Costco Cracks Down on Membership Sharing With New Card Scanners—Here's What to Expect

Back in January, we first heard about Costco possibly adding scanners at entrances to help cut down on membership sharing. Not all fans were happy about it, especially if it adds more time spent stuck in waiting lines.

Now, the warehouse retailer has confirmed these membership scanners are not just a possibility, but will definitely be coming to stores whether customers like it or not.

Costco states on its website that these new scanners will be added to stores very soon. “Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse. Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner. Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member for entry,” it says on the website. Members are allowed to bring up to two guests per visit, according to Costco customer service.

The website explains that an attendant will be onsite by the door to provide assistance or direct customers to the membership counter should they have an expired or inactive membership that needs to be renewed. If you have a membership card that doesn’t have a photo, you will now need to provide a valid photo ID or go to the membership counter to upgrade your membership ID with a current photo.

While some Costco fans were not excited about this change back in the winter, many seem more optimistic now. On a Reddit thread dedicated to the latest news, one commenter said they are “in favor of keeping our exclusive members-only warehouse exclusive and members-only.” This change is also providing some hope for shoppers to have a more streamlined experience through the checkout line.

Membership scanning is not the only change Costco plans to roll out. Earlier this summer, the company said membership fees would be going up starting September 1, 2024. Annual membership fees for the US and Canada Gold Star (individual), Business, and Business add-on will increase by $5 and Executive Memberships in the U.S. and Canada will increase by $10 more.

If you’re not a current Costco member but want to be, you can check the website to learn about the different membership types offered, costs, benefits, and application process.