Smart Shopping: How to Do It Without a Costco Membership

Many consumers rave about the bargains they snag at wholesale clubs like Costco. These retailers offer exclusive discounts on groceries, household goods, clothing, electronics, and more. Thanks to the low prices, shopping at Costco can help keep more money in your account. However, to get the best prices and shop at the local club, an annual membership is required. But this is not the case when you shop online. Did you know you can shop on Costco.com without a membership card? In addition to nearly 900 locations worldwide, Costco also sells goods through its website. While you need to be a member to shop in-store, this is not necessary for online shopping at Costco.com. Online shopping provides an excellent way to test products before investing in a membership. However, non-members must pay a surcharge to shop on Costco.com. At checkout, a 5% surcharge applies if there is no membership. It is also noteworthy that some online items are reserved exclusively for members. The additional surcharge might hardly be noticeable for small orders, but it can add up with larger purchases. If you choose to become a member, the surcharge at checkout is removed. Whether the membership is worth it depends on you. It is wise to get familiar with the retailer's products before joining. You can browse the Costco website or mobile app to see what products are offered. Also, consider how far the nearest club is from your home or workplace. If you plan to shop at the club, it makes sense if one is nearby. This way, you use your membership benefits more frequently, and your investment pays off. Think about your finances too. At the time of writing, a Costco membership costs between $60 and $120 a year. Only spend the money if it fits your budget. If you can afford the cost and will use the benefits, it might be a good idea to join. If you are considering becoming a Costco member, you should know that membership prices will increase by five to ten dollars per year soon. Starting September 1, 2024, a Gold Star membership will cost $65 annually, and the Executive membership will be $130. If you join before September, you can save a few dollars in the first year. Costco also offers a money-back guarantee on memberships. If you are dissatisfied with your membership at any time, you can cancel it and receive a refund. Costco members shouldn't miss the chance to maximize their savings. Did you know you can earn rewards when you pay with your credit card? Our favorite tip to save money at Costco is to pay with a credit card that earns rewards. Shopping exclusive deals and earning cashback rewards is a win for your wallet. Check our list of the best credit cards for Costco to learn more about the rewards on your Costco purchases. If you shop with a debit card, you might be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. These versatile credit cards offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco, and are considered the best cards of 2024 by our experts, as they offer generous welcome bonuses and outstanding cashback rewards. Moreover, you save on credit card interest since all of these recommendations include a competitive 0% interest period. Here you can read our expert recommendations for free! We believe in the Golden Rule, which is why our editorial opinions are solely ours and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any advertisers in the recommendations. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. The editorial content of The Ascent is separate from the editorial content of The Motley Fool and is created by a different analyst team. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.