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As a 30-something Midwesterner—with a home in a city where nearly everyone has a vehicle, a partner or family and maybe a few extra closets— it’s rare to attend a gathering where there’s not at least one person who has a Costco tag on their keychain. Chances are high, actually, that some food or drink at said gathering is from the popular warehouse store. (That $5rotisserie chickenisa pretty ridiculous deal!)
Home to epic deals on everything from gift cards and fitness equipment to wine and toilet paper, I can see why warehouse stores like Costco hold such appeal. But as someone who lives alone and need not buy in bulk, I have a hard time justifying the $60 to $120 membership annual fee. Plus, I tend to struggle with decision fatigue even at Target, so I can relate more with those who feel like shopping at these massive markets mighttrigger some serious anxiety.
Luckily, I’ve learned from my Costco-member friends that there are a few totally legal, Costco-cosigned “hacks” to shop there even without a membership. Read on for the dish.
3 Ways to Shop At Costco Even If You Don’t Have a Membership
1. Use Costco Cash.
BRB, Off to Use My Costco Cash For These 10 Healthy Costco Products
2. Shop with a member.
While one additional household member only (who must be 18 years or older and live at the same address) is allowed to be listed as a certified user of a Gold Star Membership, two other guests can visit Costco with one member. While that member must be the individual checking out and paying for the products, according to Costco rules, a couple guests are more than welcome to tag along and reimburse your Costco-member buddy via cash, Venmo or Paypal. (Or, you know, adinner partydown the road!)
3. Shop via Instacart.
Up next:12 Secrets to Spend Less at the Grocery Store
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