4 Things You Can Buy From Costco Without a Membership

A Costco membership comes with countless amazing benefits. You get low prices when you buy everyday items in bulk, discounted travel and insurance, and free same-day grocery delivery. But to access these perks, you'll need to shell out $60 to $120 for an annual membership.

For many people, paying for a membership is an easy call. But if you're on the fence about whether the cost makes sense for your financial situation, there are a few things you can buy from Costco without a membership.

1. Prescriptions

You don't need to be a Costco member to get prescriptions filled online or at warehouses. Have your doctor send the prescription to Costco, just as they would with any other pharmacy. Tell the employee at the door that you're picking up a prescription, and they'll tell you where to go. You can pay with cash, a credit card or debit card, a Costco Shop Card, a Visa card, or an HSA/FSA card. 

One thing to note: You need a membership to access the Costco Membership Prescription Program, which offers exclusive discounts on prescription drugs. You can also use the prescription program to get discounts on prescriptions for your dependent children under 18 and even your pets.

2. Alcohol (in some states)

Fourteen states have laws that prohibit retailers from requiring a membership to buy alcohol. Costco doesn't advertise the states where non-members are allowed to buy booze from its warehouses. But it's been widely reported that if you're in one of the following states, you can buy alcohol from Costco without a membership card:

• Arizona 
• California 
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New York
• Texas
• Vermont

Tell the employee at the store entrance that you're purchasing alcohol. Some shoppers report that employees aren't always aware that non-members can buy alcohol in select states, so they may need to ask a manager. 

3. Eye exams

You can make an appointment with a Costco optometrist even if you're not a member. However, a membership is required to buy eyeglasses or contact lenses through Costco's optical center. Because the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that eye-care professionals offer you a copy of your prescription for free, you can get your glasses or contact lenses made by another provider. 

4. Costco.com purchases

You can shop online at Costco.com by creating an account, even if you're not a member. But you'll pay a 5% non-member surcharge, plus you won't have access to exclusive member discounts. (Note that the 5% non-member surcharge doesn't apply to prescriptions.)

Is a Costco membership worth it?

Paying $60 for a Costco membership is a great deal for a lot of people, but of course, it doesn't make sense for every situation. Here are some general rules of thumb about when a Costco membership is worth it:

A Costco membership probably makes sense if:

• You live in a multi-person household and would use items you purchase in bulk before they expire.
• You need to fuel up regularly and live close enough to Costco to regularly fill up at its gas stations.
• You have pets. Pet parents can often save on supplies, food, and medications for their furry friends.

A Costco membership may not make sense if:

• You live alone and don't need to buy in bulk.
• Your living space is small and doesn't have much storage space.
• Shopping at Costco isn't convenient. If you live far away from a warehouse, paying $60 may not be worth the savings, since you'll spend more time and add miles to your vehicle getting there.

Consider your own needs and situation to decide whether to join Costco, but remember that you can scoop up these perks without doing so.