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5 ways to shop Costco without a membership — and 1 perk they finally killed off
Cassidy Horton October 31, 2025 at 8:36 PM
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5 ways to shop Costco without a membership — and 1 perk they finally killed off (slobo via Getty Images)
Costco has a cult following for a reason. The $1.50 hot dog combo. Bulk paper towels that somehow last forever. Gas prices that feel like insider secrets.
But without a membership, it's easy to feel left out.
Here's the thing: You don't actually need one to access some of Costco's best perks. There are several totally legit ways to shop at this beloved warehouse giant — both online and in-store — without ever flashing a membership card. Here's how to do it (and when it's finally worth paying for your own).
1. Shop online at Costco.com
Here's a little-known secret: You can shop on Costco.com without a membership.
You'll pay about 5% more than members do on most items, but that small fee doesn't erase the savings. Big-ticket items like laptops, furniture and appliances could still be cheaper than retail — even with the markup.
Shipping is usually included in online orders, and you can still get Costco's house brands like Kirkland Signature. You'll just need to make a free online account to check out.
If you only shop Costco a few times a year (like for holiday gifts or a big appliance), this route could make perfect sense. But if you're ordering often, that 5% surcharge adds up fast. And at that point, the $60 membership will likely pay for itself.
🔍 Read more: 10 insider Costco hacks you can't afford to miss
Costco | Getty
Up to $60 in Costco Shop Cards for new members
AOL readers get money back with this limited-time offer on Costco Gold Star and Costco Executive Memberships — up to $60 in Costco Shop Cards.
Spend your Costco Shop Card online or at your local warehouse and enjoy all the perks of membership.
Limited-time offer through December 21, 2025.
$65 to $130 at Groupon2. Score a Costco Shop Card
This is the best loophole Costco actually approves of.
If you know someone with a membership, they can buy you a Costco Shop Card, which works like a gift card. Once you have it, you can shop in person or online without your own membership.
Just show the card at the door like you would a regular membership card. Then, at checkout, use the Shop Card to pay. If your total's higher than what's on the card, you can cover the rest with a credit card, debit card or cash.
Going the Costco Shop Card route is an easy way to stock up or test the waters before committing to a membership. Shop Cards start at $25 and go up to $500. You can hold up to $2,000 in Shop Card balances in your Costco Wallet at any given time, so have a friend or family member load you up with enough for several trips.
⭐ Expert tip: Use your Costco Shop Card to fuel up at the pump to save 20+ cents per gallon compared to typical gas prices.
🔍 Read more: 4 unexpected money lessons hiding in your Costco membership
3. Tag along as a member's guest
Costco allows each member to shop with up to two guests each visit. If you have a friend, partner or relative with a membership, you can walk in and shop with them. You won't be able to check out on your own — the member will need to pay — but you can settle up with them using Venmo, Zelle or cash later.
It's a great way to see if the membership is worth it before signing up yourself.
Every Costco member gets one free "household card" for someone at their address. If you're a member's spouse, partner or roommate, you might qualify for access without paying anything.
🔍 Read more: No card? No problem. 4 Sam's Club hacks that work without a membership
🌭 The food court loophole Costco just killed off
This one stings: Starting last April, Costco quietly began cracking down on food court access without a membership, ending a longstanding non-member perk. The rule has always been there — warehouses just weren't checking.But guests of members? You're still golden for that mocha freeze and chicken bake.
4. Fill prescriptions or get an eye exam
Here's something most people don't realize: Costco's pharmacy and optical services are open to everyone — even if you're not a member.
Anyone can fill prescriptions at Costco online or in-store. But you'll need a Costco membership to get the discounted prices on many medications.
Same goes for eye exams: Costco's eye exam centers are run by independent optometrists, so you can book an appointment and pay out of pocket — but you'll need to join as a member if you want to buy glasses or contacts afterward.
🔍 Read more: Are Costco and Sam's Club worth it for empty nesters? We did the math
Sam's Club | Getty
$25 Sam's Club Membership
AOL readers save 50% with this exclusive limited-time offer — that's $25 for low prices, member-only gas savings and two membership cards.
Limited-time offer through January 31, 2026.
$25 at Sam's Club5. Buy booze in states where it's legal
Good news: You might not need a membership to stock up on Costco's famously cheap wine and liquor.
Here's a legal loophole: Local laws in 14 states prevent retailers from requiring a membership to buy alcohol. That means if you're of legal drinking age, you can head straight for the wine and spirits section.
Costco doesn't publish a definitive list, but news sources say you can generally buy alcohol without a membership in these states:
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Hawaii
Indiana
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
New York
Texas
Vermont
🔍 Read more: 20+ clever ways to stretch your dollar (that actually work!)
Bottom line: Skip the membership, keep the savings
A Costco card can be worth it if you shop often, but it's not the only way to take advantage of warehouse prices. Between gift cards, state laws and generous guest policies, non-members still have plenty of ways to get in on the love.
If you're on the fence, start with a friend's plus-one visit or a Costco Shop Card. You'll learn pretty quickly if the membership fee pays for itself.
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About the writer
Cassidy Horton is a finance writer who specializes in banking, insurance, lending and paying down debt. Her expertise has been featured in NerdWallet, Forbes, MarketWatch, CNN, USA Today, Money, The Balance and Consumer Affairs, among other top financial publications. Cassidy first became interested in personal finance after paying off $18,000 in debt in 10 months of graduation with an MBA. Today, she's committed to empowering people to stand up and take charge of their financial futures.
Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner
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Source: "AOL Money"
Source: Money
Published: October 31, 2025 at 10:18PM on Source: GETTY MAG
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