Some Costco members feel that recent policy changes may add to their shopping difficulties. Costco has recently been tightening its membership verification procedures to ensure only paying members can benefit from its discounts. To those used to borrowing the card of a friend or family for a quick trip, the new procedures can be a hassle. Costco offers two main membership types: personal and business accounts, each with two levels:
- Gold Star Membership costs $65 annually, allowing two persons per household to shop in-store and online.
- Executive Membership at $130 per year includes all Gold Star benefits, special offers, and a 2% annual reward based on purchases, plus additional perks.
Previously, customers only needed to show their membership card to an employee at the entrance. Now, in some locations, Costco is testing a new process where cards are scanned at the door instead of just shown. If a card lacks a photo, customers may also need to show a government-issued ID to confirm their identity. This step is intended to reduce card sharing and ensure that only legitimate members gain store benefits. If this policy hasn’t yet reached your local Costco, expect to see it soon and prepare to scan your card on your next visit.
Concerns about wait times
Some members worry that this extra verification step will extend wait times. A Costco customer voiced their concerns on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “You already need to scan your card to pay, so why add another scan at the entrance?” They pointed out that Costco’s popularity already creates long lines, and an additional entrance scan could make visits even slower. This concern has led some members to consider limiting their trips to the store.
In addition to physical card scans, Costco locations have reportedly begun “encouraging” members to download the Costco mobile app for digital membership verification. One shopper shared that employees were “pushing” them to download the app and create an account to allow for digital entry scanning. While digital verification via the app is an option, it is not yet mandatory.
Several members recently reported issues with overcharges, with one customer saying they paid more than ten times their grocery total due to an error, urging others to check their statements carefully. Another shopper reported a significant overcharge for meat purchases.
The industry-wide shift toward stricter membership verification
Costco is not the only retailer tightening membership verification policies. While it has not implemented facial recognition, these new measures reflect a wider trend in the retail industry. In Europe, for example, Makro—a wholesale chain serving businesses—already requires customers to scan digital membership cards and uses facial recognition to prevent unauthorized access.
Costco’s revised policies aim to enhance membership benefits while requiring a more structured entry process for all customers.
