Costco's Netflix-style crackdown on unauthorized membership sharing over the past year raises a perennial question about how to access the jumbo packs of toilet paper, tubs of peanut-butter pretzels, 40-pound bags of dog food, and other staples without signing up for a membership.
Access to the warehouse club and its bulk-price deals is primarily reserved for card-carrying shoppers with Gold Star, Executive, or Business memberships, which start at $60 per year and include two access for two shoppers who live in the same household (or work for the same business).
Still, there are a few ways to shop Costco's selection without paying the fee. Here are three:
1. Shop online without a Costco membership
While some of Costco.com is reserved for members, non-members are able to buy items through the site's Same-Day option, on Instacart, or with a brand new partnership with Uber Eats, where about 2,000 fresh, frozen, grocery, and household items are available for delivery.
The best prices on those platforms are reserved for members only, so the savings compared to another retailer, like Walmart or Amazon, might not be as substantial for non-members. Uber says members will pay 15% to 20% less than non-members, and non-members may be assessed a 5% surcharge on some orders processed through Instacart.
Analysis from Insider's Reviews team found the best prices on Costco items are found in-person at a warehouse, while online member pricing was slightly higher, and non-member prices were higher still.
For example, a 30-roll pack of toilet paper was available in-store for $19.99, but on Instacart cost $21.85 for members and $24.87 for non-members.
The Insider team created a sample shopping cart of popular items that totaled $131.10 for a non-member shopping via Instacart, but just $96.60 for a member shopping in-store, a savings of $34.50. In that scenario, the $60 membership fee basically pays for itself after just two trips to a warehouse.
2. Use a Costco gift card without a membership
Another popular workaround is to use a Costco gift card, known as a Shop Card, which allows shoppers to access the warehouse to use the funds.
The hitch with this approach is that Shop Cards are only available for members to purchase and have a minimum value of $25.
It's an easy a way to let someone explore the club on their own, without the commitment of a membership, and if they do decide to sign up, the Shop Card funds are redeemable toward the annual fee.
3. Visit the Costco warehouse as the guest of a member
Costco's policy allows members to bring two guests with them to the warehouse, but once again there is a hitch: technically only the member is allowed to pay for purchases.
As with the Shop Card hack, this approach depends on a fair amount of trust between the member and the non-member, not to mention coordinating schedules to make a trip to the warehouse and sort everything out on Venmo afterward.
Bottom line: It probably makes sense to just pay the fee — it's refundable anyway
Given the costs and complications of trying to avoid shelling out the $60 membership fee, it actually makes financial sense to just pay the charge for shoppers who will make more than a couple Costco trips per year.
An Insider's Reviews team found, the prices of bulk-size items can add up quickly, and shaving a few percent off in fees means the breakeven point comes after just a few trips.
As the company puts it, "rest assured that the cost of membership can be recovered quickly thanks to massive price savings once you start shopping."
The math starts to get even more interesting when considering whether to upgrade to the $120 Executive level.
Either way, the real kicker is even simpler: if you don't think the membership is worth it, you can get a refund.
FAQs
There are still ways to shop without a membership: online, with a gift card, or as a member's guest. The extra charges and hassle of workarounds can quickly add up to more than the annual fee, though.
Can you still shop at Costco without a membership? ›
Under Costco's policies, anyone can shop at warehouse locations if they present a Shop Card, which is just a gift card. These cards can be purchased in-store, and electronic versions are available online.
How do I avoid Costco membership fees? ›
However, the retailer also has a website where members and non-members can shop. You can buy many of the items that are sold in-club at Costco.com. But you must be a Costco member to get the best deals. However, if you're willing to pay a 5% surcharge on your order, you can shop without paying a yearly membership fee.
Is Costco getting rid of membership fees? ›
Effective September 1, 2024, membership fees have increased. All Costco memberships will continue to include one free card for a designated member of the household who is 16 years of age or over. Our membership fees help to offset operational costs so we can keep our prices low.
Does Costco do price math? ›
However, Costco will price match its own sales—meaning, if a purchase of yours later gets discounted, you can ask for a price adjustment and Costco will return the difference. Naturally, though, there are a few catches: Price adjustments can only be requested within 30 days of your original purchase.
How to get Costco membership free? ›
Costco doesn't offer free or discounted memberships, but rest assured that the cost of membership can be recovered quickly thanks to massive price savings once you start shopping.
How do I get a $30 Costco membership online? ›
To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address and set up auto-renewal of your Costco membership. Limit one membership per household. Qualified members will receive their $30 Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of redeeming their purchase.
Do seniors get a discount at Costco? ›
Shoppers must pay a yearly fee to be a Costco member. Unfortunately, Costco doesn't provide a membership discount to seniors.
How much is Costco membership in 2024? ›
Beginning on Sept. 1, 2024, a Gold Star membership will cost $65 annually, and an Executive membership will cost $130. Some shoppers may be disappointed to learn about the $5 to $10 membership cost price hike. If you're a current member or have considered joining, you may wonder if shopping at Costco is worthwhile.
What is the one thing that will cause Costco to discontinue your membership? ›
Abusing the generous return policy
If you repeatedly make unreasonable returns, eventually Costco will decide they no longer want you to keep shopping there. That might include returning half-eaten food, a coat you bought and wore for three winter seasons, or a sofa you used for years.
Costco has more stores across the globe, is expanding rapidly, and generally offers cheaper prices than Sam's Club does, although the latter charges slightly less for membership, has a bigger presence in the U.S., and stocks more name brands.
Can Costco refuse membership? ›
Costco reserves the right to treat businesses with the same or similar addresses or with identical, similar or related ownership as a single business and as such, limited to a single membership. Costco reserves the right to refuse, decline, or cancel a membership at any time.
Why is Costco membership so high? ›
We strive to give our members the best products at the lowest possible prices, and our membership fee allows us to offset many of our operating costs and price our merchandise lower.
How much money does Costco make from membership fees? ›
Membership fees represent the largest share of Costco's profits. The retailer reported $1.1 billion in membership fee revenue in its latest quarter and $4.5 billion in 2023.
What is the markup on products at Costco? ›
Costco's gross margin is ~12% of revenue. That means their average markup (including revenue from membership fees) is over 10%. If membership fees are about 2% of revenue, and other income (e.g. commission from the vendors near the exit), then Costco's markup is in the 8% to 9% range.
Does Walmart price match Costco? ›
Walmart does not match the prices of any of its competitors. For those wondering if the Walmart price match policy includes its own products, it depends. The customer must let a Walmart associate know at the time of purchase, and the item must be available for purchase at that price on Walmart's website.
Can a non member go to Costco with a member? ›
The Costco membership card is non-transferable, but there are several ways to share the experience with family and friends. Anyone with a card can bring up to two guests to the Warehouse during each visit. Keep in mind that purchasing items is exclusive to Costco members.
Can you still get into Costco without your card? ›
You will be required to show your membership card when entering any Costco warehouse and when checking out at a payment register. Bar codes, photos or other copies are not acceptable. Your membership card must have a card number and recognizable, unobstructed full-face photo to be valid.
Can I just go to Costco and get a membership? ›
How do I sign up to join Costco and get a new membership? We're always happy to hear from enthusiastic new customers. Signing up is a simple process. You can visit our membership desk at any warehouse to join in person.
How much is a Costco membership card? ›
Costco membership is $65 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $65 upgrade fee per year. Each includes a free Household Card. Please include sales tax in all applicable states.
