Costco Shop Cards
Ever had a hankering for a 20-pound bag of peanuts? In need of about 100 rolls of toilet paper? Or want to find new glasses, a refrigerator, a few dozen eggs, and an epic vacation all in one place? That’s where Costco comes in. However, if you don’t have a membership, there are still ways to shop at Costco without one—most notably through the Costco Shop Card.
Many shoppers are unaware that, according to several websites, “Non-members, as well as members, may use Costco Shop Cards to shop at any Costco location in the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico, as well as online at Costco.com and Costco.ca.” This means that if you can acquire a Costco Shop Card, you’ll have access to all the Costco stores around you. However, there’s a catch: Non-members cannot purchase the cards directly. Therefore, they must rely on a friend or family member to procure a card for them.
Members can purchase cards in increments of $25, $50, $100, $250, or $500 and gift them for in-store or online usage. As an added bonus, Costco states, “Costco Shop Cards may be used toward a membership and merchandise,” which makes it a fantastic opportunity to start your membership journey.
Buying Online at Costco
Alternatively, you can shop online at Costco.com without a membership. However, this option comes with some limitations. As highlighted by Insider, non-members will incur a 5 percent surcharge on their total order. Moreover, certain exclusive items are accessible only to members.
In-Store Shopping Alternatives
If you prefer to shop in person, consider asking your roommate if they could add you to their membership. Costco’s terms indicate that “A total of two people can be on a Gold Star Membership (either regular or Executive): one Primary Member and one free household member who is over 18 and lives at the same address.” It’s worth noting that the second member does not have to be a blood relative or spouse. Therefore, it’s advisable to maintain a positive relationship with your roommate, as they have the authority to modify these arrangements.
In summary, Costco offers various options for individuals without a membership, enabling access to their wide range of products and services. By utilizing Costco Shop Cards or shopping online, you can enjoy the benefits of Costco shopping, even if you are not a member.
