N
Luxe Prestige Chronicle

do you need a membership for costco

Author

Andrew Walker

Updated on June 13, 2026

Costco does not offer a one-day pass at any of its locations. However, non-members can freely shop online with a 5% surcharge on each item. However, if you use a Costco shop card, you can enter any store and claim the benefits. Additionally, you do not need a membership to purchase alcohol in selected states.

Is it mandatory to have Costco membership?

Unless you’re going shopping alongside a member, you typically need your own paid annual membership, a basic version of which costs $60. Costco also offers a Gold Star Executive Membership that costs $120 a year and offers a 2 percent cashback reward up to $1,000.

Can you go in Costco as a guest?

Members are welcome to bring children and up to two guests into the warehouse; members are responsible for their children and guests. Children should not be left unattended. Only Costco members may purchase items.

Can you pay with cash at Costco?

Yes, customers don’t need to have a Visa card to pay for their Costco purchases. Costco also accepts cash, checks, debit/ATM, EBT and Costco Cash Cards. Costco gas stations and Costco car washes, however, do not accept cash, checks or EBT.

Can non Costco members shop at Costco?

Non-Members Can Purchase from Costco.com (with a 5% Surcharge) Non-members can purchase from Costco’s website, Costco.com, at any time. There is a downside, however: If you are not a member, you will be charged a 5% surcharge over posted prices for members (except for prescription drugs).

Can non-members shop at Costco Online?

How to Shop At Costco Online Without a Membership. Costco doesn’t offer a specific guest registration like Sam’s Club, but they do allow non-members to purchase the same deals from their website, Costco.com. There’s still a 5% surcharge on all items, though, except for prescription drugs.

How much is a Costco membership?

A Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card.

Can I use my mom’s Costco card without her?

The Costco membership card is non-transferable, but there are several ways to share the experience with family and friends. Anyone with a card can bring up to two guests to the Warehouse during each visit. Keep in mind that purchasing items is exclusive to Costco members.

Can u pay with debit card at Costco?

U.S. Costco warehouse locations accept: All Visa Cards. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. Most PIN-based Debit/ATM Cards.

Why does Costco only accept Visa?

Costco came up with an even more strategic way of saving money—a lot of money—by striking a deal with Visa. The warehouse club agreed to accept only Visa cards, and in exchange, the credit company lowered Costco’s merchant fee to a negligible less than 0.4 percent.

What happens if you don’t have a Costco card?

Costco does allow members to visit their stores even if they forgot their membership card. You will need to go to the service counter and ask for a temporary card to complete your shopping, and provide your name and ID for them to check your membership status and look up your customer number.