Getting your hands on Costco’s Signature Rotisserie Chicken just got a little bit harder with the warehouse club’s newest rules.
It’s been over a year since Costco announced it would enforce its membership-sharing policies more strictly and crack down on those who attempt to slip into its stores. In June 2023, the store told CNBC that clubs were starting to ask to see cards with a photo at self-checkout registers, and customers would need to show a photo ID if their membership card doesn’t have a picture.
Now, in a statement on its website, the wholesaler announced it will be implementing another measure to prevent unauthorized access to its stores.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” the statement reads, in part. “Once deployed, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card before entering.”
The new entry system will require all members to use the barcode or QR code associated with their membership to gain entry. All guests will need to enter with a member whose subscription is active and up to date. The statement also noted that members should be prepared to provide proof of membership with a valid photo ID.
“We encourage you to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken for your card,” the statement concluded.
Read on for more about the new policy and the big-box store’s reasons behind it.
What is Costco cracking down on?
Costco is cracking down on membership card sharing by requiring all cards to be scanned at the entrance. This new rule will make it harder for people to gain entry using someone else’s card.
Is a Costco membership needed for the food court?
A Costco membership is needed to buy food at Costco’s food courts. Yes, even for its outdoor courts.
In March 2024, Costco’s chief financial officer, Richard Galanti, announced that customers would no longer be able to purchase items at the company’s outdoor food courts without proof of membership.
“One of the challenges is that some of the food courts have gotten so busy, particularly if it’s near some office buildings or construction sites,” Galanti explained to Axios in an interview. “We were getting member complaints.”
Can Costco block your membership?
Yes, Costco reserves the right to block membership at its discretion and without cause. According to the company’s website, members are required to comply with its rules, privacy policies and any changes.
What are Costco’s membership prices?
On Sept. 1, Costco will be raising its membership prices for the first time since 2017.