How to Get Around Costco’s New Crackdown on Nonmembers

Attention bargain hunters and bulk-buying enthusiasts: Costco seems to be tightening its membership policies. In an update to its website, the company indicated that in the coming months, shoppers will be required to physically scan their cards at the store’s entrance and match with the photo that pops up for that card’s account. In other words: Gone are the days of borrowing a member’s card to check out without buying your own membership.

Still, don’t bid farewell to bulk buying just yet: There a few more ways to shop the store without committing to an annual membership—the price of which will increase by $5 (to $65) on September 1. Consider these “creative” solutions that will keep you in the Costco loop, even as they crack down on non-member shopping.

Get a gift card

The official Costco policy states that anyone can shop at warehouse locations if they present a “Shop Card,” also known as a gift card. These cards can be purchased at Costco, and electronic versions are available online. Here’s the catch: These cards can only be purchased by members, and using a debit or credit card that matches the Costco account name. That means in order to make use of this loophole, you’ll need a buddy with a membership who is willing to buy a gift card for you.

Don’t worry about getting caught using this workaround method—it’s perfectly allowed by Costco’s policies. According to this Costco customer service FAQs page, “Non-members as well as members may use Costco Shop Cards to shop at any Costco location in the U.S.”

Once you’re in the door, you can pay for your goods with your own personal payment method. That means you can use a $25 gift card to get in the door, and then spend as much as you want.

Go with a friend

If the gift card method is too much hassle for you, there are still other ways to shop at Costco as a non-member, the simplest of which is to tag along with your card-carrying Costco buddy, who will be able to get you in the door as a guest. (You might even offer to treat them to a post-shopping snack at the food court as a thank-you.)

Shop online (for a fee)

Although it’s not quite the same as strolling the aisles and buying in bulk, don’t forget about the digital realm. Costco.com offers many items for sale to non-members, often with just a small surcharge. It’s a great way to snag those Costco-exclusive deals without setting foot in the store.

You don’t need to be a member to use the pharmacy or Costco Optical

Did you know that Costco’s pharmacy, optical department, and food court are open to everyone? That’s right—you can still enjoy those famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combos without flashing a membership card.