Can i use a costco gift card without a membership

Q: Can you walk around Costco without a membership?

When you visit a Costco warehouse, youll discover all the valuable savings we have to offer. As a nonmember, you may still purchase prescriptions from a Costco pharmacy with cash, debit, Costco Shop Cards or a Visa® card. However, you must be a paid member to enter the warehouse and purchase any other items.

Q: How can I get a free Costco membership?

Costco doesnt offer free memberships, but there are several ways you can still save. If you have a friend with a Costco membership, ask them to buy you a Costco Shop Card.

For those who like to save on food, appliances and everything in-between, bulk stores like Costco are the stuff of dreams ... and that's not even touching on the free samples. There are so many foods that devout Costco members swear by, from fruit fiend-friendly Cotton Candy grapes to avocados that stay riper longer. But those who don't want to splurge on the $60 bare bone membership or more than $120 for the executive membership, may never get to try them. Right?

Table of Contents Show

Couple takes engagement photos at a Costco
Skip the Costco Membership and Still Get the Deals!
1. You Can Use a Costco Gift Card
2. Go With a Friend Who Is a Member
3. Get Your Vision Tested
4. Fill a Prescription as a Non-Member at the Pharmacy
5. Show Up to Buy Alcohol
6. Shop Online
More Costco Stories on Clark.com:
How do I use a Costco gift card?
Can you walk around Costco without a membership?
How can I get a free Costco membership?
Can you use a Costco gift card online?

Wrong.

Couple takes engagement photos at a Costco

May 18, 201600:33

Costco's gift card, known as the Costco Cash Card, is a free ticket into the store (cue happy dance). Once purchased by a member, it can be used in stores by non-members without a problem.

Yes, there is already one loophole that allows non-members to buy Costco groceries through the delivery service called Instacart — but it's not free. The Costco Cash Card hack is for anyone willing to be a little sneaky and source the help of their Costco-member pals.

In-the-know non-members can roam the aisles at Costco.Getty Images

Costco Cash can be purchased in the amount of $25 to $1,000 either online or in store, a Costco customer service representative told TODAY Food. Members have to purchase the card (that's where the help of a friend comes in) and non-members will have to go to the store to spend it. Unfortunately, non-members will have a 5 percent surcharge if they shop online using the card — but sometimes the savings may still be worth it.

There's still hope for those who don't have close friends or family members who are Costco members.

Periodically throughout year (often quarterly), Costco offers promotions through Groupon, the customer service representative told TODAY Food. These offer new members incentives like a free pizza pie, pack of Kirkland paper towels and a $20 cash card when they purchase the $60 Costco membership card.

Here at Clark.com, we love Costco Wholesale! But not everyone is sold on the idea of having to pay to shop somewhere.

If you’re still on the fence about Costco, here’s how you can still shop or visit any of the more than 500 warehouse club locations across the country — without paying the $60 membership fee to get in the door.

Skip the Costco Membership and Still Get the Deals!

1. You Can Use a Costco Gift Card

Anyone can shop at a Costco if you have their version of a gift card — the Costco Cash Card.

One caveat here: If you choose to use a Costco Cash Card online and you’re aren’t a member, you’ll be charged 5% more than the stated price on everything except prescriptions.

Getting your hands on a Cash Card when you’re a non-member is easier than you think. Gift card resale aggregator GiftCardGranny.com sometimes has them available at a small discount to anybody who wants one!

2. Go With a Friend Who Is a Member

Costco lets members take up to two guests into the warehouse club.

Just be aware that if you’re the non-member going in with a friend, they’ll have to foot the bill and you’ll have to settle up with them after the trip.

3. Get Your Vision Tested

Non-members can use Costco’s optical services for exams and screenings.

But if you need to buy glasses, contacts or hearing aids, you’re going to need a membership or a friend who can get you in the store to purchase what you need on your behalf.

Of course, you could always use a gift card as we described in tip #1!

4. Fill a Prescription as a Non-Member at the Pharmacy

In an era of skyrocketing prescription costs, Costco routinely has some of the lowest prices on medications.

Best of all, you don’t have to be a member to use the Costco pharmacy. Some locations even have a separate entrance for non-members that leads directly into the pharmacy. Call your local store to check before heading out.

5. Show Up to Buy Alcohol

Many states prohibit the sale of alcohol through any club or membership. Check with your state laws to see if you’re able to enter Costco to buy alcohol.

6. Shop Online

Anyone can shop on Costco.com. But if you don’t have a membership, remember that you’ll have to pay a 5% surcharge.

How do I use a Costco gift card?

To get into a warehouse, simply flash one of the gift cards to the person at the door. Then pay for your purchase with the card. Costco's policy lets you cover any remaining balance with cash or a debit card (no credit cards allowed).

Can you walk around Costco without a membership?

When you visit a Costco warehouse, you'll discover all the valuable savings we have to offer. As a nonmember, you may still purchase prescriptions from a Costco pharmacy with cash, debit, Costco Shop Cards or a Visa® card. However, you must be a paid member to enter the warehouse and purchase any other items.

How can I get a free Costco membership?

Costco doesn't offer free memberships, but there are several ways you can still save. If you have a friend with a Costco membership, ask them to buy you a Costco Shop Card.

Can you use a Costco gift card online?

Costco Shop Card features include: A convenient payment option in our warehouses, gas stations, and on Costco.com. Costco Shop Cards can be reloaded with value at any Costco Warehouse.