Costco shopping isn’t just for members — here’s how to sneak in as the rules tighten up

No Costco membership? No problem.

Loyal Costco shoppers know that there’s no scarcity of deals at the bulk warehouse, but the catch is that you need to be a Costco member in order to even enter the store.

The retail giant, which charges $65 per year for its Gold Star Membership and $130 per year for its Executive Membership, has been cracking down on nonmembers treating themselves to Costco deals, particularly in its popular outdoor food courts.

For years, Costco locations have allowed customers without a membership card to show up and order the popular $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, but last year, signs starting popping up at stores warning that “an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from our food court.”

Previously, staffers were only strict when it came to checking membership cards when people entered the store, meaning only members can dine at indoor food courts or shop in the store.

But it is possible to shop at Costco without a membership, with some limitations. Here are the main ways to shop at the warehouse without being a card-holding member, according to Southern Living.

Get a Costco Shop Card

If you have a Costco Shop Card, you can shop at the retailer whether or not you’re a member. The card works just like a gift card and can be used to make warehouse purchases as well as at Costco gas pumps.

However, only Costco members can purchase these cards, so someone else with a membership will have to purchase one for you in advance.

Use a delivery service

If you’re looking for a way to shop at Costco without needing another person, Instacart or Uber Eats is the way to go.

You don’t need a Costco membership to shop at the retailer through these delivery services since your items will be shopped for and delivered to you by a third party.

However, while you might still snag the bulk discounts, be prepared to spend more than you would in-store with a membership.

Shop with a friend

The easiest and most foolproof way to shop at Costco without being a member is to tag along with someone who is a member.

The only caveat with this option is that the person you go with will have to pay for your items at checkout, so be prepared to pay them back.