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Non-Members can Shop & Pay In-Store with a Costco Gift Card (Membership Required to Buy Gift Card) @ Costco

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Non-Members can Shop & Pay In-Store with a Costco Gift Card (Membership Required to Buy Gift Card) @ Costco
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Scrooge McDeal on 24/07/2023 - 08:08 costco.com.au (3197 clicks)
Last edited 24/07/2023 - 09:09 by 1 other user

Good morning everyone! I didn't know this [hack] existed. I am not a Costco Member, so I have found this information useful.

So a Member can "gift" you a Gift Card and apparently Non Members can visit Costco without Membership and use the Gift Card.

I haven't seen this posted anywhere. I thought it's useful information for people like me that don't have a Membership.

Shop Cards can only be purchased in a warehouse by current members.
At this point, Australian cards can only be used in Australian warehouses, excluding all fuel stations, food court self-serve kiosks and any eCommerce transactions.

Other Gift Card

Related Stores

Costco Wholesale
Costco Wholesale

Comments

  • PainToad on 24/07/2023 - 08:44
    +4

    I’ve never been to a Costco before and was driving past one. I decided to pop in and see what their range was actually like and consider signing up after checking out what they had and their prices.

    I assumed you would show your membership card or sign up at the checkout. I was wrong, you’re meant to show it at the door.

    You’d think I was trying to sneak into Area 51 by the reaction of the greeters at the door when I said “morning” and kept walking.

    That experience and discovery the reason their petrol is cheap is because it’s shitty E10 was enough to put me off.

    • fuzor on 24/07/2023 - 08:48
      +4

      Supposedly they only make money off membership (which in itself is BS) and is probably why they are so bloody tight in this country.

      • Capitalshark on 24/07/2023 - 09:18
        +9

        Their prices aren’t that great given the size of the minimum packages

        • fuzor on 24/07/2023 - 10:00
          +2

          Yeah i reckon it's a massive lie. I definately think they make good profits on items. Probably better profit per customer than Coles/ woolies

    • RogerLoger on 24/07/2023 - 08:58
      +4

      Same experience. The warders lacked any form of common decency.

      Any cash saved is probably lost on fuel on a 35km heavy traffic trip each way in any case.

    • bargainshooter on 24/07/2023 - 09:00
      +1

      Why are you being negged? People are weird.

      • PainToad on 24/07/2023 - 09:49
        +1

        Costco fans are like Aldi fans. It’s almost like a religion it seems.

    • tomleonhart on 24/07/2023 - 09:03
      +4

      Costco to me is hell on earth. My wife / mum love the place for some reason :-/ I could find cheaper stuff in Coles / Woolworth / Countdown / Pak and Sav.

      • ATangk on 24/07/2023 - 10:15

        They like big things. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

      • rehan770 on 26/07/2023 - 19:52

        R u advising NZ or AU. No pak n save here cuzzz.

        • tomleonhart on 27/07/2023 - 03:38

          been to both NZ and AU costco. Both are shiet. lol

    • CheapBrah on 24/07/2023 - 09:14
      +9

      Shopping specials at Coles and Woolworths is still cheaper than Costco, plus we end up spending $800 whenever we go Costco.

      • Capitalshark on 24/07/2023 - 10:07
        +5

        A mate said it to me best, ozbargainers go to Costco knowing what things cost and can find it cheaper on sale elsewhere. The general public go to Costco thinking they are getting around the lowest price without any effort. It’s a trade off. I’m an ozbargainer so I don’t see much saving there

        • leiiv on 24/07/2023 - 10:25

          So is Costco just like Aldi then that doesn't do weekly half price specials and instead have the not-so-low everyday price that doesn't change week to week?

          • xT22 on 24/07/2023 - 11:22
            +1

            @leiiv: Costco do fortnightly 'Warehouse Savings' which have a range of products that are reduced. They also do 'weekly member appreciation savings' over the weekends, and run limited time (3 day) 'hot deals' which are on larger items such as TVs, appliances, kitchen etc

        • TrustNoBody on 25/07/2023 - 08:12
          +1

          same i look at the 100gram pricings

      • capslock janitor on 24/07/2023 - 10:36

        or is Costco only good for certain bulk buys?

    • overlook on 24/07/2023 - 09:16
      +2

      you can do a visitor pass or used to? or simply do what most people did? apply membership on the spot, did 1 shop. refund membership. you just cant sign up again within a year.

      • capslock janitor on 24/07/2023 - 09:59

        Is it temp blacklist on the residential address, or just account holder?

        • overlook on 24/07/2023 - 11:11
          +1

          not sure…never do that. Maybe it is per household given that they made my sister to create a new account when she moved out.

        • TrustNoBody on 25/07/2023 - 08:14

          my address didn’t get blocked

          • capslock janitor on 25/07/2023 - 12:08

            @TrustNoBody: how long was the period before you applied with another house member's details?

            • TrustNoBody on 26/07/2023 - 12:04

              @capslock janitor: i didn’t apply with anyone at the same address as this was years ago and i haven’t been to costco since but my neighbour brought me a gift card so i suppose i will go suss it out again without the membership just using the gift card

              • capslock janitor on 26/07/2023 - 12:05

                @TrustNoBody: so not blocked with giftcard, good to kno.

                original Q was about membership card refund "cooldown period after cancellation

      • TrustNoBody on 25/07/2023 - 08:13

        i refunded mine at the 11th month without any problems of getting a refund as i had only used it 3 times

  • HNSCKS on 24/07/2023 - 08:46
    +1

    don't you need to present your membership card when check out?

  • A2E2 on 24/07/2023 - 08:51
    +2

    Can you get in by showing the gift card? Or do you need to stop and explain to the greeters?

    • Belistic on 24/07/2023 - 09:02
      +3

      Just wave it when you walk in the entry.

      • prankster on 24/07/2023 - 09:13
        +3

        So they will let you in with gift cards by itself?
        That’s cool I might as well spend 1k GC then not renew membership 😅

        • TrustNoBody on 25/07/2023 - 08:17
          +1

          you don’t need to buy all the amount on gc say total is $300 you can pay $50 on gc and $250 on eftpos or cash

      • CyberMurning on 24/07/2023 - 10:19
        +5

        then just get empty gift card, and you can go in to any cotsco to eat their cheap pizza or free demo cooking foods

        • prankster on 24/07/2023 - 10:51
          +1

          lol but i still want to shop at costco too

  • Craze on 24/07/2023 - 08:55

    Does the Costco GC have expiry? Standard 3-years or no expiry?

    • jimojr on 24/07/2023 - 09:08
      +1

      No expiry.

      • USER DC on 24/07/2023 - 11:18
        +1

        So a member can pay membership once, Buy like $4000 worth of gift cars and use that to buy stuff after his/her membership expires ?

        Wow, once a member never needing to be a member again in future

        • YRT on 24/07/2023 - 12:45
          +3

          4000 in bank nets you $200/year at 5% interest

          ;)

        • TrustNoBody on 25/07/2023 - 08:19
          +1

          you don’t need to buy all the amount on gc say total is $300 you can pay $50 on gc and $250 on eftpos or cash

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 24/07/2023 - 08:56

    Fair enough if you’re close enough. Both costcos for me are easily over 40-50min one way unless going in off peak traffic

  • ValouSydney on 24/07/2023 - 08:58
    +1

    Anyone wants to open a new business and sell gift cards to ozbargainers? :)

    • MattyD on 24/07/2023 - 09:03
      +2

      Agreed! Would like to see a discussion on hacks/ways to purchase the gc without being (or relying on) existing member(s).

    • TEER3X on 24/07/2023 - 17:34

      Yeah can't ever see a problem with that idea.

    • Techefy on 24/07/2023 - 19:10
      +1

      That's my retirement plan, why did you post it publicly and ruined it?

  • bargainshooter on 24/07/2023 - 08:58
    +2

    So you need someone with a membership card to give or sell you a gift card? How do you buy a gift card if you don't know anyone with membership - is there a market for costco gift cards? If you know someone with membership wouldn't it be easier to borrow their card?

    • Belistic on 24/07/2023 - 09:02
      +2

      Membership cards have a photo on them. Some stores are more vigilant than others.

      Only members can buy giftcards.

  • tomleonhart on 24/07/2023 - 09:01
    +1

    Thanks. Was about to spend 20k on a Rolex in store but couldn't fathom spending the membership fee.

    • Save Medicare on 24/07/2023 - 09:07

      They have rolex for RRP?

      • kickmiass on 24/07/2023 - 10:20

        Before the Rolex movement, they use to have it there and slightly cheaper than RRP as well

  • Wiser on 24/07/2023 - 09:14

    But without membership no customer satisfaction guarantee which is an added bonus.

    • jv on 24/07/2023 - 09:58
      +1

      no customer satisfaction guarantee which is an added bonus.

      How is no guarantee a bonus?

      • Wiser on 24/07/2023 - 10:16

        Sorry I meant with membership

        • jv on 24/07/2023 - 10:16

          Apology accepted…

        • strangeloops66 on 24/07/2023 - 16:45

          jv made you wiser still.

  • a-friend on 24/07/2023 - 09:14

    What about parking? Can you use the car park for free in Docklands if you have a gift card?

    • TEER3X on 24/07/2023 - 17:34

      You need a membership for that.

  • Vishu on 24/07/2023 - 09:20
    +1

    What about the warranty? Being a Costco member Costco promises customer satisfaction which is a kind of 2nd warranty, that’s cannot be redeemed when purchased on gif cards.

  • theguyrules on 24/07/2023 - 09:25
    +1

    That's really handy to know.
    Can you buy gift cards digitaly online?

    Oh its literally in OP.
    "Shop Cards can only be purchased in a warehouse by current members."
    Bummer

  • OzBoganYeah on 24/07/2023 - 09:33

    What's the expiry duration of their gift cards from when you purchase it? Eg 1.5yrs?

  • langitbiru on 24/07/2023 - 09:46
    +2

    if GC has $50 value in it, can I ask them to charge only $5 on GC and pay the rest via credit card, so I can enter Costco again next time with this GC? or can I enter using $0 GC into costco just by showing them the GC?

    • CodeXD on 24/07/2023 - 09:52
      +2

      No, full GC value and if there are additional payments required then you pick credit card.

  • jv on 24/07/2023 - 09:57
    +1

    Why is this a bargain ?

    • Wiser on 24/07/2023 - 10:14

      Exactly Jv

    • pman54 on 24/07/2023 - 11:32

      Exactly

    • TEER3X on 24/07/2023 - 17:34
      +1

      It's not, it's not even a hack. It's common sense. How else would someone use a Costco gift card if they receive it as a gift and don't have a membership?

      • jv on 24/07/2023 - 22:02

        207 out of 826 OzBargainers (25%), lack common sense…

  • t25 on 24/07/2023 - 10:02

    Can you use gift card to renew an expired membership?

    • Bii on 24/07/2023 - 11:17

      Lol this would be a loophole

    • truetypezk on 24/07/2023 - 11:30

      Yes you certainly can, the "gift of a membership" card is simply a $60/65 shop card with a different front design. However there is no benefit of doing that with a regular shop card.

      • jv on 24/07/2023 - 22:03
        +1

        However there is no benefit of doing that with a regular shop card.

        It allows you to enter the store to see if it is worth getting a membership or not…

        • truetypezk on 24/07/2023 - 22:26
          +1

          You can always get a refund on your membership or items purchased.

          • jv on 24/07/2023 - 22:39

            @truetypezk: This way, you don't have to pay upfront.

  • Clear on 24/07/2023 - 10:05
    -2

    🍿 People need to chill out.

    • Clear on 24/07/2023 - 11:52
      +1

      RIP your reports neggers 😜 It's a valid deal.

  • capslock janitor on 24/07/2023 - 10:08

    How's item refunds to GC work and can we view a rolling statement of the funds?

  • pman54 on 24/07/2023 - 10:26
    -8

    Can’t see any savings.. not a deal but a hack.. this should be moved to Forum

    • theguyrules on 24/07/2023 - 10:39

      $65 saving.
      Also, it does say

      [Hack]

      In the title

  • Vavoom on 24/07/2023 - 10:34
    +4

    If you're the holder of an gift card can you bring someone else in with you? Didn't see that asked in all these comments.

  • mousie on 24/07/2023 - 11:06
    +1

    Costco memberships are poor value for most, otherwise this thread wouldn't have such high engagement.

    Perhaps get a gift card and just walk around for the free food samples to be dished out.

  • Pandabargain on 24/07/2023 - 11:12

    Can I buy a $10 gift card and pay cash for the rest of the shop or what

    • TEER3X on 24/07/2023 - 17:36

      Not really. You can game the system, but there's no reason to take the piss.

      Buy a bunch of $100 denominations and use those to pay for your shopping every time you go

  • USER DC on 24/07/2023 - 11:16

    Does this work with costco Fuel too ???

      • USER DC on 24/07/2023 - 11:25

        Thank you probably not worth it that much then.

        BTW i think it would be so much more helpful if OP put important points in description like what can hack be used for ?
        If we can pay partial payment with GC and rest with card or pcash etc. ?
        price protection does not apply etc. etc.

  • KaTst3R on 24/07/2023 - 11:31
    -2

    Look at all these people who wants to benefit from Costco and yet too tight to fork out the membership. LOL

    • leiiv on 24/07/2023 - 15:35

      If you are that loose, why are you here then?

      • KaTst3R on 24/07/2023 - 15:35
        -1

        To laugh at you.

    • Vash1984 on 24/07/2023 - 18:51
      +1

      I'm a small family, not worth going regular. But sometimes it's fun to have a look, see what's new. I don't want to ask my mum (who has membership) to keep coming with me because she ends up paying everything.
      Times are harder then ever. Sharing is caring, foundation of ozbargains in my opinion.

  • jv on 24/07/2023 - 11:34
    +1

    I haven't seen this posted anywhere.

    Maybe because it is not a bargain.

  • Discount876 on 24/07/2023 - 11:43
    -2

    Why not cancel your membership in the 11th month? Have done this twice, just said was not satisfied with Costco prices. Full refund of membership fee. Rules are quite clear cancel membership at anytime for full refund.

  • 888Osella888 on 24/07/2023 - 13:20
    +2

    The prices at Costco ain't that good anymore. They used to be quite cheap when they just started.
    I have cancelled my membership and now, I only shop at Aldi, Woolies or Coles as "their (Half Price items) on their weekly catalogue are usually the cheapest and also, they are closer to home for convenience. You also won't need to buy in BULK which was a bit of a pain to store frozen items previously. Oh also, avoid Costco Moorabbin— Worst customer service/ rude staffs- Store manager. Dockland's one is the best

  • spal on 24/07/2023 - 13:22

    Now wait for OzB posts for free food tasting at Costco. Free is bargain right?

    • Clear on 24/07/2023 - 13:36
      +2

      Great idea it should be in the OP. Get a free feed while in-store.

      I can't remember the last time I saw Colesworth doing samples.

      • 888Osella888 on 24/07/2023 - 14:40

        They usually only give you a very tiny piece (hence, sample) for you to taste. Sometimes, they get annoyed and very rude when you come back for seconds.
        I had to tell them off a few times as they didn't want to give me a sample saying that I've already had one which I clearly haven't and the other time, the guy walked away from his station and told me that he was done for the day and 3-5 minutes later, he started serving again. I was so furious that I told him off and put his stingy piece up his A. Im so glad I stopped going to Costco since last year

  • OzBoganYeah on 24/07/2023 - 14:32

    Where exactly do you buy gift cards in costco? Front, back, etc?

    Also can you enter with a member, get 'gifted' gc and checkout with gc in one go?

    • Gavman on 24/07/2023 - 19:37
      +1

      When you walk in they have them up against the wall .. u cant missed it

  • bobzor on 24/07/2023 - 14:41

    Only thing I ever found as a good deal in Costco is the platters - great for hosting parties and events.
    And the cheap food and drink!

    Best way to utilise this HACK would be carry around a $25 gift card all year incase you need a quick bite to eat or ever need to pick up a platter for a family or friends party.

  • cute as duck on 24/07/2023 - 14:49

    Someone should post a deal that within 12 months, you can apply for a full refund on the membership cost. Seems like a little less effort doing it that way. Unless they closed that loophole.

    • Gavman on 24/07/2023 - 19:30

      Don't think so, they would still have 100% satisfaction guarantee. So they would still honour refunds

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