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Shop with a Member

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: 21 Surprisingly Expensive Products From Costco



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Use a Costco Cash Card

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.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Take Advantage of Health Services

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



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Use the Pharmacy

The most recent Consumer Reports survey of more than 150 pharmacies found 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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Shop Online

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. Currently, it’s possible to score $100 in Macaroni Grill gift cards for $75. The disadvantage is that non-members may be hit with a 5% surcharge on some orders.



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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).

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



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Enjoy the Food Court

A Costco membership is required to get in the door and into the food court at many Costco locations. Yet 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: 20 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Costco



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


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