Wondering if you can shop at BJ’s without paying for a membership first? A BJ’s One Day Pass may be an option if you want to check out the club before committing to a full membership.
I’ve been shopping at BJ’s for years, and if you’ve never been inside one, I completely understand wanting to try it before paying for a yearly membership.
There are a few important catches to know about a BJ’s day pass, though, including a non-member surcharge and limitations on some of the benefits regular BJ’s members receive.
QUICK ANSWER: BJ’s current terms still reference a one-day shopping pass for non-members. Purchases made using a one-day shopping pass are subject to a non-member surcharge. Because BJ’s can change its pass availability and terms, I recommend checking the current offer before making a special trip to your local club.
Can You Get a One Day Pass to BJ’s?
Yes. BJ’s current Terms of Use still specifically reference customers shopping with a BJ’s one-day shopping pass.
The pass gives non-members a way to shop at BJ’s without first purchasing an annual membership.
However, shopping with a BJ’s day pass is not exactly the same as shopping with a paid BJ’s membership. BJ’s states that purchases made using a one-day shopping pass are subject to a non-member surcharge.
That’s important because the surcharge can quickly eat into the savings you’re getting by shopping warehouse prices.
My tip: If you’re planning a large stock-up trip, compare the amount you’ll pay with the surcharge to the current BJ’s membership deal first. Depending on the promotion, joining may make more sense.
How Do You Get a BJ’s One Day Pass?
BJ’s has offered different versions of its one-day and guest shopping passes over the years, and the availability and terms can change.
Before heading to your club specifically to use a pass, I recommend checking BJ’s current website or contacting the Member Services desk at your local BJ’s.
This is also why you’ll find so much conflicting information online when searching for a BJ’s guest pass, BJ’s free pass or BJ’s day pass. A lot of those articles are describing older versions of the program.
Does BJ’s Charge a Fee to Shop With a One Day Pass?
BJ’s current Terms of Use state that customers using a one-day shopping pass are subject to a non-member surcharge.
Older BJ’s One Day Passes listed a specific percentage for the surcharge. Because BJ’s has changed its pass terms over the years, I would not rely on an old surcharge percentage you may see online.
Check the terms attached to the pass you’re using so you know exactly what you’ll pay before making a large purchase.
Is a BJ’s One Day Pass Worth It?
I think this depends on why you’re going to BJ’s.
If you’ve never shopped at BJ’s and simply want to look around, compare prices and pick up a few things, a day pass can be a good way to try the club.
But I wouldn’t automatically use a day pass for a huge $300 or $400 stock-up trip.
You’re paying a non-member surcharge while also missing some of the benefits that come with a regular membership.
If you’re planning to spend a significant amount, do the math on the current BJ’s membership promotion before checking out. Sometimes paying for the membership can actually be the cheaper option.
Can You Use BJ’s Coupons With a One Day Pass?
I wouldn’t count on having access to all of the same coupon benefits as a regular BJ’s member.
One of my favorite things about having a BJ’s membership is the coupon system. Members can access BJ’s digital coupons and eligible promotions through BJ’s, and BJ’s also allows members to combine eligible BJ’s offers with many manufacturers’ coupons.
I’ve stacked BJ’s savings with other eligible offers for years, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I’ve continued shopping there.
If couponing is one of the main reasons you’re interested in BJ’s, that’s something to consider when comparing a One Day Pass with an actual membership.
For a more detailed look at how it works, read my guide to couponing at BJ’s.
Can You Buy Gas at BJ’s With a One Day Pass?
Don’t plan on using a One Day Pass as a way to access BJ’s Gas. BJ’s Gas is one of the benefits BJ’s promotes with its paid memberships.
For me personally, gas savings have been one of the BJ’s benefits I’ve gotten a lot of value from over the years.
BJ’s also runs Fuel Saver promotions where members can save additional money per gallon by purchasing qualifying items.
If you have a BJ’s Gas location near your home and drive frequently, I’d factor those potential gas savings into the cost of membership instead of looking only at grocery prices.
You can read more about how I save on gas at BJ’s here.
Below is a video from one of my BJ’s gas trips where I was able to stack one of their gas savings promotions.
Can You Use BJ’s Curbside Pickup With a One Day Pass?
I would look at curbside pickup as one of the advantages of having a regular BJ’s membership rather than one of the reasons to get a One Day Pass.
I’ve used BJ’s curbside pickup myself, and it is one of my favorite ways to shop when I don’t want to walk through the entire club.
You place your order through BJ’s, head to the club when it’s ready and follow the pickup instructions when you arrive.
For someone who plans to shop BJ’s regularly, I’d put pickup pretty high on the list of reasons a membership is more useful than continually trying to shop as a non-member.
Here’s a look at one of my first BJ’s curbside pickup orders:
What About BJ’s Same-Day Delivery?
BJ’s also offers Same-Day Delivery in eligible areas.
The exact cost and benefits depend on your membership level. BJ’s currently includes two free Same-Day Deliveries per membership year with its Club+ membership, while standard Club members can still use the delivery service for an additional fee.
Again, this is one of the differences between simply gaining access to BJ’s for a day and paying for the membership benefits you’ll use throughout the year.
Does BJ’s Have a Free Trial Membership?
BJ’s has offered different free trials, temporary passes and promotional memberships over the years.
I remember when you could find BJ’s free trial offers much more frequently. I’ve been covering BJ’s deals for years, and the promotions have changed quite a bit over that time.
The image above is an example of one of BJ’s older free trial promotions. Offers and terms change, so don’t assume an older promotion is still available.
If you’re ready to join, I wouldn’t necessarily wait for a free trial. BJ’s frequently runs discounted new-member offers that can make a full year of membership inexpensive enough that it may make more sense than paying a non-member surcharge on a large purchase.
Check the current BJ’s membership deal here.
How Much Is a BJ’s Membership in 2026?
BJ’s currently has two primary membership levels: BJ’s Club and BJ’s Club+.
BJ’s Club Membership – $60 per Year
The regular BJ’s Club membership is currently $60 per year with Easy Renewal.
It gives you access to BJ’s member pricing and benefits, BJ’s Gas where available, coupons, pickup options, ExpressPay and one additional household membership.
BJ’s Club+ Membership – $120 per Year
BJ’s Club+ is currently $120 per year with Easy Renewal and includes additional benefits.
Club+ members currently earn 2% back in rewards on most BJ’s purchases, receive an additional 5¢ off per gallon at BJ’s Gas, get free qualifying pickup and receive two free Same-Day Deliveries per membership year.
Before paying the regular membership price, always check the current promotion. BJ’s runs new-member discounts throughout the year, and that’s usually how I’d recommend joining.
See the current BJ’s membership offer here.
My Take: BJ’s One Day Pass or Membership?
If you’re genuinely unsure whether you’ll like BJ’s and simply want to walk around and make a small purchase, I’d try the BJ’s One Day Pass if one is currently available to you.
But if you’re planning to spend a few hundred dollars, buy gas at BJ’s, use coupons, place pickup orders or shop more than once, I’d compare the current membership deal first.
I’ve shopped at BJ’s for years, and the value for me isn’t just being able to walk through the door.
It’s being able to combine the different ways to save. I use BJ’s coupons. I watch their promotions. I’ve taken advantage of their gas savings. I’ve used curbside pickup. And over the years I’ve learned which things are actually worth buying in bulk and which ones aren’t.
That’s where I think a membership can start paying for itself.
BJ’s One Day Pass FAQs
Can You Shop at BJ’s Without a Membership?
BJ’s current terms reference a One Day Shopping Pass that allows non-members to shop subject to a non-member surcharge. Because BJ’s has changed its non-member shopping options over the years, check the current terms before visiting.
Is a BJ’s One Day Pass Free?
The important cost to pay attention to is the non-member surcharge. Purchases made using a BJ’s One Day Shopping Pass are subject to a surcharge under BJ’s current terms.
Does BJ’s Have a Guest Pass?
If you’re searching for a BJ’s guest pass, the BJ’s One Day Shopping Pass is the option to look for. Availability and terms can change, so check with BJ’s for the current offer.
Can You Use a BJ’s One Day Pass for Gas?
BJ’s Gas is a membership benefit. If low gas prices are one of the main reasons you’re interested in BJ’s, compare the cost of joining with how much you could potentially save throughout the year.
Can You Use BJ’s Coupons With a One Day Pass?
Don’t assume you’ll receive the same coupon benefits as a paid BJ’s member. BJ’s member coupons, promotions and other benefits can be tied to a membership account.
Is It Cheaper to Get a BJ’s Membership Instead?
It can be, especially if you’re making a large purchase. Compare the non-member surcharge you’ll pay with BJ’s current new-member promotion before deciding which option makes the most sense.
Before You Go
A BJ’s One Day Pass can be a useful way to see what the warehouse club is like before committing to a membership.
Just remember that shopping for one day and shopping as a BJ’s member aren’t exactly the same thing.
Check the current pass terms, factor in the non-member surcharge and compare that total with the current BJ’s membership offer.
For a small trial trip, I’d consider the pass. For a big stock-up trip or anyone planning to use BJ’s regularly, I’d look at the membership deal first.
Check the latest BJ’s membership deal here.
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