Costco is known for unbeatable deals on groceries, electronics, and household essentials, but a membership has traditionally been the golden ticket through the door.
As of 2025, Costco has tightened the rules for non-members: membership card scanning is now required at the entrance, and access to the food court now requires a valid membership, even at locations where it was previously open to the public.
Still, savvy shoppers can find a few workarounds. From pharmacy visits to using Costco Shop Cards, here are the current ways to score those bulk-size bargains without paying the annual fee.
Shop with a Member
This is still the easiest workaround. You can enter with a member and browse together.
While only the member can officially pay, you can reimburse them afterward — Costco cashiers will often allow items to be rung up separately on the same transaction.
Use a Costco Shop Card
Also known as a Costco Cash Card, this gift card allows non-members to shop in-store and online. Only a member can load the card, but once you have it, you can shop without them. Handy for large one-time purchases (think TVs or furniture).
Use a Business Account
If your employer has a business Costco membership, they may allow employees to shop using it. You’ll need to be added as an authorized buyer, and you may be asked to make the occasional supply run, too.
Buy Alcohol (in Certain States)
Some states prohibit warehouse clubs from limiting alcohol sales to members. If your state has such a law, you can legally walk into Costco and buy wine, beer, or spirits without a membership.
Currently there are 14 states where this is the case: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Vermont.
Use the Pharmacy
Consumer Reports surveys of more than 150 pharmacies find Costco cheapest, save for one online source — and prescription medications can be filled at the Costco pharmacy without a membership. Non-members can also get immunizations such as the flu vaccine.
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Use Instacart
The grocery delivery service Instacart will shop Costco on your behalf — even if you don’t have a membership. Consider this little loophole as a way to get Costco-priced groceries (though non-members will pay more for same-day delivery).
Just Get a Membership (It Might Be Worth It For You)
As of April 2025, the standard Gold Star membership costs $65/year, up slightly from $60 in 2024. If you shop even a few times a year or need access to services like gas, tires, and optical hardware, it can easily pay for itself — especially when you factor in rotating Groupon deals and Costco rebate checks.
