Many people rave about the bargains they find at big-box stores like Costco. These retailers offer exclusive discounts on groceries, home goods, clothing, electronics, and more. Thanks to the low prices, you can keep more money in your bank account when you shop at Costco.

You need to invest in an annual membership to secure the best prices and shop at your local club. But that’s not the case when you shop from home. Did you know you can shop at Costco.com without a membership card? Here’s how you can shop at Costco without paying an annual fee.

Anyone can shop at Costco.com

In addition to having nearly 900 warehouse clubs around the world, Costco also sells merchandise on its website. While you need a membership to shop at the club, you don’t have to be a member to shop at Costco.com.

Shopping online is a great option if you want to try out some products before investing in a membership. However, non-members pay a premium to shop at Costco.com. If you don’t have a membership, you’ll pay a 5% surcharge at checkout. It’s also worth noting that some Costco online items are members-only, meaning they won’t be on sale without being logged in as a member.

For small orders the additional cost may not be as high, but for larger orders the fee can add up. If you would like to become a member you will have the option to do so during checkout. Once you are a member the surcharge will be deducted from your total.

Is a Costco membership worth it?

Should you join? Only you can decide if joining is worth it. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the products the retailer sells before spending money on a membership. You can check out what’s available on the Costco website or mobile app.

You should also consider how far away your nearest club is. If you’re looking to shop at the club, having a club close to your home or work is an advantage. You may be more inclined to use your membership benefits more often – making your investment worthwhile.

Finally, consider your finances. At the time of writing, a Costco membership costs $60 to $120 per year. Only spend money on a membership if it’s within your budget. If you can afford the cost and want to take advantage of the benefits offered, becoming a member may be a good idea.

If you’re thinking about starting at Costco…

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a Costco member, you should know that membership prices will increase by $5 to $10 per year. Starting September 1, 2024, a Gold Star membership will cost $65 per year and Executive membership will cost $130. If you join before September, you can save a few bucks during the first year of your membership.

Plus, Costco offers a money-back guarantee on your membership. If you’re unhappy with your membership at any point, you can cancel it and get a refund.

You can earn rewards when you shop

Costco members should take advantage of the opportunity to maximize their savings. Did you know you can earn rewards when you swipe your credit card at checkout? Our favorite tip for saving money at Costco is to pay with a credit card that earns rewards.

Shopping for member-exclusive deals and earning cash back rewards is a win for your wallet. Check out our list of the best credit cards for Costco to learn how you can earn rewards on your Costco purchases.

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