Trying Costco without paying the annual fee
If you’ve ever wondered whether a Costco membership is really worth it, you’re not alone. The basic Gold Star membership costs $65 a year, and the Executive membership costs $130, which comes with 2% cash back and extra perks. But before you commit to either, you can actually try out some of Costco’s most popular services and savings without joining first.
That’s right—no membership, no problem. From discounted gas to affordable prescription drugs, there are several ways to enjoy what Costco offers without paying the annual fee. Here’s how you can do it.
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1. Save on gas—even without a membership
You’ve probably seen those long lines of cars at Costco gas stations—and for good reason. Costco’s fuel prices are among the best around, often beating nearby gas stations by 20 to 30 cents per gallon. Those savings can add up, especially if you’re filling up often or planning a road trip.
Most Costco gas stations are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, with slightly shorter hours on weekends, and they’re self-service (except in Oregon and New Jersey). Normally, only members can access the pumps. But there’s a workaround — you can pay using a Costco Shop Card, which is a reloadable gift card that a Costco member can buy for you.
Once you have that card, you can pay at the pump like anyone else, using your debit or credit card after activating the pump with the Shop Card.
2. Buy alcohol in some states
Here’s a fun fact: Costco is the largest wine retailer in the U.S. — and not just for members. Depending on your state’s laws, you may be able to buy beer, wine, or liquor at Costco even without a membership.
States like California, New York, Texas, Michigan, and Colorado allow non-members to buy alcohol because local laws prohibit stores from restricting alcohol sales to members only. That means you can grab a bottle of Kirkland Signature wine (Costco’s own label, known for quality and value) or a favorite brand-name liquor without showing a membership card.
It’s smart to call your local Costco first to confirm whether this rule applies in your state before making the trip.
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3. Fill prescriptions at the pharmacy
Prescription drug prices have risen sharply in recent years — and Costco’s pharmacy can help cut those costs significantly. Even without a membership, many states allow you to fill prescriptions at Costco.
For example, a 30-day supply of generic Amoxicillin costs around $8.84 at Costco, compared to more than $14 at many other retailers, according to GoodRx data.
If you’re investigating how to lower medication costs, call your local Costco pharmacy to see if they serve non-members in your area.
4. Get eye exams and free health screenings
You don’t need to be a Costco member to see one of their optometrists. You can schedule an eye exam at most Costco optical centers—though you’ll need a membership if you want to buy glasses or contacts afterward.
Costco also occasionally offers free health screenings to the general public, including tests for osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart health. These events can be a wonderful way to check up on your well-being without paying a dime.
5. Shop on Costco.com (with a small catch)
Here’s another trick: You can shop on Costco.com without a membership. The site sells just about everything, from groceries and gadgets to furniture and appliances. However, there’s a 5% non-member surcharge on most items (except prescription drugs).
If you find yourself shopping frequently online, it may make sense to just pay for a membership—but for one-time or occasional purchases, the small fee is worth the convenience.
You can also order certain Costco groceries through Instacart or buy Kirkland Signature products on Amazon, though prices there are typically higher.
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