How to Shop at Costco If You're Not a Member

When it comes to savings on household goods, groceries, and more, Costco has always been a winning solution in terms of slashing costs. Shopping at warehouse clubs is often cheaper than elsewhere, and Sam's Club, Costco, and the like provide exceptional membership benefits. But what if you don't have a membership? There are still ways to land discounts at Costco without paying the annual fee.

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Perhaps the easiest way to shop fee-free is to visit Costco with a member. The member has to pay for your items at checkout, but the cashier will ring up two separate orders. Just have cash or a check ready for the member upon leaving the store.

Related: Surprisingly Expensive Products From Costco

Another option is to buy Costco cash card denominations up to $1,000 while at Costco with a member. Only the member can load the cards, but then you can use them to enter the store and buy items without an escort. This is especially helpful for big-ticket purchases such as a TV, so you don't have to pay a membership fee for just one item.

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If your employer has a Costco business membership, lobby to be one of the people with a name on the account. While you'll get stuck with a few office supply runs, you may also be able to use the card for your personal savings.

Related:  Surprising Stats About Costco

In about a dozen states, alcohol sales cannot be prohibited through a club or membership. Check the laws in your state and, if it's allowed, explain to the door attendant that you are buying non-member goods. This can be a handy way to slash the cost of alcohol for parties or other events.

Costco makes non-member allowances for health services such as optical exams and hearing screenings, though a membership is required if you need to buy glasses, contacts, or hearing aids. Find a member willing to buy and be reimbursed for these items or use a loaded Costco Cash Card.

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.

Non-members can shop on Costco's website to take advantage of the warehouse club's bargain prices on certain items. Gift cards, for example, can be bought at a discount online without a membership. It's possible to score $100 in Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que gift cards for $70 to $80. The disadvantage is that non-members may be hit with a 5% surcharge on some orders.

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).

Related: How to Live Off Less Than $500 a Month at Costco

A Costco membership is required to get in the door and into the food court at many Costco locations. In warmer climates where the food court is outside the store, food can be bought without a membership. Costco is known for serving pizza, hot dogs, and other treats for less than $5.

Related: Things You Probably Didn't Know About Costco

Although you can shop Costco without a membership, the $60 fee for a basic Costco membership may be worth the money if you expect to shop at the warehouse club regularly. 

Pro tip: Be on the lookout for deals on membership through outlets such as Groupon. 

Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor

Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you're ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.