Costco is a retail behemoth that basically runs on a specific kind of organized chaos. If you've ever spent forty-five minutes circling for a parking spot at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You’re there for a rotisserie chicken and maybe a massive box of generic-brand allergy meds, but the sheer physical effort of navigating the warehouse can be a lot. Naturally, the question pops up every single time you’re sitting in that parking lot traffic: does Costco offer curbside pickup? The short answer is no. Well, mostly no.
It’s a bit of a head-scratcher when you consider that almost every other major player—Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club—has leaned hard into the "stay in your car while we bring the groceries out" model. But Costco isn't like other retailers. They have a business model built on "the treasure hunt." They want you inside. They want you to see that 75-inch OLED TV on your way to the eggs. They want you to smell the bakery. Because of that, curbside pickup has remained an elusive, almost non-existent feature for the average member.
The Failed Experiment and Current Reality
A few years ago, Costco actually toyed with the idea. In early 2021, they launched a limited curbside pickup pilot program at three warehouses in New Mexico. People were excited. It felt like the club was finally catching up to the 21st century. They charged a $10 fee per order, and you had to buy at least $100 worth of stuff.
It didn't last.
Costco’s CFO at the time, Richard Galanti, was pretty blunt about it during several earnings calls. He basically said the company isn't fans of the extra costs involved. To do curbside right, you need dedicated parking spots, extra staff to pick the items, and a staging area for refrigerated goods. Costco’s warehouses are already packed to the rafters. Giving up floor space for a pickup staging area or losing precious parking spots to "Reserved for Pickup" signs didn't sit well with their bottom line. By the end of the pilot, they decided not to roll it out nationwide. So, as of 2026, if you’re looking for a traditional, free curbside experience directly through the Costco app, you’re out of luck.
The Instacart Workaround
Now, there is a "kinda" version of this, but it’s going to cost you. You can get something resembling curbside pickup if you use Instacart. Through the Instacart app, you can select "Pickup" for certain Costco locations.
Here is the catch.
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You aren't paying Costco prices. When you shop through a third-party delivery service, there is almost always a markup on the items to cover the service costs. Plus, you’re paying the Instacart fees. Honestly, by the time you add up the higher price per item and the service charges, that $4.99 rotisserie chicken starts looking a lot more expensive. It’s a convenience tax. Some people swear by it because it saves them two hours of navigating a crowded warehouse on a Saturday, but for the budget-conscious shopper, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
What About Big Stuff?
Interestingly, there is a weird exception for the heavy hitters. If you go to Costco.com and order something massive—think a jewelry set, a high-end laptop, or a literal shed—you can sometimes opt for "Buy Online, Pickup in Warehouse."
But don't get it twisted.
This is not curbside. You still have to park, walk to the member services desk or the jewelry counter, show your ID, and haul the item out yourself. It saves you from wandering the aisles looking for a specific SKU, but it doesn't save you from the parking lot madness. For the vast majority of items, specifically groceries and household staples, this option isn't even on the table.
Why Sam’s Club Does It and Costco Won’t
It’s impossible to talk about this without mentioning the "S" word. Sam’s Club has mastered curbside pickup. They offer it for free (mostly) for their Plus members, and their app integration is seamless. You check in when you're on your way, and someone pops your trunk and loads it up.
So why the holdout?
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Costco’s philosophy is built on volume and efficiency. Their warehouses move more product per square foot than almost anyone else in the world. When you introduce curbside, you break that flow. You have employees "picking" orders in the aisles, which gets in the way of the members who are physically in the store. Plus, Costco relies on you making impulse buys. That’s why the milk is always in the furthest corner of the building. If you’re sitting in your SUV and an employee brings the milk to you, you didn’t walk past the seasonal aisle and buy a 4-pack of giant outdoor lanterns you didn't know you needed.
The Hidden Costs of Convenience
If you're still holding out hope for a change, don't hold your breath. The company's leadership has been very consistent: they prefer to invest in keeping prices low rather than adding expensive service layers. Every person they hire to run groceries out to a car is a person they have to pay, which eventually would mean raising the price of the hot dog combo or the bulk toilet paper.
And we all know how they feel about raising the price of the hot dog.
For those who absolutely cannot go inside—maybe due to mobility issues or just a deep-seated hatred of crowds—the best bet remains the standard Costco Same-Day Delivery. This is also powered by Instacart, but it’s delivered to your door. Again, the prices are higher than what you’d find in-store, but if the goal is avoiding the warehouse, this is a more functional solution than trying to find a "curbside" loophole that doesn't really exist.
A Quick Reality Check on Shipping
Another alternative is Costco Direct or their 2-day delivery service for non-perishables. If you spend over $75, the delivery is usually "free" (though the item prices are still slightly higher than in-warehouse).
- It’s great for: Paper towels, laundry detergent, canned goods.
- It’s bad for: Produce, meat, frozen snacks.
Actionable Steps for the "Curbside" Craving
Since you can't get true curbside pickup at Costco right now, you have to play the game differently. If the goal is minimizing time spent in the store, here is the most efficient way to handle a Costco run:
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1. Use the "Costco Same-Day" Website First
Even if you plan to go in person, check the Same-Day section of the Costco app. It’ll show you what’s currently in stock at your local warehouse. It’s not 100% accurate, but it’s better than flying blind.
2. Time Your Trip Like a Pro
The closest thing to a "curbside" experience is a warehouse with no lines. Generally, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings about an hour before closing are the sweet spots. The "soccer mom" rush is over, and the weekend warriors haven't arrived yet.
3. The "Self-Checkout" Strategy
If you have a small haul, use the self-checkout but keep your barcodes facing up in the cart. Most Costco locations now have staff with handheld scanners who will zip through your cart in seconds. You’re in and out faster than a curbside runner could probably find your car anyway.
4. Consider the Sam's Club Pivot
If curbside is a non-negotiable part of your life—maybe you have sleeping kids in the car or a physical disability that makes the warehouse trek impossible—it might be worth looking at a Sam’s Club membership. Their Curbside Pickup is objectively superior because it actually exists.
The reality is that Costco is a club, and the "clubhouse" is the main event. While the lack of curbside pickup is a genuine pain point for a lot of people, it’s a calculated move by a company that knows exactly who they are. They aren't trying to be the most convenient; they’re trying to be the best value. Until that value proposition shifts, you’ll probably be seeing those warehouse rafters in person for the foreseeable future.
To make the most of your next trip without the headache, download the Costco app and enable "Warehouse Offers." This lets you see the specific "Instant Savings" at your local store so you can map out your route before you even step foot inside. It won't save you from the parking lot, but it'll get you back to your car a whole lot faster.