By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-07 17:40:49 | Updated at 2026-08-07 19:35:15
2 hours ago
Costco shoppers say one of the warehouse giant's best-kept secrets is tucked away behind the checkout lanes.
The warehouse retailer's pharmacy is winning over customers in droves, with many claiming they've ditched chains like CVS and Walgreens after discovering Costco offers cheaper prescriptions, shorter wait times and friendlier service.
In a viral Reddit thread titled 'We moved and I need a new pharmacy. Costco is actually closer to me than CVS. What is your experience,' hundreds of shoppers rushed to praise the retailer's pharmacy, calling it one of Costco's most underrated perks.
One of the most-liked responses summed up the mood: 'in my experience they're faster, cheaper and so much nicer to talk to. Plus, CVS has this annoying callback system whereas Costco pharmacists pick up the phone right away.'
Another shopper simply replied: 'Costco all the way.'
The pharmacy has been part of Costco's warehouse model for decades, offering prescription medications, vaccinations, health screenings and pet medications alongside its wholesale groceries and household goods.
And you don't even need a Costco membership to use the pharmacy in many states because pharmacies are generally required by law to be open to the public.
Members, however, can access additional discounts through Costco's Member Prescription Program, which can sometimes beat insurance co-pays.
Costco's pharmacy is winning over customers in droves, with many claiming they've ditched chains like CVS and Walgreens after discovering the retailer's offering
That savings appears to be a major draw. One Reddit user claimed their thyroid medication dropped from between $21 and $28 for a 90-day supply elsewhere to just $7 at Costco. Another said a prescription quoted at more than $100 at Walgreens cost just $35 at Costco.
A third shopper described an even more dramatic saving, writing that CVS wanted $943 for a 30-day supply of a generic medication, while Costco charged just $12.99 for the same prescription.
'One month's savings is worth 14.3 years of Costco membership,' they joked.
Pet owners also say they're benefiting. One customer claimed Costco was saving them around $100 every month on their dog's epilepsy medication, while another said six months' worth of flea and tick treatment cost around $100 less than buying directly from their veterinarian.
Beyond lower prices, many shoppers say customer service is what really sets Costco apart.
'Best pharmacy in the game,' one customer wrote, while another added, 'I've used them for years. They're great, always fill scripts on time or earlier... Absolutely no complaints.'
A third wrote that everyone is 'so nice and so helpful. Service is pretty quick and they're always willing to help me figure out how to get my stuff for the cheapest possible price.'
Several healthcare professionals also weighed in.
The pharmacy has been part of Costco's warehouse model for decades, offering prescription medications, vaccinations, health screenings and pet medications
Many Costco warehouses are rolling out secure prescription lockers, allowing customers to pre-pay through the app and collect their medication using a texted access code
'I'm a pharmacist,' one Reddit user wrote. 'Not for CVS or Costco. But if I was looking for a pharmacy job, I would put CVS in last place I'd ever want to work, and Costco way up there on my 'want to work at' list. This may tell you something about how they both run their pharmacies, how they treat their patients, and how they treat their employees.'
Many Costco warehouses are also rolling out secure prescription lockers, allowing customers to pre-pay through the app and collect their medication using a texted access code - sometimes even outside normal pharmacy hours.
Costco even offers prescription delivery in some areas, while shoppers can receive refill reminders and payment notifications through the retailer's mobile app.
That doesn't mean the experience is perfect - one of the biggest complaints is the pharmacy's opening hours. Unlike many CVS and Walgreens locations, Costco pharmacies are typically closed on Sundays and often shut earlier in the evening.
'The only downside is they're closed on Sundays,' one shopper wrote, while another added that they 'love using the Costco pharmacy. Only downside is their hours.'
Still, for many customers, the savings - and the service - make it worthwhile.
As one shopper put it: 'Fast, friendly, cheaper than CVS... I'll always pick Costco.'
