Surprising Costco Hacks: Secret Things You Can Do Without a Costco Membership!
Discover secret things you can do at Costco without a membership, from buying alcohol to enjoying the food court. đ #News #Costco #Adulting #PersonalFinance
EAGAN, MN – Costco is well-known for offering bulk items at affordable prices, but many Minnesota shoppers donât realize you donât always need a membership to take advantage of what it has to offer. From grabbing a snack to picking up prescriptions, there are ways to benefit from Costcoâs services without signing up for a membership.
Enjoy the Food Court
If youâre in the mood for a quick bite, you might still be able to enjoy Costcoâs famous food court, even without a membership. While most locations require a card to enter the main store, some in warmer climates have outdoor food courts. This means anyone can stop by for a hot dog and soda combo, no membership needed.
Buy Alcohol Legally
In certain states, you can purchase alcohol at Costco without a membership due to specific state laws. For example, California law prohibits warehouse stores from restricting alcohol sales based on membership. Before heading out, check your local laws, and you could be enjoying Costco’s discounted prices on wine, beer, or liquor. Just let the staff know youâre only there for alcohol, and theyâll allow you in without the usual requirements.
Use a Gift Card
Costco Cash Cards, available for purchase only by members, are a clever workaround for non-members. If a friend or family member picks up one of these gift cards for you, you can use it to shop at Costco without needing your own membership. Youâll have access to all the same deals while using the prepaid balance on the card.
Shop with a Friend
Another simple way to shop at Costco without a membership is by tagging along with someone who has one. Members are allowed to bring guests into the store, so as long as your friend is willing to pay at checkout, you can do your shopping with them. Just make arrangements to reimburse them later.
Buy from Costco Online
Not having a membership doesnât mean you canât shop at Costco online. While non-members are allowed to purchase items from Costcoâs website, be aware thereâs a 5% surcharge added to your total. However, if you do some quick price comparisons, you might find the deal is still worth it, even with the extra cost.
Get a Prescription Filled
Pharmacy services are another area where state laws come into play. In many states, non-members are permitted to fill prescriptions at Costco pharmacies. Itâs a good idea to call ahead to verify your local storeâs policy. You can also fill prescriptions online without any extra fees, giving you another way to access medication at a lower price.
Book an Eye Exam
Costcoâs optical services operate separately from the rest of the store. This means you can book an eye exam without a membership since the opticians are independent of Costco itself. However, if youâre planning to buy glasses or contact lenses afterward, youâll need a membership for that.
Take Advantage of Costco Without a Membership
Even without a membership, there are several ways to benefit from what Costco offers. From grabbing a quick meal at the food court to buying alcohol and filling prescriptions, non-members have access to many of the storeâs services. With a little planning and knowledge of local laws, you can enjoy Costcoâs perks without needing to sign up.
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