Costco has started using a new verification process for customers entering the warehouse stores. The company is scanning membership cards at various locations. This move aims to crack down on unauthorized membership usage.
The retailer has long checked memberships before entry. However, in January, they began testing a new method. Instead of flashing your card to an employee, members now scan the back of their cards or their digital membership QR codes.
This change is rolling out nationally. In California, the new scanners are at Costco locations in Huntington Beach and Inglewood. Locations in New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania will start scanning soon, though no start date was specified. A Texas location mentioned they would likely start next month.
Non-Costco members can still enter if accompanied by a member.
“If your membership is inactive, expired, or you would like to sign up for a new membership, the attendant will ask that you stop by the membership counter prior to entering the warehouse to shop. Additionally, if your membership card does not have a photo, please be prepared to show your valid photo ID. We encourage you to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken to have on your card,” Costco stated.
Last year, Costco began instructing employees to spot-check membership cards in self-checkout lines. This helps curb unauthorized card-sharing.
“We don’t feel it’s right that non-members receive the same benefits and pricing as our members,” the company told Business Insider. “As we already asked for the membership card at checkout, we are now asking to see their membership card with their photo at our self-service checkout registers.”
For those interested in becoming paying Costco members, the Gold Star membership costs $60. The Executive membership costs $120. These prices are expected to increase on Sept. 1.