


Whether paying for a Costco membership is worth it will depend on many factors, including how often you plan to shop at the store and whether Costco's prices on the items you regularly buy are discounted enough to cover the membership fee. But if you're hoping to just try out Costco to see if a membership is worth it or if you only shop there a few times a year for special purchases, then this could be a great option for you. Obviously, this is likely not a long-term solution, since you probably don't want to hassle your friends and family with Costco memberships by asking them to buy you gift cards to the warehouse club all the time (even if you do pay them back). And once you had spent the balance on your gift card, you would need them to get you another card or to reload your existing one. So you would need someone who is a current Costco member to buy a gift card for you. Only Costco members are allowed to buy Costco Shop Cards. So, basically, if you have a gift card to Costco, you don't have to be a member to use it and you can take advantage of Costco's low prices and get access to its beloved Kirkland brand items. What is a Costco Shop Card, exactly? It's just a fancy way of saying a Costco gift card. You do not have to be a member in order to make purchases at Costco with your Costco Shop Card. And you are also allowed to purchase items online at and Costco.ca. See, if you have a Costco Shop Card, you are allowed to come into any Costco location in the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico and purchase items. If you want to shop at Costco without buying a membership, there's an easy way to do it - if you have a member who is willing to help you. More: These 0% intro APR credit cards made our best-of list Could this loophole open the door to Costco shopping without a membership? Non-members can use Costco’s optical services for exams and screenings.īut if you need to buy glasses, contacts or hearing aids, you’re going to need a membership or a friend who can get you in the store to purchase what you need on your behalf.New: Card with huge $300 bonus hits market Just be aware that if you’re the non-member going in with a friend, they’ll have to foot the bill and you’ll have to settle up with them after the trip. Go With a Friend Who Is a MemberĬostco lets members take up to two guests into the warehouse club. Gift card resale aggregator sometimes has them available at a small discount to anybody who wants one! 2. Getting your hands on a Cash Card when you’re a non-member is easier than you think. One caveat here: If you choose to use a Costco Cash Card online and you’re aren’t a member, you’ll be charged 5% more than the stated price on everything except prescriptions. You Can Use a Costco Gift CardĪnyone can shop at a Costco if you have their version of a gift card - the Costco Cash Card. Skip the Costco Membership and Still Get the Deals! 1. If you’re still on the fence about Costco, here’s how you can still shop or visit any of the more than 500 warehouse club locations across the country - without paying the $60 membership fee to get in the door. Here at, we love Costco Wholesale! But not everyone is sold on the idea of having to pay to shop somewhere.
