Why does Instacart let non-members shop Costco?
Costco’s whole model runs on membership fees that fund those rock-bottom bulk prices. When Instacart shoppers roll through, Costco misses out on that subscription cash—so they push the loss onto the customer via higher prices.
According to costco.com, Same-Day Grocery Delivery is technically member-only, but Instacart sidesteps that rule with a separate retail license. They list Costco items online, slap on a service surcharge at checkout, and move on.
(Honestly, it’s a clever workaround—just not a cheap one.)
Instacart covers the membership scanning headache by having their personal shoppers either scan a customer’s existing card or charge the order to Instacart’s corporate Costco account. Then they add that 15% markup to cover the lost membership revenue and delivery logistics.
What fees and markups should you expect in 2026?
| Fee Type | Amount | When It’s Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Item markup | 15% | On every Costco item in your cart |
| Delivery fee | $5.99 | Per order, no matter how far you live |
| Service fee | $5.00 | Per order, covers payment processing |
| Tip default | 5% or $2 minimum | Calculated at checkout, adjustable up to 24 hours later |
These fees stack on top of Costco’s regular prices—before tax. So if you’re eyeballing that giant tub of peanut butter, expect the total to climb fast.
What can you actually buy through Instacart as a non-member?
- Most groceries and household basics are fair game.
- Member-only items—like alcohol in some states, certain tires, or prescription services—won’t even show up for non-member Instacart shoppers.
- Same-day and two-day grocery delivery options? Disabled for non-members. You’re stuck with Economy Delivery (3–5 business days).
- Big-ticket items like bulk tires, hot tubs, or furniture need in-club verification that only members can handle.
Even on Costco’s direct website, non-members still face a 5% “non-member surcharge.” It’s lower than Instacart’s markup, but it’s Costco’s way of reminding you that membership has its perks.
How does Instacart pull off Costco orders without a membership?
When you hit “Place Order,” Instacart checks your location and assigns a contract shopper they call a “Costco Shopper.”
That shopper walks into the nearest Costco using a digital gate pass tied to Instacart’s corporate membership. No member check-in line, no hassle—just straight to the aisles.
Everything gets scanned and checked out inside the warehouse. The order is bagged, loaded into a car, and delivered to your door without the shopper ever waiting in a checkout line or chatting with a cashier.
If the club checks IDs for age-restricted items, the shopper snaps a quick photo of the ID and texts it to Instacart support. They get the thumbs-up before the driver even leaves the parking lot.
What are the better alternatives if you hate markups?
- Costco Same-Day Delivery – You’ll need an active membership ($60–$120/year), but you dodge the 15% markup and keep all fees internal.
- Costco Curbside Pickup – Members only; $10 fee and a $100 minimum order. Your items get loaded straight into your trunk.
- Costco Shop Cards – Anyone can use these prepaid cards at checkout, but someone with a membership has to buy the card first.
For families or anyone who orders regularly, a single Gold Star membership pays for itself in fewer than two average-sized orders compared to Instacart’s growing pile of fees.
When does the $60 membership actually save you money?
If you plan to drop more than $440 in a single Instacart Costco order, the membership breaks even on the first trip. After that, every dollar you spend reflects the wholesale price instead of the 15% markup.
Now, if you’re only grabbing a case of water once a year? Instacart without a membership is convenient, sure—but your wallet will feel it.
To see what’s available and what you’ll really pay, open the Instacart app, pick “Costco,” and check the cart total before checkout. The app shows the final markup and fees right in the order summary—no surprises.
