Although a Costco membership is effectively value it if you happen to take pleasure in shopping for in bulk or visiting the remarkably inexpensive meals courtroom, there are nonetheless a number of methods to entry Costco’s aisles with out forking over the annual charge. Here are 4 methods you may store the warehouse retailer, from eye exams to grocery supply providers. That’s proper, there are methods to buy sure merchandise at Costco and not using a membership card. Be warned, nonetheless: These suggestions and methods aren’t the silver bullet they might appear to be. Costco has cracked down on providing free buying passes, so even if you happen to’re capable of purchase some items at Costco and not using a membership, you continue to will not be capable to seize, say, a mattress or a telephone. But if there are particular providers you need to reap the benefits of, you are golden. Read on for recommendations on tips on how to store at Costco with out paying for a membership. Plus, listed here are our picks for the perfect wholesome snacks to choose up at Costco — you may want a membership for these — and the way a lot it can save you by buying at Costco for a 12 months.How do you get inside Costco and not using a membership card?Costco requires you to indicate your membership card to even get inside, so if you do not have one, you may have to talk to the worker on the entrance door to realize entrance. Simply point out that you simply’re there to choose up a prescription, browse the alcohol aisles or to inquire about getting your personal membership card and you need to be let within the warehouse and not using a drawback. If the worker is unaware of those insurance policies, kindly ask to talk to a supervisor, however each time I’ve spoken to a front-door worker, I’ve all the time been let in with no drawback. CostcoYou can use Instacart to buy at Costco, however count on to pay extraIf you need to store Costco, however with out taking the plunge on a membership card, you may use Instacart to buy at Costco. However, this is not an ideal money-saving choice, as a result of the gadgets you see on Instacart could also be costlier than they’d be in individual. Also, not the whole lot within the retailer is accessible on Instacart.At this level, it is in all probability cheaper and extra handy to simply get a Costco membership. You can use Instacart to buy at Costco, however it’s possible you’ll miss out on a few of the financial savings. InstacartYou can store at Costco with a present card, so long as a member buys it for youAnother frequent loophole for buying in-person or on-line at Costco and not using a membership is by utilizing a Costco Shop Card — aka a Costco reward card. However, the catch is that non-members cannot buy Shop Cards, so you may must be gifted one by a Costco member. Additionally, non-members cannot reload their Shop Cards.You’ll have to current your Shop Card in lieu of a membership card whenever you enter the Costco. If you obtain a digital reward card, be sure you print it out earlier than buying. You should purchase alcohol at Costco and not using a membership in these statesYou should purchase alcohol at Costco and not using a paid membership, so long as you are in an eligible state, like California or New York. Local legal guidelines stop membership-only golf equipment like Costco or Sam’s Club from withholding alcohol gross sales to most people. The full listing of states contains:Arizona California ColoradoConnecticutDelawareHawaiiIndianaKentuckyMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaNew YorkTexasVermontOnce you’ve got picked out your alcohol and also you’re in line to pay, let the cashier know that you do not have a membership card, they usually’ll scan you with a generic membership quantity. A supervisor could also be required, so be affected person as you wait to make your buy. You do not must be a Costo member to take pleasure in reductions on wine and beer. Taylor Martin/CNETEvery state enables you to purchase prescriptions at Costco and not using a membershipIf you do not have medical health insurance and pay excessive costs for prescribed drugs, you may reap the benefits of Costco’s reductions.Buying prescriptions and not using a membership is allowed in each Costco with a pharmacy throughout the nation, no matter state. Costco even has a customer support recommendation web page explaining how one can purchase prescriptions and not using a membership. According to its web site:You do not should be a Costco member to buy Costco Pharmacy prescriptions on-line or at our warehouses. Our Pharmacy counter will settle for a number of totally different types of cost, together with money, debit/ATM playing cards, Costco Shop Cards and Visa.You’ll have to have a health care provider’s written prescription to purchase most medication out there at a Costco Pharmacy. You can nonetheless save on prescribed drugs even if you happen to’re not a Costco member. Design by Brandon Douglas/CNETYou can get eye exams at Costco and not using a membershipA lesser-known Costco perk you may reap the benefits of and not using a membership is getting a watch examination with the in-house optometrist on the Costco Optical heart. If you do not have medical insurance coverage, that is one other manner it can save you cash, because of the reductions that Costco provides.Unfortunately, although, you may’t purchase prescription glasses or contacts there and not using a Costco membership. You can solely pay for an eye examination, which can or might not embrace providers to watch your visible sharpness, whether or not you are nearsighted or farsighted, the well being of your retinas and extra.This trick works at each Costco location throughout the nation that has an optometrist.Hungry for a $1.50 sizzling canine and soda? Pony up for a membershipIt was that anybody might go to the Costco meals courtroom. Even if you happen to weren’t a member, you could possibly purchase a slice of pizza for $2 and a sizzling canine and soda combo for under $1.50. Sadly, that is now not true.Since early 2020, Costco has required a membership card to purchase something on the meals courtroom, together with rooster bakes, barbecue beef brisket sandwiches, ice cream and churros. Costco now not permits food-court purchases for nonmembers. Booo. Getty PicturesIf you are out there for a paid membership that can assist you save on prices, you may additionally be enthusiastic about Amazon Prime. Learn extra about Amazon’s low cost prescription drug service and the hidden Amazon Prime perks it’s possible you’ll not find out about.FAQs What can I buy within Costco and not using a membership card? You’re capable of fill prescriptions and purchase alcohol (in sure states) with out paying the Costco yearly membership charge. Eye exams are additionally out there within the retailer. Is there any manner for me to buy different gadgets and not using a Costco membership? You can use Instacart or different grocery buying supply to have items delivered from Costco, although you may be paying a markup for utilizing these providers in addition to having to tip the drivers.
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