You’ve probably shopped at a local Costco before, but you might not realize that the retailer also has a service that delivers items the day you order them.
One of the great Costco hacks is to use the retailer’s Same-Day delivery service. However, like most things, this option comes with both pros and cons.
Before you order your next Costco run to be delivered to your house, here are some things to know about the retailer’s Same-Day delivery.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
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You can order through Instacart without a membership
Costco has partnered with Instacart to offer Same-Day delivery. You don’t need to be a Costco member if you order through Instacart.
Just be aware that when using Instacart, you might have to pay more for items than you would if you were a Costco member.
Pro tip: Before using Instacart for Costco goods, consider signing up for a Costco membership. A membership fee might be worth paying if Costco meets your shopping needs.
It can save you money
Are you an impulse shopper who has trouble sticking to your shopping list? If so, you might be a good candidate for Same-Day service.
Letting someone else handle the physical shopping means you don’t have the opportunity to add things to your cart that you really don’t need.
Refunds with Instacart have restrictions
One of the great things about Costco is its generous return policy. You can return many items “at any time,” according to the retailer.
However, the policy is not as generous when you use the Same-Day delivery option through Instacart. In that case, you must request a refund within seven days of delivery. So pay attention and search your order for missing or damaged items.
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It’s convenient
Convenience is one of the great things about using Costco’s Same-Day delivery.
The service is similar to delivery options from local grocery stores or websites such as Instacart or Shipt. You simply use a top cash back credit card or other payment option to order items and choose a delivery point.
That means you won’t have to stand in long lines or try to load big Costco purchases into your small car. Instead, a Costco employee will do all the hard work for you.
You can ask for substitutes
When using Same-Day delivery, you can request substitutions for items that may be out of stock.
Simply indicate a specific substitute when you place your order or ask your Costco shopper to contact you about potential alternative items.
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It can save you time
Costco’s Same-Day delivery service can save you time when you're busy getting the kids to sports or are tied down at work.
It is easy to set a window for delivery and have your groceries arrive without the need to drive to Costco and wander through the aisles.
Same-Day delivery might include alcohol
Costco and Instacart state you can get beer, wine, and liquor through Same-Day delivery. Typically, your ID must be verified to receive such service.
Also, note that not all states allow Same-Day delivery of alcohol.
It could cost you more
Costco’s Same-Day delivery service can come with a few drawbacks.
For example, products offered through Same-Day delivery may cost more than if you bought them in the store. So factor in these costs before ordering.
It can cut your gas costs
Costco has almost 600 locations, but what if you can't find one near you?
Instead of wasting time and gas traveling to a far-flung Costco location, you might come out ahead by ordering through Same-Day delivery and waiting for items to arrive at your door.
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For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Bottom line
Using Costco’s Same-Day delivery can be a smart shopping hack. So give it a try if you think it could work for you.
It’s important to factor in any additional costs with the service, such as delivery charges or markups. Of course, you'll save money on gas and time using Same-Day delivery.
Order directly from Costco’s website or the Instacart website to see which option makes the most sense.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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