Ever pulled up to a sparkling Costco gas pump, ready to save a few bucks, only to realize you left your club card at home? It happens to all of us, and you’re left wondering: Is it worth the trip when it’s member-only? With Costco rolling out standalone gas stations, understanding the Costco gas membership rules has never been more relevant. Do you need a membership card for these new fueling stations? Here’s everything that has been revealed so far.
Standalone Stations Still Require the Club Card
Even Costco’s first standalone fuel station—opening in California in spring 2026—will require a membership to buy gas. Costco confirms that only members with a valid annual fee can access these pumps. No open kiosks, no walk-up convenience store style—they’re locked, exclusive, and fueled by club card access. That means even if you’re just popping in for gas, membership is non-negotiable. The convenience of standalone locations doesn’t change the core policy.
Existing Stations Also Enforce Member-Only Access
Every Costco gas station attached to warehouse locations already enforces the club card rule at the pump. You’ll need to swipe your Costco membership or a Costco Visa to begin fueling. The rule isn’t new—it just isn’t waived at standalone sites. Yes, gas prices are typically 20 cents cheaper per gallon than competitors’, but you can’t bypass membership. Bottom line: no card, no pump.
Shop Cards: The Non-Member Workaround
Though you can’t skip the membership entirely, there’s a clever workaround: Costco Shop Cards (their gift cards). Non-members can fill up using these cards if someone with a membership purchased one. You scan the card at the pump just like a membership card and pay from the balance. But note: only members can buy these Shop Cards to begin with. So technically, non-members can get gas—but only if a member fronts the card for them.
Why Costco Doesn’t Let Non-Members Swipe for Gas
Costco’s gas business is a low-margin, high-volume operation—part of the membership incentive ecosystem. Enforcing Costco gas membership at pumps drives sign-ups and protects profit. Laws in some states even require membership at standalone stations, as seen in New Jersey, where Costco must honor its zoning assurances. That’s why free-for-all access at non-member pumps isn’t in the cards—literally or legally. Costco’s model isn’t just tradition; it’s a deliberate strategy.
Gas Prices Without the Card Aren’t Available
Could non-members buy fuel at list pricing? Not yet. Costco’s cheap fuel is only available to members or those using Shop Cards tied to membership. No separate pump lanes or signs for non-members pushing regular prices—they simply won’t pump. That means you don’t have the option to pay full price without a membership. Either join, get a Shop Card, or go elsewhere.
Other Non-Member Options at Costco
Beyond the Shop Card, non-members can still access a few Costco services. You can fill prescriptions, schedule eye exams, or buy alcohol in certain states. But food court eats and fuel are strictly off-limits without a membership. Online shopping through Instacart or Uber Eats is another non-member route, though prices include extra fees. But if gas is your goal, those options won’t fill your tank.
Membership vs. Shop Card: Which Is Better?
A full Costco gas membership costs between $65 (Gold Star) and $130 (Executive). It gives you warehouse access, food court eats, car washes, and fuel—all under one umbrella. A Shop Card allows just fuel and gas station access—no bulk shopping. Some folks use Shop Cards as temporary gifts or for Uber Eats, but to fuel consistently, membership proves more economical. If you gas up often, the membership can recoup itself in weeks thanks to those 20-cent-per-gallon savings.
Driving Smart: Plan Your Pump Strategy
Before you hit the pumps, check if you have your membership or a Shop Card. If you rely on someone else, make sure the Shop Card is preloaded and ready. Factor in Costco’s gas station hours—daylight opening starts early (6 a.m.) and pumps close just after the warehouse. Know that standalone stations follow the same rules, so membership is still essential. Planning ahead keeps fuel savings smooth.
For now, there’s no secret to Costco gas access: you must have a valid Costco gas membership or a Shop Card bought by a member. Standalone stations adhere to the same rulebooks as warehouse pumps. It’s not about convenience—it’s consistency in Costco’s value system. Either commit to membership or partner with someone who has one. That’s the only reliable way to tap into Costco’s fuel discounts.
Have you tried filling up at Costco without your card? Share your Shop Card hacks—or whether you think the membership is worth it—in the comments below!
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