Can I get into Costco without a membership in the UK?
In the UK, you generally cannot shop in a Costco warehouse without a membership, as it is a wholesale business, not a public retailer. However, you can enter to explore, use the pharmacy, or purchase a "Costco Shop Card" if accompanied by a member. Membership is required for entry to purchase goods, with fees starting at £30-£42.
No, Costco does not offer a day pass; you need a membership to enter the warehouse and shop, but there are workarounds like using a Costco Shop Card (gift card) or shopping with a member as their guest. Non-members can also access certain areas like the pharmacy (for prescriptions) and the food court, and some online shopping is possible through Instacart.
What happens if you go to Costco without a membership?
Certain merchandise, including prescription drugs and alcoholic beverages in some states, may be purchased by nonmembers where required by law. Certain merchandise may be purchased online by members or nonmembers. A nonmember pays 5% more than members for such merchandise. Online prices may exceed warehouse prices.
Costco often runs promotions where new members can sign up for free trials. These usually last around 30 days and allow you full access to all warehouse locations and online shopping features.
Yes, you can bring guests to Costco; each member can bring up to two guests into the warehouse, but only the member with the card can make purchases, though there are exceptions for things like pharmacy or alcohol in some locations, and Costco is cracking down on membership sharing. Members are responsible for their guests' behavior and any items they open or damage.
13 SHOPPING SECRETS Costco Doesn't Want You to Know!
What proof do I need to join Costco UK?
You need to provide the following: One of the following which is valid or dated within the last 3 months, or past documentation if retired: Employee ID Card OR Employee Payslip/Pension Statement OR a Qualification Certificate. Plus 1 piece of photographic identification.
Costco Same-Day Delivery is only offered to members. If you're not a member, you can shop directly from Instacart.com, but you'll pay a higher price than members shopping on Costco Same-Day Delivery. Find out how to sign up for a Costco membership here.
A Shop Card is Costco's version of the gift card. And having a Shop Card gives you access to any warehouse club store -- even if you don't have a membership card to flash at the door. You can use a Shop Card for any Costco item that strikes your fancy, whether it's food, apparel, or electronics.
Costco's new entry rule requires members to scan their physical or digital membership card (with barcode/QR code) at entrance scanners before entering, preventing unauthorized sharing and ensuring the person entering matches the photo/account, with staff directing those with inactive/no-photo cards to the membership desk. Additionally, there's a new "VIP hour" for Executive Members only (9-10 AM weekdays, 9:30-10 AM Saturdays), with regular members waiting until 10 AM.
A Costco membership, or "pass," costs $65 for the standard Gold Star (individual) or $130 for the Executive level (with 2% reward) in the US, while in the UK it's £42 for basic and £84 for Executive, with Business options also available. There are no free one-day passes, but non-members can shop at the pharmacy with cash/debit or get temporary guest passes from a member.
Then head over to the membership desk and ask for a temporary membership card. The employee will ask for identification to confirm your current membership with the warehouse, and then print out a card for you. There is no limit to how many Costco temporary cards you can get.
Costco doesn't offer free or discounted memberships, but rest assured that the cost of membership can be recovered quickly thanks to massive price savings once you start shopping.
The founder wanted to restrict their membership to stable, usually unionized professionals and businesses. That was dropped in the US and Canada, but in the UK they keep that restriction because it allows them to qualify as a wholesaler instead of retail.
Yes, you can bring guests to Costco; each member can bring up to two guests into the warehouse, but only the member with the card can make purchases, though there are exceptions for things like pharmacy or alcohol in some locations, and Costco is cracking down on membership sharing. Members are responsible for their guests' behavior and any items they open or damage.
If you are not a member, you will be charged a 5% surcharge over posted prices for members (except for prescription drugs). This is because our ability to offer low prices on brand-name items is due in large part to our membership program, which is designed to reward members for their loyalty.
No, Costco does not offer a day pass; you need a membership to enter the warehouse and shop, but there are workarounds like using a Costco Shop Card (gift card) or shopping with a member as their guest. Non-members can also access certain areas like the pharmacy (for prescriptions) and the food court, and some online shopping is possible through Instacart.
How To Shop at Costco Without a Membership. Here's the sneaky secret: Costco delivers on Instacart. This is the perfect solution for people who, like me, don't want to pay for a membership but want to take advantage of deals every now and then to stock up on necessities.
The prices are significantly higher than the low prices you're accustomed to at Costco because the company has to compensate Instacart for its services. This means you won't save money at Costco through same-day delivery. Costco does, in fact, vocalize this in its terms and conditions and on its customer service page.
The annual membership fee is $65, and a total of two people over the age of 18 living at the same address can use the membership. This membership also allows you to shop online and in stores.
Costco's new rule starting September 1, 2025, gave Executive Members exclusive early access, allowing them to shop an hour earlier (9 AM - 10 AM weekdays, 9:30 AM - 10 AM Saturdays) before doors opened to all members at 10 AM, enforcing a policy after a grace period to reward their highest-paying customers, though it sparked significant member backlash and debate over fairness.
