is not a long-term solution to your shopping there.

How Does a Costco Membership Work?

A Costco membership can be purchased by anyone willing to pay the yearly membership fee that is over 18 years of age. After getting your membership card, you must present it upon entry, and use it at the check out to prove that you are indeed a member.

For those who wish to have a Costco membership, you can choose from two different membership options. You are required to have your card with you anytime you come into the store to shop and can be used at Costco stores located throughout the world.

When signing up for the membership, you must present a valid government-issued identification to show that you are who you say you are. This is because you are asking them to extend the privilege of shopping in the store and reaping the benefits they offer to its members.

After you have presented the card to the front door attendant, you are free to grab a basket and shop to your heart’s content. Whether you are buying food or other merchandise, you have the opportunity to get anything you need or want.

Once you are finished shopping and head to the cash register, you will need to have your membership card handy to swipe before you check out. This lets the system know that you are a valid member and are in good standing with your membership.

Do You Need a Costco Membership to Shop Online?

Those who do their shopping online at Costco are not required to have a membership to complete their purchase. It is essential to know that if you do not have a membership when shopping online, you will be charged a 5% surcharge on your total purchase.

Having a membership at Costco has its benefits and rewards whether you are doing your shopping online or at the store. One of these benefits is being able to access the low prices that are available to members without having to pay extra fees.

It is important to note that membership stores like Costco make a majority of their revenue through their memberships. This means that they can offer great discounts and other rewards to those who buy a membership to shop there. If they allowed others to shop there as well, then it typically defeats the purpose of what they are all about.

For those who choose not to purchase a membership from Costco but decide they want to take advantage of shopping at the retail store online, you should be prepared to pay an exorbitant fee to do so. This is because they have to make up for the money they are losing with you not paying for a membership.

How Much Does a Costco Membership Cost?

Costco currently offers memberships to individuals who are over 18 years of age as well as other businesses. They have two separate membership options, depending on the various benefits you choose to have.

The Gold Star membership costs $60 per year and includes the option to shop at any Costco stores worldwide as well as online. The membership includes two cards which are for you and another member of your household. 

The Executive membership which costs $120 per year, offers a 2% annual reward, services discounts, access to the Costco magazine, and the option to shop online or at any warehouse location worldwide. This membership also includes two cards, one for you and the other for another member of your household.

Is a Costco Membership Worth It?

Most people who have a Costco membership agree that it is extremely convenient and worth it to have. This is because the membership allows you to purchase things in bulk, have fewer people to contend with since it is members only, and benefit from the savings, discounts, and rewards they offer.

Many people wonder if having a membership to a retail warehouse store such as Costco is worth the membership fee. Those who have had a membership will all agree that the inexpensive annual membership fee is well worth the experience.

When doing price comparisons between items at Costco and items that are similar at other grocery stores, most people found that Costco prices were hands down cheaper. This is also a great thing because of the quality of items that you can get by shopping at Costco.

Despite the cheaper prices, Costco can bring to its members’ high-quality products that make the trip to the warehouse worth the time, effort, and money. Whether you have a Gold Star membership or an Executive membership, you can typically find great items for a lot less cost.

The bottom line on whether the membership is worth it or not, while it is a personal preference, comes down to how often you shop there in comparison to the membership fee. If you only make it out there two or three times a year, it may not be worth the money. However, if you are a weekly or even monthly shopper, you will pay for your membership in no time at all.

Overall, while having a membership at Costco is the best way to take advantage of the various cost savings and merchandise they offer, you can certainly shop there without membership in some cases. Keep in mind that having someone else get things for you or getting you a Shop Card can be a hassle for you and them. If you rely on this, you may want to consider getting a membership after all.