Sam’s Club and Costco are among the most popular supermarket chains in the United States. Every day, thousands of consumers visit these stores to buy everything from groceries to household essentials. But can you shop at these stores without a membership?
Certain retail stores, such as Sam’s Club and Costco, operate on a membership system, functioning like a shopping club where members receive exclusive promotions. In some cases, the store allows you to enter without a membership. Here’s how you can do it.
Can I shop at Sam’s Club without a membership?
The store requires customers to have a membership to shop at the warehouse. However, if you don’t have one, there are a few ways you can still make purchases. These are:
- Guest membership: By purchasing a guest pass, you can shop at Sam’s Club. However, keep in mind that a 10% surcharge will be added to the total of your purchases at checkout.
- Pharmacy and Optical Services: Non-members can access pharmacy and optical services at Sam’s Club locations without needing a membership.
- Online Shopping: Non-members have the option to shop through the online platform, although they will also need to pay an additional service fee.
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What are the benefits of being a Sam’s Club member?
With a membership, you can access savings on a wide range of household items, food, and other categories, as well as exclusive offers and the ability to shop and pay without having to wait in line.
How much does a Sam’s Club membership cost?
The store offers two main types of memberships:
- Club Membership: $50 per year.
- Plus Membership: $110 per year.
What does the basic Sam’s Club membership include?
The basic membership offers the primary cardholder a card, plus an additional card for another member of your family. You can add up to eight extra members at a cost of $45 each. Here’s what’s included:
- Special fuel discounts, exclusive to members.
- Free curbside pickup for eligible orders of $50 or more.
- Scan & Go service, which allows you to scan and pay for items via the app, avoiding checkout lines.
- Access to instant savings and low prices exclusive to members.
- Bonus offers on various purchases and meals outside the club.
What does the Sam’s Club Plus membership include?
The Plus membership includes all the benefits of the standard membership, plus the ability to add up to 16 additional Club-level members, each for just $45. The benefits of this membership are:
- All the benefits of the basic Club membership.
- Get 2% Sam’s Cash on eligible purchases within the club, with a limit of up to $500 per year.
- Free delivery on orders of $50 or more that meet the requirements.
- Free shipping on eligible orders of $50 or more.
- Free curbside pickup, always available for Plus members.
- Early access to purchases, allowing you to shop before the crowds.
- Access to exclusive offers and discounts on optical services, pharmacies, T-Mobile, and other services.
Can I shop at Costco without a membership?
To shop at any Costco warehouse, you must be a member. However, those without a membership can purchase prescription medications freely or buy any item in the warehouse using a gift card.
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What types of memberships does Costco offer?
Gold Star Membership
This membership is ideal for those who shop occasionally, as it comes with a more affordable annual fee. It also includes the following benefits:
- Access to the warehouse
- Access to Costco gas stations
- Free household card
- Access to Costco services, such as car and home insurance, Costco Auto Program, pet insurance, and bottled water delivery.
Executive Membership
This membership offers a 2% annual reward, along with exclusive discounts and promotions. The benefits include:
- All the benefits of Gold Star
- 2% annual reward on qualifying purchases
- Free household card
- Access to Costco services with discounts on selected services
How much do Costco memberships cost?
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year
- Executive Membership: $130 per year
