But I've never seen anyone suggest this one:
USE A COSTCO CASH CARD
Another option is to buy Costco cash cards in denominations up to $1,000 while at Costco with a member. Your member buddy will need to load the card for you, but then you can use it to enter the store and buy items without an escort. This is especially helpful for big-ticket purchases such as a TV, so you don't pay a membership fee for just one item.
Just don't lose it. I wonder if I can use a US Costco cash card in Mexico, though. I was happy recently to find that they took US bank cards, at least in Tijuana.
Even as a member, could not use cash card in Cabo. I footed the bill for the party of 14 that had prepaid $50/person to get us started on supplies via cash cards. Easy turn in/refund at home. Learned the hard way.
I had thought I could gift a Costco card to someone but won't try it in case it's up to local mgmt ?
I like to take friends and we divvy up the haul. It's my membership so I pay Costco Amex and collect reward $, friends pay me their portion in cash. We figure the rewards they helped me get offset their usage of the membership that I pay for. win win, one big trip every couple months and we all have everything we need for our homes and I don't have to store mass overage.
We never take my car, friend can fill their tank on gas almost always cheaper than elsewhere. this method suits me as I haven't had to visit an ATM for cash in a very long time.
Those who don't have a Costco near, be sure to check on other benefits they have before you cancel. The online store is pretty large and delivery included in prices, so maybe get that couch or washing machine before you cancel, or hang on until after that next car rental ...
Great snorkel sets, sunscreen multipacks, googles and misc pool toys for that next trip you're planning. And ladies, my local store often has great Speedo swimsuits for $20. I don't get upset if my lycra suit gets snagged in hot tubs anymore because easily replaced. Speedo sizing has always been reliable.
If by myself, I've found that if I move fast and stick to my list, I can get out of there in 30 minutes under $100. Very difficult to do because stock changes and when an old favorite appears I have to grab it. I finally spent my reward check this week, $334 shopping spree and fully stocked. We had a lot of power outages winter/spring/stormy summer so I was leery of buying and tossing food yet again.
