Members will soon need more than a card swipe to fill up, while a new Affirm partnership lets shoppers stretch purchases over 36 months.
Costco is reshaping two beloved perks at once. First, it will start enforcing stricter membership verification at the pump, a move aimed at curbing long wait times and non-member “ride-alongs.” Second, the warehouse giant has rolled out a “buy now, pay later” option through Affirm—music to the ears of budget-conscious shoppers.
How the new membership enforcement redefines the Costco gas station experience nationwide
Beginning this summer, attendants will scan membership QR codes before drivers reach the nozzle—no valid code, no fuel. Wondering whether you’ll be turned away at the pump? Costco says the policy targets repeat misuse, not the forgetful member who left a card at home. The retailer has also extended station hours to 10 p.m. in most locations, hoping longer availability offsets the tighter controls.
Still, the change could sting for households that routinely share a single membership; only the primary cardholder’s code will unlock the pump. Jacksonville shoppers got an early preview when a rezoning vote on May 27 blocked a planned members-only station, foreshadowing tougher battles ahead between local councils and Costco’s expansion plans.
What the buy now and pay later checkout option means for members
Thinking about splitting that big-screen TV into monthly bites? Costco’s new in-store Affirm option lets shoppers finance baskets from $500 to $17,500 for up to 36 months. A quick “soft” credit inquiry decides eligibility on the spot, sparing your score from a hard pull.
Key steps to use the program:
- Ring up items and choose Affirm at the register
- Pick a term (6, 12, 18, 24, or 36 months)
- Review the displayed annual percentage rate (APR) before you accept
- Pay early anytime without penalties
Consequently, the plan widens access to big-ticket items for members who might otherwise wait for sales—or skip the purchase entirely.
Crunching the numbers: interest rates, credit checks, and repayment flexibility explained
Rates range from 10 % to 36 % APR, so the real cost hinges on your credit profile. Below is a snapshot of what a typical purchase could look like at a mid-range 20 % APR:
| Purchase | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| $815 | $840 | $875 | $903 |
That small table shows how interest nudges the out-of-pocket total—but note that early payoff stops the meter. Affirm reports your payment history to credit bureaus only after the loan is active, giving diligent payers a chance to build positive credit.
More control at the pump, more flexibility at checkout
Costco’s twin moves reveal a retailer balancing crowd control with consumer convenience. Members who keep their digital IDs handy will breeze through the revamped fuel lines, and those eyeing large purchases get a predictable path to spread out costs. In an economy craving both savings and flexibility, the strategy could prove a winning combo.