Here's How to Get Around Costco's Crackdown on Nonmembers

Costco is taking additional steps to prevent nonmembers from entering its stores, but there are still several ways to shop at Costco without paying an annual fee.

The retailer has added membership scanning devices at store entrances in recent years, and Costco also said it is enforcing photo identification requirements, meaning you’ll need to present a Costco card with a photo or a valid photo ID like a driver’s license.

Costco doesn't want shoppers dodging its check-in process or freeloading off a friend's account. Most of Costco’s profits come from membership fees, and the company says they’re what makes it possible for Costco to offer the low prices that draw crowds of customers to its stores.

But if you’re not a regular Costco shopper, it could be hard to justify buying a membership, which will cost you at least $65.

The good news is there’s a trick involving gift cards that makes it possible to shop in-store without a Costco membership.

How to shop at Costco with a gift card

Under Costco’s policies, anyone can shop at warehouse locations if they present a Shop Card, which is just a gift card.

These cards can be purchased in-store, and electronic versions are available online. The catch is that Costco Shop Cards can only be purchased by members, so for this trick, you’ll still need to rely on a family member or a friend with a membership to buy a gift card for you.

You’ll likely have to pay your friend back because the company’s policies require the name on your debit or credit card to match the account name.

If you're worried about using this strategy, rest assured that the gift card method is allowed: "Non-members as well as members may use Costco Shop Cards to shop at any Costco location in the U.S.," a Costco customer service FAQ page reads.

In online forums, shoppers report that they’ve been able to use small denomination Costco gift cards (ex. $25) to get in the door. Then they can fill up a cart and pay for the rest of the total with other payment methods like cash or debit. Keep in mind, however, that the rules and enforcement may vary from store to store.

Other ways to shop at Costco without membership

If the gift card method is too much hassle, there are several other ways to shop at Costco without a membership.

Much of Costco’s inventory is available online, and the company has free shipping on many items. Unfortunately, online prices are sometimes higher to offset shipping costs — and nonmembers pay a 5% surcharge over what members pay for online orders.

Nonmembers can order items with same-day delivery using Instacart.com, however, the prices are higher than what you would find shopping in person. Costco has also teamed up with UberEats for delivery — available to members and nonmembers — though nonmembers still pay more.

Lastly, there are several things that anyone can get at Costco without a membership, including alcohol (in 14 states), prescriptions and eye exams.

But to get the full Costco shopping experience with the lowest prices — and to be able to order the famous $1.50 hot dog deal — you’ll either need to pay for a membership or try the gift card method.

How much is Costco membership?

Costco has two main membership options:

• The standard Gold Star membership is $65 per year and it includes a “household” card that can be used by a second person who lives at the same address as the account holder.

• The Executive membership ($130) gets you 2% back on all purchases, which pays for itself when you spend $3,000.