The Takeaway
- You don’t need a membership to score some Costco deals (seriously).
- Many of the best savings are hiding in plain sight, if you know how to spot the clues.
- Costco's markdown codes reveal exactly what kind of deal you're getting.
- There are secret price drop days, free extended warranties, and “manager’s specials” no one talks about.
Wandering through Costco can feel like an Olympic sport. The samples. The TVs. The 800-roll packs of toilet paper. But while the $1.50 hot dog combo might get all the attention, it’s the less obvious Costco tricks that can save you hundreds—maybe thousands—a year.
Thanks to some sharp-eyed shopping pros over at FinanceBuzz and Rather-Be-Shopping, we’re rounding up the smartest ways to stretch your Costco dollars. Some of these hacks are downright sneaky—in a good way.
Shop Without a Membership
You can shop at Costco without a membership if you use a Costco Shop Card (aka a gift card). A member has to buy the card for you, but you can use it in-store. You can also fill prescriptions at the pharmacy and get your eyes checked without a membership.
Ask yourself: Could I use a friend’s gift card instead of buying a full membership?
Decode the Price Tags
Costco’s pricing is its own secret language:
- $0.97 = Clearance item.
- $0.00 or $0.88 = Manager markdown—often deeply discounted.
- An asterisk (*) on the price tag = Item won’t be restocked. If you want it, grab it.
Ask yourself: Do I know what the last two digits of a price are telling me?
Time Your Shopping for Big Markdowns
According to multiple employees, markdowns typically happen Monday mornings. If you're hunting clearance items, aim to be there early in the week.
Ask yourself: When was the last time I shopped Costco on a Monday?
