can you shop at costco without a membership

[kurtblak]

can you shop at costco without a membership?

something about using a cash card?

I had a membership, but lapsed and only need to pick up a small ticket item - coffee beans actually...

[sfx]

You need a membership to buy anything.

[kurtblak]

ok - so if i get a cash card as a gift; that person has to join?

[CSAgent]

ok - so if i get a cash card as a gift; that person has to join?

You need a membership to buy anything.

[rpeatt]

You need a membership to buy anything.

This is not true - I believe cash cards can be used without a membership!

[Downtown]

You can shop online if you are not a member, but are subject to an additional non-member fee (I think 5%).

Cheers.

[kurtblak]

This is not true - I believe cash cards can be used without a membership!


holy crap look what i found...

http://www.costco.com/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?Prodid=10024438

Costco has created another convenient way for members to pay for their purchases: The Costco Cash card.
You must be a Costco member to purchase or reload Costco Cash Cards. Non-members may use the cash cards to shop in the warehouse or online. Costco Cash balances may be used toward membership or merchandise.

The Costco Cash card features include:

* A convenient payment option in our warehouses, gas stations, and costco.com
* No expiration date
* Are rechargeable at any Costco warehouse location
* Can be purchased in denominations from $25 to $1,000
* A supply card or gas card for businesses
* A means to provide students with money for food, gas, or school and dormitory necessities, while being able to limit their spending
* Balance can be accessed on costco.com, the warehouse "red kiosk" or by calling the toll-free number on the back of the card

[yao416]

Last time when I bought a GPS from Costco I didn't have membership (this was like 2-3 months ago)

So, No, you dont need membership card to buy stuff from Costco.

[ullyeus]

Last time when I bought a GPS from Costco I didn't have membership (this was like 2-3 months ago)

So, No, you dont need membership card to buy stuff from Costco.

You're wrong. You do need a membership card to buy stuff, otherwise what would be the point in it being a "membership only business".

[Downtown]

holy crap look what i found...

http://www.costco.com/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?Prodid=10024438

Sweet! Buy online using a credit card (not accepted in store) - then go and make purchases!

[boyoflondon]

Last time when I bought a GPS from Costco I didn't have membership (this was like 2-3 months ago)

So, No, you dont need membership card to buy stuff from Costco.

WOW!! So all of us must be really stupid then for paying a yearly membership then, eh?

[Dustbunny]

Yes you have to have a membership card to shop in the store unless you have a loaded gift card which anyone can use (members are the only ones who can load cards I believe). Anyone can shop on the site but non members pay extra.

[peroxide8888]

This topic has been discussed to death. Do a search, it's in here somewhere.

Yes you have to have a membership card to shop in the store unless you have a loaded gift card which anyone can use (members are the only ones who can load cards I believe). Anyone can shop on the site but non members pay extra.That is correct (and the same answer as posted in many previous threads). [/thread]

Mods, please lock this useless thread!

[Davedigger]

Sweet! Buy online using a credit card (not accepted in store) - then go and make purchases!

Very interesting. By doing that you'd get around paying the 5% mark-up on costco.com.

[yao416]

You're wrong. You do need a membership card to buy stuff, otherwise what would be the point in it being a "membership only business".

WOW!! So all of us must be really stupid then for paying a yearly membership then, eh?

wait opps, shop at the store?

I thought online :razz: LULZ

[belowzeros]

you dont have to be a member to use a cash card but you have to be one to load it.

[zod]

so what you're saying is load up a cash card before my membership expires?

[Red_Army]

can you shop at costco without a membership?

something about using a cash card?

I had a membership, but lapsed and only need to pick up a small ticket item - coffee beans actually...

i know that they have special days for people who arent members (ie: promotional coupon)

also i know they let potential members in there, but im not sure if they actually let you buy unless you become a member

[selpats]

can you shop at cost co without a membership?

something about using a cash card?

I had a membership, but lapsed and only need to pick up a small ticket item - coffee beans actually...

No, you can't purchase anything without being a member. A member can buy you a cash card to use in store, thus circumventing the need for a membership.

Anyway, why not just call Costco and ask them for yourself instead of having "opinions" from a bunch of people who may or may not know?

1-800-463-3783

[Trooper8111]

You can use a cash card without a membership. You can buy at the Opticlub and the eatery without a membership. Or you can sneak in and ask someone in line to use their card.

[rogeryen]

Hmm....so for members, buy $1000 worth of cash card, sell for ~$1025 to non members?:twisted:

[7Stryder7]

costco acts stupid to non-members. when you enter the store, they'll often ask you to show them your card... if you don't have one... they'll kindly ask you to leave;
you can't even walk around the store for being a non-member...

[brunes]

costco acts stupid to non-members. when you enter the store, they'll often ask you to show them your card... if you don't have one... they'll kindly ask you to leave;
you can't even walk around the store for being a non-member...

So? It's a member only store. They can do whatever they want.

IMO the $50 / year I spend at Costco is the best money I spend for any bill or membership, period. I easily save 20+ times that amount, and I only go once / month.

[slomo]

The Costco gift card 'loophole' has been on for at least a year and a half.

Never a problem with entering the store, just show the employees your gift card. At the cashier, tell him/her to call his/her supervisor, mentioned "Code 99". ;)

The drawback to this is:
- Not very convenient if you are a heavy Costco user.
- Don't know how to return or exchange items (my need at Costco is just foodstuff and photo printings).
- Lost interest on the balance (you can buy $10,000 worth of Costco gift cards, but if you don't use it right away how much interest do you lose on it?)

[honest thief]

You can get a visitor pass at the customer service if you want to walk around.

[don_lee103]

You can get a visitor pass at the customer service if you want to walk around.

Honestly, wouldnt it be just easier for you to just get the membership and shop without any problems?
You know they Do offer a satisfaction guarantee on the membership as well...

[molala]

Very interesting. By doing that you'd get around paying the 5% mark-up on costco.com.

i bought something on costco.ca before..yes...they do mark it up a little higher compare to the store...but no tax and shipping....which is great!

[fatpiggy]

I use 3 to 4 $25 cash cards each year, never been a member and probably never will. Go there occasionally when there's a great deal.

[Stylez_517]

YOU DON'T NEED MEMEBERSHIP despite what everyone is saying.

But there is a catch to it. Basically, if you are a "new shopper" to Costco, they you shop around a purchase their stuff at an increased rate of 5% (not sure now, but it was 5% last time I went).

Though after the first time you go, you are suppose to "sign up", not everyone does. I've done this many times.

[boyoflondon]

YOU DON'T NEED MEMEBERSHIP despite what everyone is saying.

But there is a catch to it. Basically, if you are a "new shopper" to Costco, they you shop around a purchase their stuff at an increased rate of 5% (not sure now, but it was 5% last time I went).

Though after the first time you go, you are suppose to "sign up", not everyone does. I've done this many times.


So you do this 5 times and each time you spend $100 ... there is your membership right there.

Things people will do to "save" some money ...

[selpats]

I use 3 to 4 $25 cash cards each year, never been a member and probably never will. Go there occasionally when there's a great deal.

Why even bother then? $75-$100 a year, lol, is it even worth the time driving to Costco for that? :lol:

I got in there once or twice a month and drop several hundred dollars to fill my cupboards and freezer etc. The savings are tremendous if you are a smart shopper.

[jtcb]

Can I borrow a friend's card and shop there? Do they verify the photo on the card is indeed you before allowing you to enter? When paying at cashier, do they do the same before scanning the item and let you buy? I know people do this all the time. What are the risks involved?

[selpats]

Can I borrow a friend's card and shop there? Do they verify the photo on the card is indeed you before allowing you to enter? When paying at cashier, do they do the same before scanning the item and let you buy? I know people do this all the time. What are the risks involved?

If you "know people do this all the time", why are you asking here? :lol:

The 'risks' involved would be the humiliation when you are asked to leave the store.

[Dustbunny]

Can I borrow a friend's card and shop there? Do they verify the photo on the card is indeed you before allowing you to enter? When paying at cashier, do they do the same before scanning the item and let you buy? I know people do this all the time. What are the risks involved?

I don't think you would find this happening 'all the time' given the number of people I've seen be stopped at the till for not having their own cards. Meanwhile if someone trusts you enough to lend you their card, why not just get them to put you on as a second card? All you have to do is say you are related and living at the same address. That one you can get away with more often than not.

[urban1]

When you apply for the secondary card you have to show ID just like you do for the primary card. They will verify your address.

Here in Calgary, they rarely look at or even look for your card when you are entering the store. However, they do look rather closely at the card when you are at the checkout.

I don't think you would find this happening 'all the time' given the number of people I've seen be stopped at the till for not having their own cards. Meanwhile if someone trusts you enough to lend you their card, why not just get them to put you on as a second card? All you have to do is say you are related and living at the same address. That one you can get away with more often than not.

[Dustbunny]

When you apply for the secondary card you have to show ID just like you do for the primary card. They will verify your address.

Here in Calgary, they rarely look at or even look for your card when you are entering the store. However, they do look rather closely at the card when you are at the checkout.

I'm in Calgary and haven't had that issue with the secondary card but maybe they are checking these days but mine is shared and has been for quite a while now. They do look at the checkout to make sure the pictures match. I saw a kid get stopped using his mom's card one time so I know they are fussy on that at times. He wasn't allowed to use it, had to be the person it was issued to.

[jtcb]

Someone I know just borrow a card from someone else and bought, got instant rebate and installed a set of tires at Costco's garage.

[gman]

They also check if the name on the membership card matches the name on the credit card.

[jason9945]

So? It's a member only store. They can do whatever they want.

IMO the $50 / year I spend at Costco is the best money I spend for any bill or membership, period. I easily save 20+ times that amount, and I only go once / month.

Really? What do you buy?
I hate costco, i find most of their prices are higher than grocery stores and way higher than walmart. They just have larger quantities and less selection.

I hate shopping there, but I must admire the way they do business. Make people think they are getting a good deal by having long lineups, rotate products so people buy stuff instead of waiting till next time, and sell odd quantities that make prices hard to compare.

[gman]

Really? What do you buy?
I hate costco, i find most of their prices are higher than grocery stores and way higher than walmart. They just have larger quantities and less selection.

I hate shopping there, but I must admire the way they do business. Make people think they are getting a good deal by having long lineups, rotate products so people buy stuff instead of waiting till next time, and sell odd quantities that make prices hard to compare.

For me, I go there once per week because it is close to me. Sometime, just for sake to see what is on sales. What do I buy? Usually,

1. a pack of chicken wings. I found it has better quality than NoFrill and Chinese supermarket.
2. a bag of 2% milk. I found it is cheaper than supermarket.
3. a carton of soya milk. It is about 50 cents cheaper the best price Chinese supermarket offers.
4. vegetable. I found it is cheaper than NoFrill and have better quality.
5. Stuff that is onsale.

About long line way, Costco is no where close to how bad Walmart is.

[selpats]

Really? What do you buy?
I hate costco, i find most of their prices are higher than grocery stores and way higher than walmart. They just have larger quantities and less selection.

I hate shopping there, but I must admire the way they do business. Make people think they are getting a good deal by having long lineups, rotate products so people buy stuff instead of waiting till next time, and sell odd quantities that make prices hard to compare.

You seem to have a lot of hate in your life, Rogers and Costco... :(

Anyway, Costco offers a lot of things that other stores like Walmart don't. In particular, grocery items. You show me where you can get a 2KG bag of frozen Dole Grade A blueberries for $10? You can't. The 907g bag of Ethical Coffee beans is another good one that I buy on a regular basis. The savings are huge comparing it to other stores. Fruits/veggies are cheaper and they have excellent sales on kitchen cleaners/bathroom items that you can't get anywhere else either.

Another thing they offer that Walmart sure doesn't is CUSTOMER SERVICE!

Get over hating things, life is too short...

[jtcb]

What if I use a family member's card? Surname is the same. The only difference is the name on the CC and membership card. Is that ok?

[gman]

What if I use a family member's card? Surname is the same. The only difference is the name on the CC and membership card. Is that ok?

No. Actually, that just happened last weekend in front of me. There was a guy was caught using his dad's membership card because they found the name of the credit card and membership not matched.

[jtcb]

Will I get away with cash instead of CC?

[gman]

Will I get away with cash instead of CC?

If you look like the one on the photo and probably the same sex.

[jason9945]

You seem to have a lot of hate in your life, Rogers and Costco... :(

Anyway, Costco offers a lot of things that other stores like Walmart don't. In particular, grocery items. You show me where you can get a 2KG bag of frozen Dole Grade A blueberries for $10? You can't. The 907g bag of Ethical Coffee beans is another good one that I buy on a regular basis. The savings are huge comparing it to other stores. Fruits/veggies are cheaper and they have excellent sales on kitchen cleaners/bathroom items that you can't get anywhere else either.

Another thing they offer that Walmart sure doesn't is CUSTOMER SERVICE!

Get over hating things, life is too short...
I've never noticed any of those things but whatever floats your boat.
I also hate a lot more companies than costco and rogers. I'd add bell, walmart, and well a lot more I just dont feel like listing.

AND Costco and Customer service? What the hell? I've never had anything close to customer service ever. Trying to find somebody is impossible and trying to ask them something is even harder. Getting an answer is unheard of.

For me, I go there once per week because it is close to me. Sometime, just for sake to see what is on sales. What do I buy? Usually,

1. a pack of chicken wings. I found it has better quality than NoFrill and Chinese supermarket.
2. a bag of 2% milk. I found it is cheaper than supermarket.
3. a carton of soya milk. It is about 50 cents cheaper the best price Chinese supermarket offers.
4. vegetable. I found it is cheaper than NoFrill and have better quality.
5. Stuff that is onsale.

About long line way, Costco is no where close to how bad Walmart is.
Chicken wings, are you talking about the frozen cooked ones? If so they are a ****** deal. Costco has one flavour, and its a 2kg box for $21.50. A grocery store sells a 1kg box for $9.99 and has a few varieties. This pattern repeats itself a lot.
2. The milk is cheaper for sure. I'm going to get some chocolate milk there tomorrow.
3. Probably.
4. I've never bought vegtables at costco. My mom asked me to get something while I was there, but the quantity was so huge I didnt buy it.

I find if you compare prices you can get stuff for the same price, or cheaper elsewhere (and not have to stand in line for ages)

One good thing about costco is the pharmacy. You dont even need a membership to use it!

[gman]

Chicken wings, are you talking about the frozen cooked ones? If so they are a ****** deal. Costco has one flavour, and its a 2kg box for $21.50. A grocery store sells a 1kg box for $9.99 and has a few varieties. This pattern repeats itself a lot.
No, I am talking about the raw one. They look cleaner and fresher than those in the meat section of the supermarkets in my area.

3. Probably.

It is for sure cheaper than all Chinese (and non-Chinese) supermarkets in my area. $5 for 2 carton of the brand I like was considered a sale in those stores. $2.99 a carton is the regular price. Costco sells one carton for $2.19.

4. I've never bought vegtables at costco. My mom asked me to get something while I was there, but the quantity was so huge I didnt buy it.

Well, I like veggie and I also find those from Costco last longer in my fridge too.

I find if you compare prices you can get stuff for the same price, or cheaper elsewhere (and not have to stand in line for ages)

NoFrills is my regular supermarket. Costco's price and quality need to be better than NoFrills for me to bite. I would say my average wait time in Costco is a lot shorter than both Walmart and NoFrills.

[selpats]

My mom asked me to get something while I was there, but the quantity was so huge I didnt buy it.


That answers everything, thanks! :razz:

I keep on forgetting that the majority of the posters here are children, literally.

[faken]

no. you can't shop there without a memebership.

[jason9945]

That answers everything, thanks! :razz:

I keep on forgetting that the majority of the posters here are children, literally.

Wow adults dont visit their parents?