Don‘t Sweat It: How to Shop at Costco Without Your Membership Card - History Tools (2024)

As a self-proclaimed “Costco Fanatic," I never leave home without my trusty membership card safely tucked away in my wallet. But occasionally amid the madness of wrangling kids into the car or stopping for an impromptu latte on the way, I still manage to show up freshly caffeinated yet empty-handed.

If you’ve ever pulled into the bustling Costco parking lot only to discover your membership card still sitting on the kitchen counter, rest assured – you have options! In my 10+ years navigating Costco aisles with and without cards in tow, I’ve learned a few insider tricks to keep on shopping even after forgetting the crucial piece of plastic that grants most of us access into our favorite bulk retailer twice a month.

Flash Your ID for a Temporary Pass

My first move upon realizing I lack that familiar blue and green card is to head straight to the membership desk located near the entrance. Here, I simply explain to the worker that I forgot my card at home but I have my ID ready to show proof that I’m indeed a current member.

After confirming my identity and membership status, the rep then prints out a temporary pass on plain paper that serves as my ticket into the warehouse just for that day. While not quite as sturdy or sleek as the real thing, this nondescript white card allows me full reign to fill my cart without limitations.† With ID, getting a temporary pass takes mere minutes and enables me to carry on my merry bargain hunting ways.

According to Costco’s membership policy, members who forget their cards can obtain a temporary pass by showing a valid photo ID at the membership desk. This pass grants access for one shopping trip only.

Without proper identification however, my options become a bit more complex. But with a few backup plans at the ready, even the most absent-minded folks like myself can prevail!

Use Your Mobile Membership

Today, I always have my smartphone handy, which means my digital Costco card lives in my purse as well. By downloading the Costco app and entering my membership number, I can access a scannable mobile card.

As soon as I’m aware I’ve left behind my member card, I immediately open up the app to retrieve my digital back up. As long as my phone battery holds up, this virtual card gives me all the access of my physical one. The app also enables easy price comparisons, instant photo capture of items, and special mobile coupons you won’t find in the coupon books.

Bring a Member Guest

When all else fails and I lack both my membership card AND government ID, Costco still grants me entry by accompanying an existing member inside as their guest. Per company policy, each cardholder can escort up to two guests per visit.†

I simply tag along on a shopping trip with my husband or friend who presents their card upon arrival. We shop side-by-side throughout the visit. But when checking out, only the actual member can complete the final transaction. Luckily, my favorite members don’t seem to mind fronting the bill every so often!

*Costco members at the Gold Star or Executive status levels can accompany up to two guests per shopping trip by registering them with the primary member’s card at entrance and checkout, per Costco membership policy.

Consider Upgrading for More Rewards

Becoming a card-carrying Costco member unlocks considerable savings across hundreds of items compared to traditional retail stores. But diehard regulars like myself can amplify those rewards even more with an Executive Membership.

Upgrading to the Executive tier for $120 annually (less than $10 per month) earns you an annual 2% reward of up to $1,000 on qualifying Costco purchases. That cash back arrives every year in the form of a lovely coupon I can apply towards future trips. As long as I spend over $250 per month at Costco, the numbers pencil out in my favor!

Beyond this yearly “rebate check,” Executive members also access exclusive pre-sale events, lower rates on financial services like insurance and mortgages, plus extra travel perks and discounts. With all the extras bundled in, upgrading still proves worthwhile if I occasionally space on bringing my card.

Appreciate the Many Membership Perks

During those disheartening moments standing empty-handed outside the warehouse door, it’s important I remind myself why I keep returning to Costco despite these frustrating slip-ups! Beyond access to bulk paper towels, giant Nutella jars, and prepared meals galore, my annual membership unlocks considerable savings.

Costco offers exclusive member rates on:

• Gas – members have saved over $3,200,000,000 on fuel since the program‘s inception!†
• Goods & Services – from discounted home insurance to cheaper hearing aid batteries, being a member opens savings opportunities across thousands of offerings in-warehouse and online
• Pharmacy – receive low pricing on prescription medications and vaccines without insurance
• Travel – take advantage of member-only rates on hotels, rental cars, cruises, theme park tickets and more

Additionally, the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi serves as the ultimate shopping companion both inside Costco and everywhere else I swipe. As a cardholder, I earn:

• 2% cashback on ALL Costco/Costco.com purchases
• 3% cashback on restaurant & travel transactions
• 1% cashback on other everyday buys like groceries and gas

These ongoing rewards in addition to Costco’s famously lenient return policy make keeping my membership active worthwhile, even as I continually misplace that privilege-granting piece of plastic!

Solutions to Shop Card-Free

Arriving minus membership card in tow certainly presents a speed bump in my well-oiled Costco shopping rituals. But I can always rely on the following solutions to access those much-needed bulk bargains:

• Seek a temporary pass by showing ID at the membership desk
• Use the Costco app and mobile membership card
• Accompany a current cardholder as their guest
• Upgrade to Executive for amplified annual rewards

And if all else fails, the food court still welcomes me with open arms! Through years of practice I’ve learned to take my Costco cardlessness in stride. By leaning into backup plans like going digital or tagging along with member friends, momentary forgetfulness never keeps me out of my happy place for long!