You're staring at a giant bag of Kirkland Signature tortilla chips on your screen, wondering if you really need to put on pants and drive to the warehouse. We’ve all been there. The convenience of having someone else navigate those chaotic aisles is a dream. But the big question that stops everyone mid-click is simple: is Costco same day delivery free?
The short answer? Not really. Honestly, it’s complicated.
Costco doesn't just hand out delivery for the fun of it. They’re a business built on razor-thin margins and membership fees. While the "delivery fee" might technically say zero on certain orders, the money is coming out of your pocket in other ways. Usually, it's through a sneaky thing called "item markup." If you think you're paying the same price online as you do in the physical warehouse, I have some bad news for you.
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How the "Free" Delivery Math Actually Works
When you log into the Costco Same-Day site, which is powered by Instacart, you’ll see a banner claiming there are no delivery fees on orders over $35. Sounds great, right? It’s a bit of a marketing trick. While that specific line item on your receipt might stay at $0.00, the individual prices of your milk, rotisserie chicken, and toilet paper have all been quietly bumped up.
Costco explicitly states that "item prices are higher than your local warehouse." This isn't just a few cents. On average, you can expect to pay about 15% to 20% more per item when ordering for same-day delivery. That’s the "convenience fee" hidden in plain sight. If you buy a $200 grocery haul, you might be paying $30 or $40 more than if you walked into the store yourself. So, while you can technically say the delivery is "free" after hitting a minimum spend, your wallet definitely feels the weight.
It’s a trade-off. You're buying back your time. For a parent with three kids or a professional working 60 hours a week, that $40 markup is a bargain compared to the two hours spent fighting for a parking spot and standing in a massive checkout line.
The Instacart Connection
Costco doesn't have its own fleet of refrigerated trucks and drivers. They’ve partnered with Instacart to handle the heavy lifting. This is where things get even more expensive. Because you’re using the Instacart platform (even if you access it through Costco’s website), you are also expected to tip your driver.
Tipping isn't optional in the eyes of the person carrying 40 pounds of cat litter up your stairs. If you don't tip, your order might sit there for hours because drivers can see the "no tip" status and choose to ignore the gig. Add in a service fee—which is different from a delivery fee—and the costs keep stacking up.
There are two ways to do this. You can order through Costco.com/Same-Day or directly through the Instacart app. Interestingly, prices can sometimes vary between the two. Usually, the Costco-branded portal is slightly better for members, but it’s always worth a quick double-check if you’re placing a massive order.
Membership Tiers and Delivery Perks
Does being an Executive Member change the answer to is Costco same day delivery free? Not in the way you’d hope.
While Executive Members get that sweet 2% reward on most purchases, that reward does apply to same-day delivery orders. It helps take the sting out of the markup, but it doesn't eliminate the higher item prices. Gold Star members get the same access, just without the year-end cash back.
One thing people often forget is that you must be a member to use the Same-Day service on Costco's site. If you aren't a member, you can sometimes find Costco on the general Instacart marketplace, but the prices for non-members are even higher. It’s essentially a penalty for not having the card.
Breaking Down the Costs: A Real-World Example
Let's look at a typical "stock up" run.
Imagine you need a pack of Kirkland Signature bath tissue, a gallon of organic milk, a rotisserie chicken, and some laundry detergent.
- Warehouse Price: Maybe $65 total.
- Same-Day Price: Likely around $76.
- Service Fee: ~$3.00.
- Tip: $10.00.
Your "free" delivery just cost you about $24 extra. Is it worth it? For many, yes. But it’s definitely not free.
Why the Markup Exists
Costco’s entire model is based on efficiency. They want you in the store because that’s where you see the "treasure hunt" items—that giant 12-foot skeleton or the new Vitamix—and spend an extra $100 you didn't plan on. When you order delivery, they lose that impulse-buy opportunity. The markup covers the labor of the Instacart shopper and the loss of that in-store marketing magic.
Alternatives: Two-Day Delivery vs. Same-Day
If you’re looking to save money and don't need your groceries in the next two hours, Costco's 2-Day Delivery is a different beast entirely.
This service is mainly for non-perishable items—think snacks, canned goods, and household cleaners. For these orders, there is no delivery fee if you spend over $75. If you spend less, they tack on a $3 delivery fee. The markup is still there, but it's often less aggressive than the same-day grocery service.
However, you aren't getting a fresh salad or a gallon of milk this way. These items come via UPS or FedEx, not a local gig worker. It’s a better option for stocking the pantry, but useless if you're out of eggs for tomorrow's breakfast.
Surprising Details Most People Miss
Here is something weird: sometimes certain items aren't available for same-day delivery even if they are sitting on the shelf at your local warehouse. This usually happens with alcohol or high-theft electronics. Regulations regarding alcohol delivery vary wildly by state. In some places, you can get a bottle of Kirkland vodka delivered to your door; in others, it’s a hard no.
Another factor is the "out of stock" headache. When you’re in the store and they’re out of your favorite bread, you pick an alternative. With same-day delivery, your shopper might just refund the item or pick a replacement you hate. You can set preferences in the app, but it’s never quite as seamless as being there yourself.
Common Misconceptions About Fees
I hear people say all the time, "I have Instacart+, so Costco delivery is free for me."
Sorta.
If you pay for the Instacart+ subscription (usually around $99 a year), your delivery fees are waived on orders over $35 across many stores, including Costco. You also get a lower service fee. But—and this is a big "but"—you are still paying the inflated Costco item prices. The subscription doesn't magically give you the in-store price tag. It only removes the specific "delivery fee" line item.
How to Get the Most Value
If you're going to use it, do it right. Here’s the strategy for the savvy Costco member:
- Go Big: Never order just one or two things. The service fees and markups hurt more on small orders. Hit that $35 minimum at the very least to avoid the base delivery charge.
- Check the "Sales": Sometimes items that are on "Instant Savings" in the warehouse are also discounted on the same-day site. This can help offset the markup.
- The 2% Strategy: If you're an Executive Member, always make sure your membership is linked. That 2% back is calculated on the higher delivery price, which means you actually earn a tiny bit more back than you would in-store.
- Be Strategic with Tips: If it’s raining or you ordered five cases of water, tip your driver well. They are doing the physical labor you’re avoiding.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Order
Stop assuming you're getting a deal just because the delivery fee says "zero." To truly master the Costco delivery game, follow these steps:
- Audit your cart: Before checking out, compare the price of three major items in your cart to the prices listed in the Costco warehouse mailer or app. If the difference is more than 20%, consider if you can wait for a physical trip.
- Use the right portal: Use the Costco Same-Day website rather than the standard Instacart app to ensure your membership rewards are properly tracked.
- Opt for 2-Day for non-perishables: If you don't need it today, switch your toilet paper and detergent to a 2-Day Delivery order. You’ll often save on the service fees and avoid the tipping pressure.
- Watch for "Member-Only Savings": Look for the red text indicating a discount. These are the only times same-day delivery starts to approach in-store pricing.
Costco same-day delivery is a premium service disguised as a membership perk. It’s a fantastic tool for busy weeks, but it is a luxury, not a freebie. Understanding the hidden markups is the only way to use the service without feeling buyer's remorse when you finally see your credit card statement.