You’re standing in the parking lot. You see the massive pallets of Kirkland Signature protein bars and those $4.99 rotisserie chickens. But there’s a problem. You don't have that little gold star card in your wallet. You're wondering, can I order from Costco without a membership, or am I destined to spend double at the local grocery store?
The short answer is yes. Sorta.
It’s not as straightforward as walking through the front doors and flashing a smile. Costco is a club, and they guard those gates like a medieval fortress. But between third-party delivery apps, specific legal loopholes, and the "gift card trick," there are actually several ways to get your hands on those bulk goods without paying the $65 or $130 annual fee. Honestly, some of these methods are better than others. Some will cost you an extra 5% to 15% in markups, while others are basically a free pass into the warehouse. Let’s break down exactly how this works in the real world.
The Costco Shop Card Strategy
This is the holy grail. If you have a friend who is a member, ask them to buy you a Costco Shop Card. This is essentially a Costco gift card.
According to Costco’s own official policy, anyone carrying a Shop Card is allowed to enter the warehouse and make purchases, even if they aren't a member. It’s the ultimate "golden ticket." You walk up to the person checking IDs at the door, show them the card, and they’ll wave you through. When you get to the register, the cashier scans the gift card to start the transaction.
There is a catch, though. Only a member can buy or reload the card. You can’t just go online and buy one for yourself unless you already have an account. You’ve gotta pay your friend back in cash or Venmo. Also, keep in mind that some overzealous cashiers might give you a side-eye if you're trying to pay for a $400 haul with a $10 gift card and your own debit card. Technically, they are supposed to let you finish the transaction, but it’s always smoother if the gift card covers the whole balance.
Can I Order From Costco Online Without a Membership?
Yes, you can. But it’s going to cost you.
If you head over to Costco.com, you’ll notice that most items are available to the general public. You can add that giant pack of toilet paper to your cart and check out as a guest. However, Costco hits non-members with a 5% surcharge on the total price. For a small order, that’s not a big deal. If you’re buying a new laptop or a set of tires, that 5% is going to hurt.
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Also, a lot of the best deals—the "Member Only Savings"—are completely hidden. You’ll see a price that says "Sign in to see price," and if you don't have a login, you’re stuck paying the standard rate or you can't buy it at all. It’s also worth noting that shipping costs on Costco.com are often baked into the price of the item, making it more expensive than what you’d find inside the physical warehouse.
Instacart and the Convenience Tax
Maybe you don't want to drive to the warehouse. Maybe you just want those Kirkland diapers showing up at your door. This is where Instacart comes in.
You do not need a Costco membership to order via Instacart. You just open the app, select Costco, and start shopping. It’s incredibly easy. But, and this is a big "but," you are paying a premium for that convenience.
- Item Markups: Prices on Instacart are significantly higher than the shelf prices at the warehouse. We aren't talking pennies. A bag of coffee that costs $12 in-store might be $15 on the app.
- Service Fees: Instacart tacks on delivery fees and service fees.
- The Tip: You should always tip your driver, which adds another 10% to 20% to your total.
When you do the math, ordering from Costco without a membership through Instacart might actually cost you more over the course of a year than just buying the $65 membership. If you use the service more than once a month, you’re losing money.
The Alcohol and Pharmacy Loophole
This is one of those "did you know" facts that sounds like an urban legend, but it’s actually rooted in law. In many states (like California, New York, Texas, and several others), it is illegal to require a membership for the purchase of prescription drugs or alcohol.
If you just need to pick up a prescription, tell the person at the door you’re heading to the pharmacy. They have to let you in. The same applies to the liquor store in specific states. However, don't try to sneak a 30-pack of toilet paper into your cart on the way out. The pharmacy register is usually separate, and the main checkout line will strictly require a membership card scan before they even start ringing you up.
The Food Court Sadness
We need to talk about the hot dog combo. For decades, the Costco food court was the wild west. Anyone could walk up and get a $1.50 hot dog and soda.
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Unfortunately, those days are mostly over. Since 2020, Costco has been aggressively cracking down. Most locations now require you to scan your membership card at the outdoor kiosks before you can even see the menu. While a few older locations might still let it slide, the company-wide policy is now "members only" for the pizza and hot dogs. It’s a tragedy, really.
The Optical and Hearing Aid Centers
Similar to the pharmacy, you can actually get an eye exam at Costco without being a member. The optometrists are often independent contractors who rent space from Costco. You can call and book an appointment, walk in, and get your prescription.
But here’s the kicker: you can’t buy the glasses or contacts there. To actually purchase the frames or the hearing aids, you must have a valid membership. So, you get the exam, take your paper prescription, and then you have to go buy your glasses at Warby Parker or Zenni. It’s a bit of a tease.
Why You Might Actually Want the Membership
Look, trying to "hack" Costco is a fun hobby, but let’s be real for a second. If you’re asking can I order from Costco without a membership, you’re clearly interested in the products.
The basic "Gold Star" membership is $65 a year (as of the recent 2024 price hike). That breaks down to about $5.42 a month. If you buy gas at Costco just twice a month, you’ve usually saved enough in fuel costs alone to pay for the membership. Costco gas is consistently 20 to 30 cents cheaper than the Shell or Chevron down the street.
Then there’s the Executive Membership. It’s $130, but you get 2% cash back on almost everything you buy. If you spend $3,250 a year at Costco—which is easy to do if you’re buying groceries for a family—the membership literally pays for itself. You get a check in the mail every year. It’s like they’re paying you to shop there.
Is the "Guest" Policy Real?
You’ll often hear people say, "Just walk in with a friend!"
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This is 100% allowed. Costco allows each member to bring up to two guests into the warehouse. You can browse the aisles, marvel at the 75-inch TVs, and taste all the samples you want.
The problem arises at the register. Only the member is allowed to pay. You cannot have the cashier split the bill or take your credit card. Your friend has to pay for everything, and then you have to pay your friend back. If you do this once in a while, it’s fine. If you’re doing a $300 grocery run every week and making your friend deal with the Venmo requests, you might need new friends.
The Returns Reality
One major downside to shopping without a membership is the return policy. Costco has the most legendary return policy in retail history. They will take back almost anything, at any time, for any reason (with a few exceptions for electronics).
If you bought something via Instacart or as a guest online, returning it is a nightmare. You don't have a membership number tied to the purchase in their system, which makes the "no receipt" returns almost impossible. If you’re a member, they just scan your card, see that you bought a blender in 2022, and give you your cash back. Without that card, you lose that safety net.
Actionable Steps for the Non-Member
If you’re still committed to the non-membership life, here is how you should handle it to get the most value:
- Check your state laws regarding alcohol and prescriptions. If you live in a state like Arizona or Connecticut, you can get the Kirkland brand vodka (which is rumored to be Grey Goose, though never confirmed) without paying for a membership.
- Buy a Shop Card from a friend. This is the only way to shop in-store without surcharges or markups. Give your friend $200 and have them get you a card. Use it for your big "stock up" trips.
- Compare Instacart vs. Membership. If your Instacart markups exceed $65 in a year, stop what you’re doing and just buy the membership. You’re literally throwing money away.
- Use the Pharmacy. You don't need a membership to save money on meds. This is a huge win for people without great insurance.
- Shop Costco.com for big-ticket items carefully. Calculate that 5% surcharge. Sometimes, even with the 5% fee, Costco is still cheaper than Amazon or Best Buy.
The reality is that Costco's business model isn't really about selling groceries; it's about selling memberships. That’s where they make their profit. They make it just difficult enough to shop without one that eventually, most people just give in and get the card. Whether you use the gift card trick or pay the Instacart premium, you're always going to be paying a little extra for the privilege of not being a "member of the club."
If you find yourself googling can I order from Costco without a membership more than once every six months, it’s probably time to just bite the bullet and join. Those rotisserie chickens are calling your name, and honestly, the gas savings alone will keep your wallet happy.
Next Steps
- Check the Costco Warehouse Locator to see if your local spot has an outdoor food court or a separate liquor store entrance, as these are easier to access without a card.
- Ask a friend or family member who already has a membership to pick up a $25 Costco Shop Card for you so you can test out the warehouse experience yourself.