Costco is one of the largest and most well-known warehouse retailers, offering massive savings on groceries, electronics, home essentials, and even travel. However, shopping at Costco requires a membership, which typically costs $60 per year for a Gold Star membership and $120 per year for an Executive membership.
If you’re looking for ways to shop at Costco without paying for a membership, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll cover legitimate ways to get a Costco card for free, along with alternative ways to shop at Costco without a membership.
1. Get a Costco Membership as a Gift
One of the easiest ways to get a Costco card for free is by receiving a membership as a gift. Costco allows members to purchase Costco Gift Memberships, which they can give to family or friends.
How It Works:
- A Costco member purchases a Costco Shop Card (gift membership) for $60 or $120.
- The recipient can redeem the gift at any Costco location and receive their membership card.
- This is a great option if someone is willing to gift you a membership.
Pro Tip: If you have a birthday or holiday coming up, let your family or friends know that a Costco membership would be a great gift idea.
2. Get Added as a Household Member for Free
If someone in your household already has a Costco membership, you can get a free Costco card by being added as a Household Member.
How It Works:
- Costco allows each primary member to add one free household member (18+ and living at the same address).
- The household member gets their own membership card and can shop just like a paying member.
If a family member, roommate, or partner already has a Costco membership, ask them to add you as their free household member.
3. Use a Costco Shop Card (Gift Card)
You don’t need a membership to shop at Costco if you have a Costco Shop Card (Costco’s version of a gift card). A friend or family member who is a Costco member can buy you a Costco Shop Card, which you can then use to shop without needing a membership.
How It Works:
- Ask a Costco member to purchase a Costco Shop Card for you.
- Use the gift card to shop in-store or online.
- If you run out of funds, you’ll need a member to reload the card.
Bonus: Costco Shop Cards never expire and can be used for gas, groceries, and even online shopping.
4. Take Advantage of Costco’s 100% Refund Policy on Memberships
Costco offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on its memberships. If you’re unsatisfied, you can request a full refund at any time.
How It Works:
- Purchase a Costco membership.
- Use it to shop for up to a year.
- If you decide you don’t want to keep it, visit the Membership Desk and request a full refund.
While this method technically requires paying upfront, it allows you to enjoy a free membership for a certain period before canceling for a refund.
5. Shop at Costco Using Instacart (No Membership Required)
If you prefer to shop online, you can order from Costco through Instacart without having a membership.
How It Works:
- Visit Instacart.com or the Instacart app.
- Select Costco as your store.
- Shop for groceries and other items.
- Checkout and pay Instacart’s non-member service fee.
While Instacart prices may be slightly higher than in-store Costco prices, this is a great way to shop at Costco without needing a membership.
6. Use Costco Pharmacy Without a Membership
You don’t need a Costco membership to use Costco’s pharmacy services. Costco Pharmacy offers low prices on prescriptions, and you can take advantage of these savings without being a member.
How It Works:
- Visit any Costco Pharmacy location.
- Let the pharmacist know you’re there for a prescription pickup.
- Pay for your medication without needing a membership.
Costco’s pharmacy often has lower prescription prices than regular drugstores, making this a great way to save money.
7. Shop Online at Costco.com Without a Membership
Many people don’t realize that you don’t need a Costco membership to shop online at Costco.com. However, there’s a catch—Costco charges a 5% non-member surcharge on most purchases.
How It Works:
- Visit Costco.com and browse products.
- Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
- Pay the 5% non-member surcharge (some items are member-exclusive and cannot be purchased without a membership).
If you’re only planning to make a few purchases per year, paying the 5% fee may be cheaper than an annual membership.
8. Shop with a Friend Who Has a Membership
If you have a friend or family member with a Costco membership, you can shop with them and have them pay for your items at checkout.
How It Works:
- Visit Costco with a member.
- Pick out the items you want.
- Have the member pay for your purchase.
- Reimburse them afterward.
While this method doesn’t give you your own card, it’s a way to access Costco deals without a membership.
9. Buy Alcohol at Costco Without a Membership
In some states, you can purchase alcohol at Costco without a membership due to state laws that prohibit warehouse clubs from requiring a membership for alcohol sales.
How It Works:
- Visit your local Costco.
- Head to the alcohol section and pick out your items.
- Tell the cashier you’re buying alcohol and don’t have a membership.
- Some stores will allow the purchase without requiring a membership card.
States Where This Works:
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Arizona
- Other select states (check local laws)
10. Use Costco Optical Without a Membership
Costco Optical is another service that’s available to non-members. You can get eye exams and prescriptions without a membership, but you will need a membership to purchase glasses or contacts.
How It Works:
- Visit Costco Optical for an eye exam (no membership required).
- Pay for your exam as a non-member.
- If you need glasses or contacts, you’ll need to be a member (or ask a member to buy them for you).
11. Look for Special Promotions Offering Free Memberships
Occasionally, Costco runs promotions where new members can get a free or discounted membership. These deals are often available through credit card companies, employer benefits, or online coupon sites.
How to Find Deals:
- Check Costco’s website for new member promotions.
- Look for Costco membership deals on Groupon or LivingSocial.
- Some employers offer free or discounted Costco memberships as a benefit.
If you’re lucky, you might find a free Costco membership through one of these promotions.
Final Thoughts: Is a Free Costco Membership Possible?
While Costco doesn’t openly offer completely free memberships, there are plenty of legitimate ways to shop for free or at a discount. Whether you use a Shop Card, get added as a household member, or take advantage of Costco’s services available to non-members, you can enjoy the benefits of Costco without paying full price for a membership.
If you’re serious about shopping at Costco regularly, finding a free or discounted membership is well worth the effort.
Would you try any of these methods? Let us know in the comments!
