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9 Ways to Shop at Costco Without a Membership

March 10, 2026 · Personal finance
An organized desk with a tablet and notebook showing data charts.
Compare your Costco access options by analyzing data on a tablet and in a handwritten notebook.

Comparing Your Costco Access Options

To help you determine which of these Costco membership alternatives best suits your lifestyle, review this breakdown of costs and benefits.

Shopping Method Access Level Additional Fees / Markups Best Used For
Costco Shop Card Full in-store and gas station access None Regular shopping trips; buying affordable gasoline
Instacart / Uber Eats Delivery of groceries and household items 15-20% item markup, plus delivery fees and tips Those with mobility restrictions; avoiding crowds
Costco.com Most online merchandise (excluding Member Only items) 5% non-member surcharge Occasional non-perishable or mid-tier purchases
Pharmacy & Medical Exams Full access to medications, eye exams, and hearing tests None Filling prescriptions; managing healthcare overhead
Guest Access Full in-store access (member must pay) None Occasional bulk stock-ups with friends or family
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