Goodbye, Costco membership card – you’re better off not doing that in their stores

Costco has always been a popular destination for families looking to stock up on everything from groceries to electronics while enjoying the delights of their extremely affordable cafeteria. But there’s something new brewing at Costco, and it’s not extra-large coffee. The popular membership card system is about to get a whole lot stricterand it might make your next trip to the warehouse a little more complicated. if so sneak in to someone else’s membership, this is for you!

What happens to Costco membership cards?

Starting soon, Costco will require every member to scan their own membership card at the entranceno longer just showing it at the checkout.

Yes, that’s right, you have to prove that you are a legitimate member before you can even set foot in the store! It’s not just about scanning a card; If there is no photo of you on your membership card, please show one of them Photo ID. This means you no longer have to borrow your cousin’s card to go shopping quickly!

Wait, what about the second membership card?

For households that share a Costco membership, there is usually a second card. The good news? The second cardholder can still use the membership, but will also be required to show photo ID if their card does not have a photo included. So you no longer have to pass the card down like a secret family heirloom. Only the designated second card holder receives the discounts. This will make it difficult to use other Costco services, such as their Iconic Gas stations.

It’s no secret that Costco recently increased its membership fees. Gold Star Membershipswhich used to cost $60 per year, now costs $6065while the premium Executive Memberships jumped up from $120 $130. With these increases, Costco wants to ensure that its paying members – and only its paying members – receive the benefits. The new rules are part of a broader industry trend to prevent account sharing, something that Netflix, Disney+ and others have also addressed.

Costco isn’t the only one tightening the reins on membership sharing. All over Europe like shops macroa business-to-business warehouse retailer, has the same ID verification systems and requires its customers to scan their identity digital cards while at the same time scans their faces.

Makro also operates on a membership model, but is more focused on it Pursue like restaurants and hotels, which makes it a little different from Costco’s family oriented facility. While both stores require membership, Makro is aimed more at bulk buyers for professional use, while Costco is still perfect for families looking to feed a small army at home.

The family card shuffling: Now more complicated

For many families, sharing a Costco card was as natural as sharing the remote control. But now, with the new rules, everything will change. If you are not the named cardholder, you will have to stay behind. For those used to sneaking into the store using their spouse or friend’s card, it’s something of a buzzkill.

Of course there is one possible gap– identical twins! If you happen to have one Doppelgangeryou may be able to simply withdraw using your card. But for the rest of us? It’s time to embrace the new system and make sure we bring it with us our own map (And Photo ID!) to every Costco run.

Costco’s new identification rules are part of a growing trend aimed at ensuring members get what they pay for. While the changes may be a nuisance for families who like to share cards, they are also a step toward protecting the benefits of those who pay the membership fee. So next time you’re getting ready for a Costco haul, don’t forget your card, ID, and a healthy sense of humor—unless you have an identical twin doing your shopping for you!