You’re staring at a three-pound bag of organic spinach and a 48-count box of fruit snacks, wondering if you really have to fight the Saturday warehouse crowds to get them. It's a fair question. Honestly, the answer to does costco have free delivery isn't a simple yes or no. It's more of a "yes, but read the fine print" situation.
Most members assume that because they pay a yearly fee—currently $65 for Gold Star or $130 for Executive—everything should just show up at their door for free. That's not quite how it works. Costco uses a tiered system that separates your "Same-Day" lettuce from your "2-Day" laundry detergent, and the rules for avoiding fees change depending on which cart you’re filling.
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The Truth About Costco 2-Day Delivery Fees
If you’re stocking up on non-perishables like toilet paper, canned goods, or beauty supplies, you’re likely looking at the 2-Day Delivery option. This is handled by standard carriers like UPS.
Technically, Costco says this delivery is "free" if you spend enough. But here's the catch: you have to hit a $75 minimum order to waive the delivery surcharge. If your cart is $74.99, you’ll see a flat **$3 delivery fee** tacked onto each item. It adds up fast.
The bigger "hidden" cost is the price markup. Even if you hit that $75 threshold, the prices you see on the screen are almost always higher than what you’d pay if you walked into the warehouse yourself. Costco is very open about this—they admit that the online price includes "shipping and handling" costs. You aren't paying a "delivery fee" in the traditional sense, but you are paying a premium for the convenience of staying on your couch.
Same-Day Delivery and the Instacart Factor
Things get a little more complicated when we talk about fresh food. If you need milk, rotisserie chicken, or frozen pizza, you have to use the Same-Day Delivery service, which is powered by Instacart.
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- Order Minimum: You must spend at least $35.
- The "Free" Hook: There is no separate "delivery fee" displayed at checkout if you order through Costco’s own website.
- The Reality: The prices are significantly marked up. We’re talking 10% to 20% higher than warehouse prices.
While the delivery itself is technically included in the item price, you’re also expected to tip your driver. And you should. These are independent contractors using their own gas and cars to bring you those heavy bulk items. If you use the actual Instacart app instead of the Costco website, you might even see additional service fees that don't appear on the Costco-hosted portal.
Does Costco Have Free Delivery for Big Stuff?
What about that 75-inch TV or the sectional sofa that definitely won't fit in your sedan? This is where Costco actually shines. For many large items—appliances, mattresses, and some furniture—the price you see online includes "White Glove" delivery and setup.
I’ve seen members get a full washer and dryer set delivered, installed, and had their old units hauled away for "free." Of course, that cost is baked into the price of the appliance, but compared to other big-box retailers who charge $100+ for delivery and another $50 for installation, Costco’s "all-in" pricing is a massive win.
Just keep in mind that "Curbside Delivery" is different. Some outdoor sheds or play sets might just be dropped at the end of your driveway. Always check the "Shipping & Returns" tab on the product page before you click buy.
Pro-Tips to Skip the Fees
If you're determined to avoid extra charges, you've gotta be strategic. First, never buy just one thing. If you need one bottle of vitamins, wait until you also need coffee and dish soap so you can hit that $75 2-Day threshold.
Second, if you're an Instacart+ member, you can often link your account. This sometimes provides lower service fees or special offers, though the base item markup usually remains.
Third, check for the "Buy More and Save" promotions. Costco frequently runs deals where buying 5 items saves you $20, or 10 items saves you $50. This can effectively "cancel out" the price markups you pay for the convenience of delivery.
Is It Actually Worth It?
Whether or not the "free" delivery is worth it depends on your lifestyle. If you value your time at $50 an hour and a trip to Costco takes you two hours, paying a $15 markup on your groceries is a literal steal.
However, if you're on a strict budget, the delivery markups will eat your "bulk savings" alive. You might save $0.50 per pound on chicken by buying it at Costco, but if the delivery markup is $0.75 per pound, you're actually losing money compared to a local supermarket sale.
The service is most effective for people who don't have a car or those who literally cannot lift 40-pound bags of dog food. For everyone else, it's a luxury tax. You're paying for the privilege of not having to navigate a parking lot that looks like a scene from an action movie.
To get the most out of your membership without overpaying for delivery, always compare the "Delivered" price to the "In-Warehouse" price listed on the product page. If the gap is too wide, it might be time to grab your keys and head to the store. Before your next big shop, log into your Costco account and check the "Offers" section; they occasionally drop "Spend $100, Get $20 Off" promos specifically for the Same-Day service to entice people back to the platform.