If you’ve been sharing your Costco membership with family or friends, you may need to rethink that strategy. Costco has introduced a new system requiring members to scan their membership card or digital QR code at the entrance, tightening its enforcement of the membership-only policy.
This means that borrowing someone else’s card for a quick shopping trip will no longer work under the new system, already being implemented across various locations.
Costco’s New Entrance Scanners
Costco has always been a membership-based retailer, but the verification process is now stricter. To enter, customers must scan their physical membership card or a digital QR code from the Costco app.
Previously, you only had to show your card to an employee at the entrance, but this change aims to reduce unauthorized use of membership cards and prevent non-members from enjoying Costco’s exclusive deals.
Costco is also tightening its rules around expired memberships. If your membership is inactive, you’ll be redirected to the membership counter to renew it before being allowed inside.
Additionally, if your card doesn’t have your photo on it, you will be required to show a government-issued ID to confirm your identity. Essentially, this move closes a common loophole—borrowing someone else’s card to shop.
Where the New System is Rolling Out
The new system has already been installed in some California locations, such as Huntington Beach and Inglewood. More Costco warehouses across New York, Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania are expected to follow soon, although specific dates haven’t been confirmed. If you haven’t encountered this system at your local Costco yet, you will likely see it soon.
Why Is Costco Changing Its Membership Policy?
Costco is enforcing stricter policies to ensure that only paying members benefit from their services. A basic Gold Star membership costs $65 per year, while an Executive membership costs $130. As membership fees rise, Costco wants to ensure that non-paying individuals don’t enjoy the same benefits as paying members.
This isn’t Costco’s first step toward preventing unauthorized usage. In recent years, the retailer began spot-checking membership cards at self-checkout lanes to ensure that non-members weren’t taking advantage of the system. According to the company, “We don’t feel it’s right that non-members receive the same benefits and pricing as our members.”
A Broader Trend Across Industries
Costco’s crackdown on membership sharing follows a larger trend of companies working to limit account sharing.
While Costco hasn’t introduced facial recognition like some European retailers, this new membership verification system is in line with similar moves by companies such as Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify.
These platforms have all taken measures to restrict sharing accounts between households, and Costco is now applying the same principle to its warehouse stores.
Impact on Families and Shared Memberships
For families who have shared Costco memberships, this new policy could be disruptive. Costco does allow for a second cardholder, but that individual will also need to show their own photo ID if their membership card lacks a photo.
As a result, family members who have been using a single membership will need to either ensure each member has their own card or add a secondary user to their account.
Protecting the Value of Membership
The new entrance policy is designed to preserve the value of a Costco membership, ensuring that only those who pay for the service can enjoy its benefits. As long as you have your card or app handy, and you’re the authorized member, you won’t have any trouble getting into the store.
For loyal Costco members, this change won’t be much of a hassle. However, for those who’ve been bending the rules by sharing cards, the new system will put an end to the practice. So, next time you head to Costco, make sure to bring your membership card (or app) and be prepared to scan it—Costco is making sure every shopper has earned their way through the door.
FAQs
1. What is Costco’s new entrance policy?
Costco now requires members to scan their physical membership card or digital QR code from the Costco app to enter the store. This is part of a stricter policy to prevent card-sharing.
2. Why is Costco implementing this new system?
Costco is enforcing the policy to ensure that only paying members benefit from its services and deals, especially as membership fees increase.
3. Can I still share a Costco membership with family?
Yes, you can share a membership with one additional person, but both cardholders will need to show ID if their membership card doesn’t include their photo.
4. What happens if my membership is expired?
If your membership is expired, you’ll be directed to the membership counter to renew it before you can enter the store.
5. Where is the new system being rolled out?
The system is already in place in some California locations, and more Costco stores across the U.S. will follow soon.
