Costco is regarded as the retail giant where individuals can get prices on a larger quantity of things that they could not have at the market. Nevertheless, not all people are ready to have a membership. The good news? You can enter Costco and get some of the offers without a membership. Whether it’s alcohol, prescriptions, or even grocery delivery, here’s everything you need to know about shopping at Costco without a membership.
Costco Shop Card
People who shop at Costco often might want to think about becoming a member to save even more money.
How to Enter Costco Without a Membership Card?
Costco generally obliges a membership card to be swiped to enter, but there are some exceptions. If at the entrance you say to them that you need to pick up a prescription, take a walk in the alcohol section, or ask about membership, then there is a high probability that you will be allowed to enter even if you are not a member. If one does not want you to come in, be polite and ask a supervisor to let you in.
Use Instacart to Shop at Costco Without a Membership
If there are those who do not prefer stepping in the Costco, then the option, in the form of Instacart, would be a good one. But keep in mind that Instacart prices are often higher than the prices in the store. Moreover, some of the items might not be found online. while it is true that access to Costco products can be obtained without a membership through Instacart, it is not reliable enough, as it may not be the most cost-effective solution.
Buying Alcohol at Costco Without a Membership
Costco, Without a Membership, Sells Alcohol Due to the local laws that allow the warehouse club to sell alcohol to non-members, Costco can do so in some states. In case you are located in one of the next such states, you don’t need a membership to buy alcohol:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New York
- Texas
- Vermont
When in the listed states, you get membership-free purchases of alcohol at Costco by stating to the cashier that you are not a member. The cashier will key in a default membership number to process your transaction. Be polite, and the usher will probably come and okay the deal.
Read More: The Ultimate Gift Guide: 60 Best Gifts for Your Spouse in 2024
Costco Pharmacy – Buy Prescriptions Without a Membership
Costco’s pharmacy provides services to all people regardless of their started membership. On the other hand, if you cannot afford health insurance or if you are on a tight budget and, therefore, want to save on prescription drugs, it is best to shop at Costco, as here you can find the lowest prices on medications. According to Costco’s website:
“You don’t need to be a Costco member to purchase prescriptions online or at our warehouse pharmacies.”
Cash, debit/ATM cards, Costco Shop Cards, and Visa are the accepted payment methods. Prescription for a doctor’s medicine: You need to present it to the Costco Pharmacy to be allowed to buy the medicine at a lower price.
Costco Optical – Get an Eye Exam Without a Membership
Another unknown advantage of Costco is the possibility of taking an eye exam at Costco Optical without a member card. Costco’s specialty, its in-house optometrists, are known for offering full and affordable examinations. In contrast, non-members are restricted to paying for their eye exams only; they are not allowed to buy glasses or contact lenses without a membership.
Can You Still Eat at the Costco Food Court Without a Membership?
Rejoiced, the time is up when you could have feasted on a $1.50 hot dog with a drink at the Costco food court irrespective of your membership. From the beginning of 2020, the requirement of membership to access the food court in Costco has been made necessary. Those without a membership are no longer allowed to buy things such as:
- Costco food court hot dogs
- Costco food court pizza
- Costco food court ice cream
- Costco food court salads
This policy change has been disappointing for a lot of the occasional visitors, but it is still enforced at any Costco store.
Other Ways to Shop at Costco Without a Membership
If your passion is to purchase the Costco deals in bulk without having to buy a membership, the most recommended options are the following ones:
1. Use a Costco Shop Card (Gift Card)
Costco Shop Cards are a tool to allow non-members to shop at Costco as well. If one of your teammates or someone from your family is a member of the club, let them buy you a gift card. Although it is allowed that you can go shopping in the store using a shop card, kindly remember that these cards can only be bought or replenished by the members of the club.
2. Visit the Costco Hearing Aid Center
Costco offers non-members hearing tests completely free at their Hearing Aid Centers. However, if you want to buy hearing aids or accessories, you will have to become a member first.
3. Buy Online Without a Membership (Limited Selection)
Speaking of which, non-members can check out the costco.com website; the only thing is that the prices are a bit higher than those in the warehouse, and there is a charge of 5% added to most purchases. Yet, some products, for example, prescription drugs, do not require a fee or a membership for purchase.
FAQs About Going to Costco to Shop Without being a member
What can I buy at Costco even if I’m not a member?
‘Costco has a service that lets people who aren’t’ members buy alcohol, prescription drugs, and eye exams.
How do I use Instacart to buy things at Costco?
Of course. You could try to buy one with it, but the price is probably higher than usual. You don’t have to be a member of Costco to eat at the food court. No, you have to be a member of Costco now to buy things from the food court.
Can I buy gas at Costco without a membership?
No, sorry, but you cannot. The gas stations of Costco demand an active membership.
Can I enter Costco without a membership?
Yes, you can if you are taking prescription purchases, browsing alcohol (in certain states), or trying to buy a membership.
Is it worth getting a Costco membership?
If you shop frequently and take advantage of Costco’s bulk deals, a membership can save you money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Costco membership, as most people think, is not the only way to save money; other methods allow this. Non-members are allowed to purchase drugs and alcohol as well as use the services of Instacart or a Costco Shop Card. If you are one of the habitual customers of Costco, you might consider buying a membership so that you can save more.
