Five things you can buy at Costco without a membership — including alcohol in 15 states
- Alcohol One item you might be able to purchase without being a cardholder is alcohol. ...
- Eye exams and eyeglasses The next item is eyewear. ...
- Food Court Non-cardholders can also take advantage of the food court, and it is a great place for lunch on a budget. ...
- Pharmacy Just like any other pharmacy, Costco's pharmacy is required to be open to the public by state law. ...
Full Answer
Can you shop at Costco without joining?
Shopping at Costco without a membership card can be done only in specific situations for the most part. These situations include shopping online, purchasing alcohol, prescriptions, and other items if you have a Costco Shop Card that is bought by a member. Non-members who shop online are charged an additional 5% surcharge.
Does Costco offer free or discounted memberships?
While the technical answer is, “No, Costco doesn’t offer free trial memberships or membership coupons,” the truth is they sort of do if you’re willing to look at it from a different ...
Do you need membership to shop at Costco?
You no longer need to be a Costco member to shop in their stores. Shoppers without Costco memberships are able to obtain limited access to the warehouse club's offerings via third-party web sites and gift cards.
Does Costco offer free shopping passes?
There’s no official Costco free trial program or even a Costco free one-day pass, but there are ways to get essentially the same thing if you want to give Costco warehouses a try. The easiest way to get a free Costco trial membership is to actually purchase a membership at Costco.
Can I buy Costco products without a membership?
Non-members can purchase from Costco's website, Costco.com, at any time. There is a downside, however: If you are not a member, you will be charged a 5% surcharge over posted prices for members (except for prescription drugs).
What dont you need a Costco membership for?
Health screenings Costco offers free health care screenings for a number of issues including diabetes, osteoporosis and heart health, all without a Costco membership. You can check to see which screenings are available near you with Costco's health and wellness schedule.
Can you use Costco card without card?
The warehouse store has just launched a digital membership card so customers will no longer need to present their physical Costco cards at the door and in the checkout line. The Digital Membership Card is now available on the Costco app. Create a Costco.com account to access your card.
Can you visit Costco as a guest?
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. If you're the Primary Member or Account Manager, you can assign your free household card to one other person in your home.
What states can you buy alcohol at Costco without a membership?
You don't have to be a member to buy alcohol No problem, in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Vermont. If you're a resident, you're welcome to purchase wine, beer and spirits from Costco without a club card.
What happens if I forgot my Costco card?
If you forget your Costco card, you'll have to go to the membership department to receive a temporary pass or a replacement membership card. To shop at Costco using the temporary card; Visit the membership counter and request a temporary shopping card.
Can you pump gas at Costco without your card?
The only way to buy gas at Costco without a membership is by using a Costco Shop Card (which can only be purchased by a member.) The fuel station is self-serve and you pay at the pump.
Can I use a screenshot of my Costco card?
You are also not allowed to take a screenshot of the membership screen since it could lead to abuse.
Is There A Free Costco Membership?
Unfortunately, there is no free Costco membership, day pass, guest pass, or trial period where you can walk up to the door and get some kind of mag...
Buying Alcohol at Costco Without Membership
I was not able to find any official Costco messaging on this, but it appears from my research that Costco allows alcohol sales to non-members (of l...
Buying Prescriptions at Costco Without Membership
Prescription drug sales, like alcohol, are highly regulated. And Costco and other membership stores must offer equal access and pricing for prescri...
Get Food from The Costco Food Court Without A Membership
I’ve seen many sites that give the tip that you can get food from the Costco food court restaurant without a membership, but only if it is an outdo...
Using Costco Optical Services Without A Membership
You can get an eye exam at Costco optical. However, to buy glasses and/or contacts, you do need a Costco membership.
Non-Members Can Purchase from Costco.com
Non-members can purchase from Costco’s website, Costco.com, at any time. There is a downside, however:The food offering on Costco.com is extremely...
The Costco Cash Card Can Be Used by Non-Members
Costco also has a cash card (fancy name for a gift card). With a Costco cash card, any non-member can show the card to get in the door and use it t...
Shopping at Costco Discussion
1. What are your favorite Costco shopping hacks? 2. What are your favorite items at Costco?Related Posts: 1. Sam’s Club Vs. Costco Review 2. The Co...
You Can Use A Costco Gift Card
Anyone can shop at a Costco if you have their version of a gift card — the Costco Cash Card.Per Costco.com, “Members and non-members may use the Co...
Go With A Friend Who Is A Member
Costco lets members take up to two guests into the warehouse club.Just be aware that if you’re the non-member going in with a friend, they’ll have...
Get Your Hearing and Vision Tested
Non-members can use Costco’s hearing and optical services for exams and screenings.But if you need to buy glasses, contacts or hearing aids, you’re...
Fill A Scrip as A Non-Member at The Pharmacy
In an era of skyrocketing prescription costs, Costco routinely has some of the lowest prices on medications.Best of all, you don’t have to be a mem...
How much can you load a Costco gift card?
You can load a Costco Cash gift card with any amount up to $1,000, and the card can be reloaded by a Costco member when you run out.
Does Costco require a membership card?
There’s just one caveat: Costco requires a membership card for all purchases, and the $60 plus in annual fees can often be a turnoff for shoppers who are trying to save money.
Does Costco sell dishwashers?
But while researching the best deals on kitchen appliances this month —Costco sells everything from fridges to dishwashers—I stumbled upon a little-known stipulation within the terms and conditions agreement of Costco's gift card, known as Costco Cash. Either the wholesale retailer has been trying to hide this from shoppers, or it's just a very well-kept secret, but the rules say that non-members are welcome to use Costco Cash at checkout for any purchase. No Costco card necessary!
Can you redeem Costco gift cards online?
Even better? Non-members can also redeem Costco Cash gift cards online, so you don’t even have to leave the couch to shop Costco's best deals . So, in theory, you can purchase anything from refrigerators, to bulk ingredients, to items from Costco's signature private label brand, Kirkland, without being a member.
Does Costco have a trial period?
Costco doesn't offer trial periods, but there's a free—and legal—way to shop at warehouses without buying a membership. By Zee Krstic. July 03, 2018. 00:00.
Can you reload Costco cash?
The only caveat is that Costco Cash must be purchased and reloaded by an actual Costco member. So you'll have to find your Costco card-holding friend and beg them to pick one up for you the next time they head to stores… but what are friends for if not to help you save membership fees?!
How many guests can you take into Costco?
Costco lets members take up to two guests into the warehouse club.
How much does Costco warehouse club cost?
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.
Does Costco have hearing aids?
They only serve Costco members and hearing aids purchased at Costco. You really should be more responsible about what information you put out there as fact. Besides, if somebody loves Costco so much they just have to shop there, pony up the membership fee like everybody else. That's what keeps the prices so low.
Is Costco a real store?
Costco is fake. Of course, it's a real store, but it operates on a false premise. There are at least four major restaraunt supply companies that will gladly deliver anything you want, to your home, for free. All you need is a tax I.D. number.
Can you get a cash card if you are a non member?
Getting your hands on a Cash Card when you’re a non-member is easier than you think. Gift card resale aggregator GiftCardGranny.com sometimes has them available at a small discount to anybody who wants one!
Can non-members use hearing aids?
Non-members cannot use the hearing aid center for anything. No tests, no cleanings, nothing. They only serve Costco members and hearing aids purchased at Costco. You really should be more responsible about what information you put out there as fact. Besides, if somebody loves Costco so much they just have to shop there, pony up the membership fee like everybody else. That's what keeps the prices so low.
Can you buy alcohol at Costco?
Many states prohibit the sale of alcohol through any club or membership. Check with your state laws to see if you’re able to enter Costco to buy alcohol.
How much does Costco membership cost?
Still deciding if you should take the leap and buy a Costco membership? Although memberships sit at $60 annually, it can still be quite an expense upfront just to shop for groceries. If you’re still trying to decide, it may be worth trying out some of the products and experiencing the benefits of Costco’s cheap prices before going all in. Luckily enough, there are a few things you can purchase that don’t require that $60 fee.
Does Costco sell alcohol?
Since retailers are issued a public license to sell alcohol, it’s another service that must be available to the general public. However, this particular situation is limited to state law. So if you’re in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas or Vermont, you’re in luck! (Otherwise, you’ll need a Costco membership.)
Does Costco have free screenings?
Costco offers free health care screenings for a number of issues including diabetes, osteoporosis and heart health, all without a Costco membership. You can check to see which screenings are available near you with Costco’s health and wellness schedule. These Costco shopping tips will save you and your wallet. 5 / 7. Cassiohabib/Shutterstock.
Can you buy Costco without a cash card?
Keep in mind, too, that even without a cash card, non-members can fill prescriptions, get their hearing and vision checked, and eat at the food court. Score! Still, even members shouldn’t waste their money on these things you should never buy at Costco. [Source: MentalFloss] Originally Published: March 15, 2019.
Can you buy a cash card at Costco?
The tricky part is that Costco only allows members to buy and refill the cash cards, getting your hands on one gives you the flexibility to shop on your own time. If you plan on shopping there often, the cost of a membership is probably worth it. But if you just need to stock up for a one-time event, a cash card could save some major moolah—especially if you pair it with these tips for saving money at Costco.
Can you get into Costco without a membership?
Thankfully, there’s another sneaky way to get into the store without a membership and without being a guest. Like most stores, Costco offers gift certificates in the form of its Costco Cash Cards. The thing is, it can’t control who those cards go to.
Can you stock up on Costco items?
Sure, you could stock up on items costco.com, but non-members pay an extra 5 percent and don ’t have access to the members- only sales. You also probably already know Costco members can bring up to two guests into the store to take advantage of the big-box deal.
Does Costco allow cash cards?
The tricky part is that Costco only allows members to buy and refill the cash cards, getting your hands on one gives you the flexibility to shop on your own time. If you plan on shopping there often, the cost of a membership is probably worth it.
Does Costco have a limit on how many shop cards you can buy?
As a bonus for those who fill up their tank frequently, it also works for all of the Costco gas stations. Regardless if you're a member or not, there is no limit to how many Costco Shop Cards you can purchase, or how often you can refill them, since it only takes a quick toll-free call to adjust the balance.
Does Costco have a security guard?
When you walk through the doors of a Costco store, you'll be asked to whip out your card, proving you have a membership. However, there is no digital security guard keeping track of who browses the web, via Costco.com. Members and non-members can scour through thousands of products—including electronics, pantry items and more.
Can you refill Costco gas cards?
You can refill as often as you'd like, and purchase a wide selection of products at Costco.com. As a bonus for those who fill up their tank frequently, it also works for all of the Costco gas stations. Regardless if you're a member or not, there is no limit to how many Costco Shop Cards you can purchase, or how often you can refill them, ...
What states can you buy alcohol at Costco?
Michigan. Minnesota. New York. Texas. Vermont. If you go to a Costco in any of the above states, when you get to the door, simply tell the door checker you are there to buy alcohol. In most cases, you should be allowed in without any issue, but if the door checker isn’t familiar with the law, they may stop you.
Does Costco take credit cards?
It’s important to note that Costco currently doesn’t take most credit cards (although that might soon be changing), so for now you’ll have to make your purchase with cash or a debit card. The best part of both these methods is that there is no extra charge when making the alcohol purchase.
Do you need a cash card to buy alcohol at Costco?
If you live in certain states, you don’t even have to have a cash card to buy alcohol at Costco. This is because some states have laws where any establishment selling alcohol must make the sale of the alcohol available to the public.
Can you buy alcohol at Costco?
Costco warehouses don’t offer free day passes for non-members like some other warehouse stores do, so you can’t buy alcohol at Costco that way. What Costco does have is the Costco cash card which is their version of a gift card. This is the easiest way to shop at Costco without a membership with the benefit of being able to buy anything at the warehouse including gas, and not just booze. The problem is only Costco members can buy a cash card, so you’ll either need to have a friend buy you one, or buy one on the secondary market, such as on eBay or Amazon, if you want to access the warehouse this way.
Do you have to tell the cashier you don't have a Costco membership?
Once at checkout, you will again need to tell the cashier you don’t have a Costco Membership. The cashier will have to call over a manager to get approval for the transaction. Most Costco stores have managers right on the checkout line, so this should only take a few seconds, and it shouldn’t cause others in line to wait a long time.
