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!
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Tanghulu, the iconic Chinese street snack, has captivated food lovers for centuries with its glossy, crunchy sugar coating and tart, juicy fruit interior. This traditional treat, often associated with Beijing, is made by skewering fresh fruit and dipping it in a hardened sugar syrup, creating a perfect balance of sweet […]
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