How to Get a Costco Membership for Free

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Costco Wholesale cart at checkout in the store

Costco is a great place to shop if you are budget-conscious. You can save money on food, alcohol, and more. And some articles say there are ways to get a Costco membership for free.

Although Costco is great for saving money, the catch is the membership fee, which can range from $65 for a basic membership to $130 for an executive plan.

However, it is still possible to offset the costs of a membership and earn a membership that is basically free.

Can You Get A Free Costco Membership?

Assuming you buy the family plan, you must pay $65 for the membership.

As long as you can save more than $65 at Costco over the course of a year, then the membership cost is basically free.

If you choose to go with the executive plan, you must hit $130 of savings before your membership cost is offset.

You’ll be back in the green of saving money when you hit $65 (or $130), so keep track of your savings as you go. You might be surprised how quickly your savings add up!

1. Buy Kirkland Brand

Kirkland is Costco’s private label that is sold exclusively at Costco. If you have never used this brand, you can be confident that the quality is good.

Although it is not a brand name, all of its products are really worth buying. Kirkland has everything from canned tuna to baby diapers.

Whenever you are going to buy something at Costco, make sure to look for the Kirkland brand.

The Kirkland brand is manufactured by many of your popular brands, which means that you will just pay less for something you already love.

One example includes Kirkland diapers, which are made by the Huggies manufacturer. Kirkland Scotch is made by the Macallan 18 manufacturer.

Kirkland tuna is made by the same company as Bumblebee tuna and Kirkland Vodka is manufactured by Grey Goose.

All of those names you already trust can be found at a much better price under the Kirkland name, so enjoy those savings!

Keep track of your savings as you aim to offset your membership fee.

2. Buy Tires

You have to replace the tires on your car on a regular schedule, so you might as well use your Costco membership.

The store has excellent prices on tire brands that you trust and offers some amazing add-on services to your purchase.

The service department offers lifetime rotation, warranties replacements and air inflation with nitrogen which can help keep the pressure in your tires more stable.

If you use the instant rebate that is offered, then you might be about to offset the cost of your new membership with just one purchase.

Costco runs tire purchase rebate programs almost continually. The deals vary by month, but it is likely you will be able to find a good bargain on one brand or another.

Costco will have you and your car driving safely on the road in no time.

It also appears that certain locations have tires for off-roading vehicles, high-performance sports cars, and trailers. Check out your local store to see what savings are available to you.

3. Buy Gift Cards

Costco has packages of bulk gift cards that can help you save big money. Typically, you will be able to save between 25% and 35% on gift cards to popular retailers.

You can give these away as gifts and no one will ever know it was discounted. It can be your little secret around the holidays.

If you have a lot of people to buy for, then this purchase might offset your entire membership cost!

Or if you know you will end up spending money at that store, you can keep them to spend yourself.

You can buy anything you like at that store and you already have savings built into your purchase. If you find a good deal at that store, it’s like you’ve hit the savings lotto!

This might be my favorite way to save money at Costco, just because the options are almost limitless.

4. Buy Gas

Costco offers low cost fuel that can help to really cut down on your monthly fuel costs. If you use a lot of fuel, then this could be the perfect way to offset your membership cost.

At my local Costco, gas prices are often up to 20 cents cheaper per gallon. These savings can really pay off, especially if you are going on a road trip any time soon.

There are Costco locations across the country, so you might as well stop and fill up where gas is the cheapest.

You won’t have to use your gas driving around to find the cheapest gas anymore, you know you’ll get the best price at Costco.

5. Buy Movie Tickets

If you enjoy going to the movies but do not enjoy the price tag, then buy your movie tickets in advance at Costco.

You can find deals on ten packs of movie tickets for between 80 and 90 dollars.

That works out to about 8 or 9 dollars a ticket, which is much less than you will spend on most movie tickets today.

You might also be able to find a deal on food vouchers that could help reduce the cost of your popcorn and soda.

6. Use The “Instant” Costco Coupons

Using coupons at Costco is a breeze because you don’t even need to have the coupons with you in order to maximize your savings.

The company has a monthly book full of coupons that offer great savings, but you do not need to have the coupons at the register.

The coupon discounts will be taken at the register automatically. So even if you miss the monthly book, you will still get the discount.

However, it is a good idea to take a look at the coupon book to make sure you are not missing out on any amazing deals.

These coupons are so easy to use that you might not even realize they are being used.

I recommend making sure to keep track of these savings because they can really add up. You might even hit the 65-dollar membership fee without even trying.

While we are on the subject of coupons, there is something you should know about coupons at Costco.

Costco does not accept any manufacturer’s coupons. Yes, it is disappointing. But Costco prices are typically very low so you’re already getting a great deal.

Although you will not be able to use any of the coupons you normally use at other stores, with the low prices and easy “Instant” Costco coupons it is unlikely that you will feel like you are missing out on any savings.

You might even appreciate that you do not have to track down any coupons while you are in the checkout line.

7. Use Ibotta

If you are thinking you can’t go shopping without coupons then you may want to try downloading Ibotta.

Ibotta is a great app to help you get around Costco’s “no coupon” policy.

Although you won’t earn any savings at the register, you can claim your rebates by taking a picture of your receipt.

The app has plenty of rebates that you can use at many stores, including Costco, in addition to your other savings.

The rebates are usually on basics like milk, eggs, beer and other staples which means you shouldn’t have any trouble adding to your already substantial savings.

If you use the app often, it is likely you will be able to offset the cost of your membership within the year.

8. Use The “Price Protection” Plan

You might know the feeling of buying something and then watching the price drop the next day, week or month.

It is a terrible feeling that has you thinking, “if only I had waited just a little while longer before buying X, Y or Z.”

With a Costco membership, you won’t have to feel that pain anymore. If you shop at Costco often, just hang on to your receipts.

It is likely you will buy something that goes on sale later or has a price reduction of some kind. That kind of thing happens to most of us all the time.

If that happens to you on a Costco purchase, then you can just head over to the Costco customer service desk as soon as you notice the price reduction.

Bring your receipt and they will help you get your money back. This is a relatively painless experience that can help you save money and avoid buyer’s remorse.

Again, keep track of your savings in order to see when you have hit the $65 mark.

9. Maximize Your Cash Back Rewards

That’s right, you can buy a card that offers you cash rewards. The cash can only be used at Costco, but it can help to offset your annual membership fee completely.

This cash back program is for the executive level membership only. Instead of 65 dollars, you will pay 120 dollars, but there are perks that come along with the upgrade.

With this level of membership, you get a ton of extras that just aren’t available to the average gold card holder.

You can access travel rewards, special insurance rates, home loan options, and more.

The best part of this membership is that you get a 2 percent cash back feature on all qualifying purchases!

2 percent might not sound like a lot, but the yearly rewards will add up!

If you are planning on shopping mostly at Costco, then this is a great idea. It is likely you will spend enough to pay for the membership fee.

Not all purchases qualify. Some things like gas, gift cards, and food court purchases do not qualify. Most things will count towards your rewards total though.

If you are considering this option, think about how much you are planning to spend at Costco each year.

If you only buy your groceries here, it might not be worth paying for the executive membership.

However, if you plan on buying more things at Costco including appliances, groceries, electronics and more, then the card will literally pay for itself.

Find a Membership Deal

A simple way to pay less for your Costco membership is to find a good deal. As simple as that sounds, the deals on actual memberships are limited.

However, there are a few options to look into.

10. Create Your Own Test Trial

At Sam’s Club, you can get a free membership for the day just to see how you like it before you buy a whole year membership.

Unlike other warehouse stores, like Sam’s Club, Costco does not offer a free trial experience. However, there is a grey area that will allow some of you some wiggle room.

If you want to think outside the box, you can create your own free trial.

The official Costco membership refund policy says, “We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied.”

This basically means you can just give it a try and if you don’t like the membership then you can get a full refund.

This could be a good option if you are on the fence about buying the membership. It gives you the option to back out of the membership if it is just not working for you and your family.

Technically, you could use the membership for 364 days and cancel before it is too late to get your money back.

If you are planning on trying this method, as with all other memberships the key is remembering to actually cancel on time.

It is likely that you won’t be allowed to try this twice though. It is hard to say, “well I disliked it enough to cancel, but I am going to try again this year.”

I am sure they have some kind of system in place that would only let this tactic work once.

11. Check out Groupon and Living Social

Both Groupon and Living Social have offered amazing Costco membership deals in the past.

You might be able to find a discounted membership fee, or a package deal that makes the purchase well worth it.

If a deal isn’t available right now, then it will likely come back in the future. Many times, these sorts of deals come in rotations.

You might want to sign up for the newsletters offered by Groupon or Living Social in order to get the deal when it appears.

It is too easy to forget to check back regularly for a specific deal. Plus, there is a chance that the deal will be gone by the time you see it.

12. Make Some Inquiries

This method is less straightforward than the other outlined methods, but I have seen it work in the past.

It is a very informal method of attempting to get a discounted or free membership.

First, get a group together. This can be family, friends, a moms group, a singles group, it can really be anything as long as everyone wants a Costco membership.

Second, take your list of names to a store manager at Costco.

Ask the manager if they would be willing to give your group memberships at a discounted rate if everyone bought a membership.

Now, they may say yes or no. This worked for my friend and a group of friends with young families. The store has honored her discounted membership rate for the past few years.

However, there is no official Costco statement that acknowledges the existence of any sort of group deals like that.

I would give it a try though, the worst that they could say is no. If you are wondering why a manager would agree to give out discounted memberships, think about it this way:

Think of all the money a young family will likely spend at Costco after they have secured a membership. I’m guessing it is likely worth giving the discount in the eyes of managers.

Do not be discouraged if they say no, but it never hurts to ask.

Make Purchases Without a Membership

Certain items at Costco can be purchased without a membership.

The company does not have too much information available on the status of these deals at each location, so I would clarify that the deal in honored at that store by calling ahead.

13. Buy Alcohol

If you drink alcohol on a regular (or even semi-regular) basis, then you will want to cash in on the savings at Costco.

The prices are deeply discounted compared to a normal retailer, so you can add up savings fast.

The Kirkland brand offers the best alcohol deals, so be open to trying something other than your original favorite to maximize your savings.

Also, remember that many of the Kirkland brand products are manufactured by companies you already love.

You might be able to use these savings without a membership.

Although there is no official statement from Costco, I have known many people who can walk in and buy alcohol without a membership.

Just be sure to clarify with that location before you start loading up your cart. Otherwise, you could be in an awkward situation at check out.

14. Buy Prescriptions

Many of the common medications are available at a better rate at Costco. It might seem unfair that only members can receive special rate medications. The FDA agrees.

Due to laws set by the FDA and other organizations, Costco has to sell these low-cost prescriptions to people with or without a membership.

So, you can feel free to cash in on these savings with or without a membership.

15. Use a Costco Cash Card

You will need help from a card holding member for this tactic. If you have a family member or close friend that is willing to help, you can just go with them to buy a Costco cash card.

The card can be purchased from the customer service desk.

After you buy the card, you can start shopping right away. As far as I can tell, there is no waiting period or restrictions on what you may spend the Costco cash on.

Basically, anyone with a Costco cash card can buy things at Costco with or without a membership.

It is a perfect way to save money at Costco without having a membership. You get all the perks without ever buying a membership card.

Make sure to buy a card with a large value so that it does not have to refilled anytime soon. The maximum amount you can buy is 1,000 dollars.

Be sure to thank your friend for helping you out!

16. Buy From the Food Court

As of March 16, 2020, you can no longer buy food from the Costco food court without a membership.

But if you have a Costco membership, you can take advantage of the cheap food at the food court.

The fare includes things like hot dogs, rotisserie chicken, soft serve ice cream, soda, pizza and more.

You will have to pay cash for your meal, but you will be eating inside the Costco store.

I am not sure how exciting this is, but you will be able to see what is like inside a Costco store without awkwardly walking around aimlessly.

Some of you will decide to check out the store before jumping into a membership, which is always a good idea.

If you want to simply order walk out with something in your hands during or after your scouting trip around the store, then this is a good option.

You can just order a pretzel and call it a day. And the food court prices are extremely reasonable to boot.

17. Buy at Costco.com

As a non-member, you can buy things at the online Costco store. The catch is that you will have to pay an extra 5 percent over the member price.

The exception is prescription drugs, you will not have to pay a surcharge if you are ordering those.

If you are looking to buy a few specific things from Costco, then this could be a good option for you. Even with the surcharge, there may be some good deals.

Skip the Membership and Keep the Savings

Maybe you have read these ways to get a free Costco membership and decided that none of these options work for you. That is okay.

If you are absolutely sure that you do not want to purchase a membership, then consider this option.

You can get Costco prices without ever shopping at Costco.

That might seem like a confusing statement, how can you possibly keep the savings of Costco without any kind of membership? The answer is price matching!

Remember, there is nothing wrong with walking through Costco. You can look for deals and thing head over to a different store to claim the deal via price matching.

Many stores will price match Costco’s prices. So, all you have to do is find a Costco deal and a store that will match it.

Some stores that will match prices include Best Buy, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Office Depot, Sears, PetSmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Staples and more.

Make sure that the store will match the price you have. Some of these stores will only match the online Costco prices, not in the in-store deals.

Call ahead to confirm your location matches Costco’s prices and to clarify the terms of their price matching policy. 

Also, check with other stores in your area; it is likely that many others’ prices match Costco’s.

The worst that can happen is that you ask, and the store says no. It is not the end of the world.

This could be the best option if you are looking at Costco for a specific item or two. Electronics and appliances are two areas where this tactic could pay off in a big way.

Summary

Finding a Costco membership deal can be a challenge, but it is worth the effort. No, you may not be able to get a membership for free.

However, there are many ways you can make up the $65 or $130 you spend on your membership simply by taking advantage of the price savings at Costco.

The potential savings can be huge, but you need to make sure a membership is worth it for you and your family.

If you are a growing family that spends a lot of food and other products found at Costco then the membership will likely pay for itself in no time.

The key is knowing that you will spend enough money at Costco to more than offset the membership costs.

Take a look at your budget versus the potential savings at Costco before you decide if getting a membership is the right choice for you.

Costco Disclaimer:

To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address and set up auto renewal of your Costco membership on a Visa® card at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to provide a valid email address and sign up for auto renewal, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Not valid for renewal or upgrade of an existing membership. To qualify as a new member, an existing Costco membership must be expired at least 18 months or more. Limit one promotion per household. Digital Costco Shop Card will be emailed to the email address provided by the primary member at time of sign-up. within 2 weeks after successful sign-up and enrollment in auto renewal. Costco is not liable for incentives not received due to entry of an invalid address during sign-up.

*Use the provided single-use promo code when entering your payment information. (Note: You will see a $0.01 deduction on your membership cost after the promo code is entered. This indicates that your promo code has been successfully processed so your incentive will be emailed.) New members will not receive the promotion if the provided code is not entered at checkout when purchasing the membership.

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43 Comments

  1. Walmart, at least in my area (PNW), hasn’t price matched in YEARS

  2. Thank you Sarah for your time researching and providing this information. As a Costco shopper, you have helped me to see how I can maximize my membership.
    Deacon, thank you for your diplomacy and for supporting Sarah while remaining neutral and respectful. We need more people like you two in the world.

  3. Patrick Silva says:

    I am an 84 year old retired Canadian living in Burlington Ontario, I needed to buy a new car in 2017. Costco was offering $1000.00 off for new Ford cars if you are a costco member. I was not specific about what car I wanted to buy. So as I am a Costco member I purchased a 2017 new Ford Escape from a Ford dealer. Because I am a Costco member, I got $1000.00 off when I purchased the car. Now that is really worth being a Costco Member,

    1. Patrick, Thanks for sharing that. I wondered how that worked. I just bought a new car but I will keep that in mind when I buy another one.

  4. Your article was great info. It is to bad people feel the need to be negative to you for be beneficial. Keep up the good work.

  5. Stephanie says:

    Can you purchase gas at Costco if you are not a member?

    1. No, you have to have a membership!

      1. Your advice regarding gas purchases is incorrect.

        Anyone can purchase gas at Costco gas stations. If you do not have a Costco membership card, the gas pump card reader will accept American Express Cards.

      2. Jess Nardini says:

        On Costco’s site, it says the fuel stations are only available to Costco members. The only exception is members who may have a Costco cash card!

  6. I enjoyed reading this article and learned a lot. It is unfortunate that some people can’t resist being negative. They must have been looking for that elusive “something for nothing.”

    1. Glad it was able to help! And that’s so true. There’s always a little bit of work that goes into everything!

  7. Very informative article! I just have one tiny correction, Walmart does not price match anymore.

  8. Sandra bumford says:

    Thank you for all the good information on getting a Costco membership. My son was going to check it for us.

  9. Your article title is 100% misleading click-bait. You owe me a free membership for wasting my time.

    1. Sometimes it’s a matter of interpretation. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

  10. This is a weak article, to say the least.

    Do you want to know how to get a free car? Just use it long enough that the cost of the car is offset by the amount of money you would have spent using public transportation, and BAM… FREE CAR! All you have to do is pay for it… but then it’s free (after you pay for it, though)!

    This should have been titled “How to earn your Costco membership fees back”, because for most people, in order to “earn” that $60 back, they’ll end up spending more than they would have in the first place, which is exactly what Costco or any other business wants. They want you in their store spending money to earn money.

    1. Thank you for your view points and comments. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone shops that way. Some of us use our memberships on items we truly need and then, yes, earn back the price of the membership making it, in effect, free.
      At the same time, you have a good point. One should be wary of using this method to get a free membership if it will only cause you to buy stuff you don’t really need.

  11. This is a good article with some very good points. There’s obviously no “bias” since the article is about Costco and not all membership stores. It’s informative and addresses several tactics I didn’t know about. I’m a veteran and haven’t found any military discounts at Costco, but then again, their prices are so fair, I’ve not researched beyond their website. As for the disabled veteran, I too thank you for your service. However, it’s unfortunate that you cheat yourself out of an opportunity to save money. Most disabled vets I know are trying to make ends meet. I find it hard to believe that a $5 month fee, with savings well beyond that if you shop smart for your needs, would keep you from buying a membership. I’ve been a member of Sam’s Club and Costco both and have really enjoyed the selection offered at Costco. Besides, who wants to give the greedy Walton’s anything more?

    1. You have a fair point about membership fees. If you can “pay” for your membership fee by saving that much and more, you really aren’t spending anything for the membership.

  12. I am disappointed that Costco does not honor family members unless they live at the same address.

    1. Angie, I don’t think that is true. We have a different address than my mother in law and we got a card on her account.

  13. So you think you’re “entitled” to a discount for everything in the world by being a disabled veteran? You’re being paid by the taxpayer for your disability with free medical and all, just as I am for being rated 100% after 24 yrs of service. Stop expecting a handout from every store, every agency, and every tax payer and be appreciative of what you have that others can’t!
    Thanks for your service, but stop the pity party, it’s embarrassing to all veterans!

    1. Your comments seem a bit harsh. Some of our veterans are on fixed incomes and are simply looking for ways to stretch their budgets. At the same time, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, just as you are also. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

      1. Female Vet and member of the Cherokee Nation here. Not receiving benefits from either at this time aside from a 10% discount here and there. I consider myself pretty damned grateful and fortunate not to have shit that A) doesn’t work B) hurts all the time C) inhibits my ability to perform certain tasks D) all or a mix of the above. Phil, go ahead and make your complaint for all anyone should care to. You earned it brother. I know that tax paid income you get for putting your ass out there isn’t shit and I personally don’t mind the dollars from me that go to you. As for you Rob, you’re bullying a fellow service member at random on the internet showing what looks to me like a lot of unresolved anger and resentment. This is understandable to a point. There ARE both private and government provided services for that. He just made a complaint.. he did not, to me at least, demand a benefit out of entitlement. He’s also disabled and so are you! If you aren’t seeking any extra help out that then good for you! FANTASTIC job standing by your brother and showing that Patriotism. Have a great day!

      2. Harold Peterson says:

        Good job Lisa. As a fellow vet, I agree. Rob was very harsh and doesn’t know what Phil has or what he has to deal with. He made a simple statement. No harm, no fail. Also just an FYI…..sometimes I shop at Lowes and they offer 10% discount to all vets.

      3. Stranger online says:

        Random passerby here. Not veteran, and not American.

        I’d like to point out Rob has a fair point in some cases. I do find sometimes American veterans take it too far in demanding discounts. I’ve been asked several times for veteran discount, despite the fact that I am not, and have pointed out I’m not, an American. Fact of matter is America does not officially recognize my country either. The mentality of expecting discounts everywhere just because you served is laughable at best. That is the responsibility of the government, not private businesses. Citizens may choose to discount out of goodness or their heart or respect for their veterans but I don’t see how it becomes an obligation. Especially in my case when I have literally 0 connection to America beyond the language of my store.

      4. Rob, disabled vets don’t make much. I live in the Bay Area and many of them are homeless. If you have to pay $2,000+ a month for a studio apartment you don’t have a lot left over to pay for everything else.

    2. Rob sounds pretty right on to me. Phil was “harsh” to Costco. He statement was “It looks like Costco could care less!” Seems he does feel that every business should offer a disabled veteran discount.

      As Rob pointed out he is a 24 years of service disabled vet, so I accept he can “call” out Phil.

      As Rob also stated “Thanks for your Service” to acknowledge the fact that Phil did a service for his country. At the same time, I believe people should not be expecting any extra benefit from a business and be resentful if they do not, but be grateful for the ones that choose to do so.

  14. phil walsh says:

    I’m looking for a membership for a disabled veteran. It looks like Costco could care less!

    1. I am sorry to hear that. You could contact them directly, if you haven’t already, or try another warehouse club.

  15. This article makes no sense. If you paid for something then it’s not free. Have you ever purchased tires at Costco? They cost at least $700 plus installation and fees – easily 20-40% more than actual tire shops. There is no store that has the best price on everything and Costco sure has a lot of overpriced stuff.

    1. The beginning of the post addresses the cost of the membership and points out that it is only free if you offset the cost of it by saving at least that much or more by shopping there. Yes, you are right that there is always going to be a store somewhere that has at least one item priced lower because none of them have the lowest prices on everything. However, when you are shopping there, it is up to you whether or not you wish to pay that price or take your business elsewhere. Some things might be “overpriced” but others are probably bargains. Thanks for your comments and viewpoint.

  16. Rica Conner says:

    For a retired senior of 80, or over, years old, will there be a discount to get a regular membership? Please response. Thank you.

    1. You would have to ask whoever you are trying to go through to get that membership. If you are doing it online, there might be contact information on the site where you can ask that question. I hope that helps.

  17. Norris March says:

    Do you offer free or discounted membership to veterans?

    1. You would have to follow the links in the post and check with them to find out. Then, look on the website to see what you can find out about it. If you don’t get an answer either way, try contacting them directly to ask. Good luck!

  18. I am retired from the state of Florida. Can you give me a Costco membership with enough discount so I can drive to Orlando to shop from your store? I can not afford your full price membership. BJ’s of Merritt island sold me their annual membership for $25.00. Can you do the same price?
    Thanks

    1. Our website does not offer these memberships. This post tells you many ways to get one, though. I suggest you try one or contact Costco to see if you can get a membership that provides discounts. Good luck!

  19. How much does Costco pay you for this review and referral? Your article is biased. You need to write about ALL warehouses: BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s Club.

    1. As for your question about how much they are paying us for the article, the very beginning of the post says “some of the links included in this post are from our sponsors.” We also link to our disclosure policy to be transparent.

      That being said you are, of course, free to get a membership anywhere you want, just as anyone else is. This article simply happens to be about Costco. In the future you might see one from us about Sam’s or any other warehouse club. But if Costco is where you, or other readers, want a membership, we hope this post will be helpful.

      Thank you for sharing your opinion.

    2. Read article on the benefits of shopping at Costco and trying it out WITHOUT a membership.

      With MEMBERSHIP, there’s another finale. An additional BONUS!!

      Based on your TOTAL PURCHASES at the end of the year. MEMBERS receive a REBATE.

      The rebate amount can be redeemed for cash at the Costco customer service department, used for purchases at Costco, and/or credited to your Costco membership-bank card account for any outstanding balance.

      Hands-down overall winner!