7 Costco Perks You Can Get WITHOUT a Membership

By Jimmy
May 6, 2025

Costco is famous for its bulk bargains, free samples, and unbeatable prices, but there’s a catch: you need a membership to shop there. Or do you? While the $60 annual fee might be worth it for frequent shoppers, not everyone wants to commit. The good news? There are still ways to enjoy some of Costco’s best perks without even swiping a membership card.

If you’ve been eyeing those Kirkland Signature deals but don’t want to pay for a membership, keep reading. Here are 7 Costco perks you can take advantage of with no membership required.

1. Shop at the Costco Pharmacy

One of the best-kept secrets about Costco is that you don’t need a membership to access its pharmacy services. That’s right, anyone can fill prescriptions at Costco’s pharmacy, and in many cases, you’ll pay significantly less than at a regular drugstore. Costco negotiates bulk discounts on medications, just like it does with everything else in the warehouse. Plus, it offers generic medications at lower prices compared to major pharmacy chains like Walgreens or CVS.

You can get prescription medication by just walking in and dropping off your prescription like you would at any other pharmacy. You can also get vaccinations because many Costco locations offer flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and other immunizations at competitive prices. Moreover, if your furry friend needs some meds, Costco’s pharmacy has some of the best deals on pet prescriptions.

You can use this perk by just simply telling the door attendant that you’re headed to the pharmacy, and they’ll let you in without a membership card.

2. Buy Alcohol at Costco

Here’s a fun fact: in some states, you can buy alcohol at Costco without a membership. This is due to state laws that prohibit membership-only access to alcohol sales. Costco is known for low-priced liquor, wine, and beer, often significantly cheaper than other retailers. Plus, their Kirkland Signature alcohol is highly rated and even compared to top-shelf brands.

Check if your state allows non-members to buy alcohol at warehouse clubs. Some of the states that do include California, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Vermont. Simply walk into Costco and head straight to the alcohol section; no membership card is required at checkout.

The best Costco alcohol deals include the Kirkland Signature Vodka that is often compared to Grey Goose, Kirkland Signature Bourbon that some say is similar to Jim Beam, and the wine bundles. Costco is one of the largest wine retailers in the U.S. If you love high-quality alcohol at unbeatable prices, this is one Costco hack that you don’t want to miss.

3. Use a Costco Shop Card

Even though Costco is a members-only warehouse, there’s a tiny loophole: Costco Shop Cards. These are Costco’s version of a gift card, and they allow non-members to shop just like regular members.

Find a friend or family member who has a Costco membership and ask them to buy a Costco Shop Card for you. Shop in-store or online using the card, and if you run out of balance, you’ll need a Costco member to reload the card for you. With this card you can buy pretty much anything: groceries, electronics, household essentials, clothing, and gas. You can also use a Costco Shop Card to shop online at Costco.com, though non-members might have to pay a 5% surcharge on some select items.

4. Get Eye Exams at Costco Optical

Even though Costco’s optical department sells glasses and contacts at warehouse prices, you don’t need a membership to get an eye exam. You can easily do that by just calling your local Costco Optical and scheduling an appointment. Show up for your eye exam-no membership card needed.

This comes at more affordable prices because Costco’s optometrists often charge lower fees than private practices. If you live near a Costco, this could also save you a trip to an expensive eye doctor. Lastly, unlike buying glasses or contacts, you don’t need a membership for an exam.

Heads up because you will need a membership if you want to buy glasses, contacts, or frames at Costco’s discounted prices. But if you just need an eye exam, you are good to go.

5. Eat at the Costco Food Court

Craving a $1.50 hot dog and soda combo? Depending on the location, you might be able to enjoy Costco’s famous food court without a membership. Some Costcos keep the food court outside the main entrance, meaning that everyone can order food. Other locations may require a membership card at checkout, so this perk depends on where you go. At Costco you can find huge pizza slices with generous toppings, the $1.50 hot dog + soda combo, a legendary deal that hasn’t changed in decades, frozen yogurt, or even churros. If your local Costco doesn’t allow non-members at the food court, you can always ask a friend with a membership to buy you a meal.

6. Shop at Costco.com

While most people think Costco.com is for members only, non-members can also shop online. Costco.com offers thousands of items, including electronics, appliances, home goods, furniture, gift baskets, and specialty foods. The biggest limitation? Non-members pay a 5% surcharge on most purchases. However, the prices are still often competitive, even with the extra fee.

Go to the site, browse and add items to your cart, and at checkout you’ll be prompted to create an account, but no membership number will be required. Look out for online-only deals and free shipping promotions that often make up for the surcharge. Also, some high-ticket items like TVs or furniture sets are still cheaper at Costco.com than the competitors, even with the 5% fee.

7. Get Costco Travel Deals

Costco Travel is an exclusive member benefit, but there is a creative workaround that you can use. If you know a member, they can book travel on your behalf, letting you access the same great rates and packages. Costco Travel offers incredible deals on vacation packages, rental cars, cruises, hotels and resorts, and theme park tickets. Because Costco Travel partners directly with top suppliers, the prices are often lower than popular travel sites and also come with better perks.

You can access the deals by asking a Costco member to book a vacation package under your name. Most travel packages allow guests to be booked, so the actual traveler doesn’t need to be a member, only the one who books it. A good tip would be to have your friend include you as the main traveler and pay upfront. Some travel deals include Costco Shop Cards or perks like free upgrades and resort credits.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a paying Costco member to enjoy some of its best perks. Whether you’re filling prescriptions, grabbing a cheap hot dog, or stocking up on alcohol, there are always ways to hack the system and save big. While a Costco membership is still a great deal for frequent shoppers, knowing these workarounds lets you enjoy the perks without committing to the annual fee. So next time you pass by a Costco, remember that you don’t need to be a member to save money!

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