Costco gas stations are built around a simple premise: access is limited to members. However, with the help of a Costco Shop Card, you don’t need anything more. Anyone who pays with a Costco Shop Card may purchase fuel, even without a membership. Granted, you can’t get these cards in the first place if you’re not a member, but anyone can use them at their leisure once they get their hands on them (that is, if they don’t get stolen). The card allows you to use Costco’s services as if you were a member, and that includes the company’s gas stations.
This policy is clearly stated in Costco‘s own Shop Card FAQs, in which the company clearly states who can purchase the Shop Card and who can use it. For all non-members: As long as there is a balance on the card, you can redeem it at any Costco gas station just like any other member. This is the only way a non-member can take advantage of Costco’s fuel discount without having to go with someone or sign up for the annual membership.
Why the Shop Card works and what won’t change
The Shop Card works like a prepaid gift card that temporarily bypasses the need for a membership scan. However, you can only buy and top up the card if you are a member. This means that managing the Shop Card online is not possible without the help of someone who is already a member. After you get that help, you can use the card without much problem.
The amount on the card can be spent at any Costco store and can be used multiple times. In other words, you can just go to a Costco brand gas station and use the card like any other payment method. Even if your fuel purchase exceeds the amount on the card, Costco allows stations to accept the difference with any other payment method. However, there is one exception: cash payments are not allowed, regardless of membership status.
Once you’ve made your payment, you can proceed to fill your tank using those extra-long hoses (which most gas stations, except Costco, don’t have, by the way). It should be noted that the Shop Card grants access and not special treatment. The fuel and process remain exactly the same as for members.
When this approach makes sense, and when it does not
Using a Shop Card to purchase gas works best for drivers who want occasional access to Costco fuel without committing to a membership. It’s a practical choice if a friend is already a member and doesn’t mind buying or topping up a card every now and then. For infrequent fill-ups, you avoid the need to pay an annual fee while still realizing savings per gallon.
However, the limitations become apparent with regular use. Relying on someone else to top up a card can quickly become inconvenient, especially if you plan to fill up weekly. That’s where the math starts to favor membership. Even modest savings per gallon can add up over a year, and in many cases can exceed the cost of a basic annual gas membership alone.
There’s also the broader picture. A membership unlocks more than just fuel, from in-store shopping to travel services. And Costco also offers a generous satisfaction guarantee, including refundable memberships, that can help you get even cheaper gas abroad.
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