Many people enjoy the benefits of shopping at the warehouse clubs. However, the membership fee causes others to lose interest. While some want to take advantage of the benefits without the cost, others want to see what they are getting for their money before they commit. So, if you’re wondering if Costco offers a free one-day guest pass to check out the store before signing up, here’s what you need to know.
Does Costco Offer Free One-Day Guest Passes?
The simple answer is no. Costco doesn’t offer guest passes to their warehouse stores.
Although non-members can access services from the Costco pharmacy and optical centers, you must be a member to shop at their warehouses. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go. There are still a few other ways to purchase Costco products without paying the annual fee.
Alternatives to a Costco Free One-Day Guest Pass
Although Costco doesn’t offer a one-day guest pass, there are a few workarounds. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can access these discounts when you don’t have a membership.
1. Online Shopping
While you need a membership to shop in-store, you can still place orders online through Costco.com and Instacart. Keep in mind that some items are member-only exclusives. Additionally, online prices may be slightly higher or comparable to other retailers.
However, non-members will still have access to thousands of Costco products through these sites. Without a membership though, you will pay a 5% surcharge on your order. The only exception to this is in some states, non-members are allowed to purchase alcohol. But if you plan to shop there frequently, it may be worth getting your own membership.
2. Go With a Member
Another option is to go shopping with someone who has a membership. Costco’s policy allows its members to bring up to two guests with them to its warehouses. The only hitch is that members must pay for the purchases at checkout.
This works well if you have a good relationship with the member. Then, you can divide the goods and split the costs of the purchase later. However, it can be difficult to coordinate schedules since Costco locations have more restrictive shopping hours than other grocery retailers.
3. Buy Costco Gift Cards
Since Costco no longer offers the free one-day guest pass, you can also purchase gift cards to get non-members in the door. The Shop Card allows you the same opportunity to shop at Costco as its members. When you enter the store, simply show the card and they will let you pass as if it were a membership card. Plus, you don’t have to pay the membership fee or online surcharges. These cards work at Costco gas stations as well.
The only drawback is that you must be a member to purchase a Shop Card. Furthermore, they must buy a minimum value of $25. But if you have a friend or family member with a Costco membership, you could ask them to pick one up the next time they go. Otherwise, you can always suggest these the next time they ask you for gift ideas.
The other, less direct way to get a Shop Card is to buy one through an online marketplace. If you don’t know anyone with a membership, you can check Amazon or eBay to buy them yourself. The other bonus is that you aren’t restricted to minimum values. Even if the card only has a few dollars on it, it will still gain you entrance. The catch here is you can only buy as much as your gift card will allow. If you go over, you might be able to pay cash for the balance.
4. The Refund Policy
Official Costco Return Policy: Accessed 2/22/2024, Costco.com
While I don’t recommend this route, you can technically get a Costco membership without paying. The way this works is to use their refund policy. At any point in your membership, you can get your Costco membership refunded. It’s an interesting policy that seems ripe for abuse. However, Costco will allow you to cancel for a full refund at any time while it is active. So, if you just want to grab a few things, you could purchase and cancel your membership on the same day.
If you want to stretch it as much as possible, you can even cancel on the very last day of your membership. Morally, this is a very gray area. Nonetheless, it is an alternative to paying full price for a membership.
Shop Around at Other Warehouse Stores
If don’t have a Costco membership, there are also other warehouse stores with great prices. You could always ask around and see if you have a friend with a membership to Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club, or Meijer. While Costco is the industry leader in the warehouse retailing space, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s “better”.
In fact, in 2018 Business Insider evaluated both big box stores and found their layout and prices were comparable (here). Some things have changed since the pandemic, but you can expect similar prices and products from all its competitors. So, you might not need to get a free one-day pass from Costco if you have other options.
Is It Worth Getting a Costco Membership?
In the end, this is a question only you can answer. If you have a large family, buy in bulk, enjoy their exclusive products, or take advantage of other member benefits, it would be well worth the cost. However, if you don’t visit frequently or live near a Costco location, it may not be beneficial for you.
The only way to know for sure is to visit the store yourself or purchase the membership and try it for a year. If the price is your greatest concern, you could also share a membership and split the annual fee. This is a good compromise that saves you money while still gaining access to all the Costco products and discounts. As long as you use the membership, the savings will far outweigh the cost of the annual membership.
How much has your Costco membership saved you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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