Do i need a costco membership to shop there

We're often looking for the best deals on everything, from affordable groceries to deeply discounted cookware—and Costco usually has amazing bulk discounts. 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.

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!

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I reached out to the customer service team at Costco to confirm: Could I, someone who isn’t a member at Costco, come into the store, load up my cart, and then pay with Costco Cash? Team members confirmed that I could. 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.

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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?!

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.

It's not the easiest way of essentially scamming the membership-only retailer, but it's a tried-and-true method for the casual Costco shopper who wants to see what exactly all the hooplah is about. Trust us—it's worth all the hype.

A Costco membership sure has its benefits (like these hidden Costco perks, just to name a few). But those of us who haven’t decided to commit to the $60-a-year membership yet can still take advantage of those unbeatable deals. And the store totally condones it. 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. Of course, that leaves the obvious problem of relying on that friend to get you in. If you do your shopping Monday mornings but your friend can only go on the weekends—when you’re totally booked—you’re out of luck. 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. The superstore touts the cards as a “convenient way for members to pay,” but the small print allows non-members to use them, too. Just ask a friend to pick up a card for you (using your money, of course) and you can get anywhere from $25 to $1,000 in store credit to spend at Costco. With your Costco Cash Card in hand, you can get into the store and do your shopping just like any other shopper, without tagging along with another member. While you're there, keep an eye out for this Costco price tag symbol that signals you to stock up. 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. 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]

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Costco, one of the largest retailers in the United States, is a membership-only warehouse chain that sells products in bulk at discounted prices despite rising inflation. The company's gas prices have been one lowest as the national average rises to $5 a gallon, with customers able to enjoy these perks through an in-store annual membership program. 

However, even Costco is starting to feel the pressure of global inflation as prices at their food court rise steadily. In July 2022, the store hiked the national price on its chicken bake for $1 more at $3.99 and 20-ounce soda selling at $0.69, up 10 cents from June.

Regardless, individuals are still looking to shop at the store to avoid the inflated prices at traditional grocery counters but are hesitant due to the annual membership's cost.

Can you go to Costco without a membership?

Costco, unlike its competitor Sam's Club, does not offer a 24-hour guest membership or give non-members access to discounted items. However, if you are picking up a prescription at Costco, you may make purchases at the pharmacy with cash, debit, or Costco Shop Cards, according to the company's website. All other items in the warehouse are exclusive to members only.

Due to rising gas prices, many Americans are taking advantage of the low prices offered to warehouse members only.  (Getty Images / Getty Images)

The annual membership shopping club appears to have worked successfully for the retail giant, as Costco reported a net sales increase of 16.9% to $188.34 billion over a 44-week period in July 2022.

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How much does a Costco membership cost? 

Costco offers customers three different categories of annual paying memberships. The most basic class is the Gold Star Membership which costs $60 per year and includes an additional Household card for a family member or friend. The Business Membership costs the same as the gold but allows you to purchase products for business, personal, and resale use. 

Costco's Executive Member card costs $120 per year and offers customers a 2% reward on qualified stores purchases. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The Executive Membership is the highest tier package offered by Costco. It costs members $120, includes all the same benefits of the previous categories, provides a 2% reward on qualified store purchases with a maximum total of $1,000 savings annually and discounts on vacations booked through Costco's travel service. 

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What are Costco's most affordable items? 

Costco's cheapest prices fluctuate from week to week based on deals offered by the company to its membership in-person and online via their website. However, some items it lists for less than $25 include pet supplies, personal hygiene, office products, and frozen seafood.