Shoppers vow to ‘dump’ Costco over new card policy’s overlooked flaw forcing them to show ‘two types of proof to enter’
COSTCO continues to cause division over its membership crackdown, prompting some to launch a boycott.
The policy is part of thewholesaler’s clamp down on Americans who share their membership cards with nonsubscribers.
Costcowarehouses are being installed with machines that allow shoppers to scan their cards.
A staffer monitors the screen, and it comes up with a picture of the shopper.
But, some membership cards do not have a picture, catching shoppers off-guard.
Subscribers have been less than impressed by having to prove their identity using other means.
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And the fact they have to show ID before checking out has sparked fury.
Think I ll dump Costco and move back to Sam s Club, one angry shopper posted onX.
My card has no picture so I have to get out my drivers license.
Have always had to do this at the checkout but not at the entrance.
Members have also lashed out at the checkout process at warehouses.
Show ID to get in, backing up lines, self checkout cannot use the scanners, backing up lines, show receipt to get out, backing up lines, another chimed.
Costco confirms all of its stores will be closed for 24 hours forcing shoppers to head to Sam s Club
They claimed the process was not shopper-friendly.
Costco has urged members to get their photographs added to their cards as a means of avoiding showing a form of photo ID.
The requirement to scan a membership card is not the only policy that has been rolled out in warehouses.
Non-members have to be accompanied by a subscriber in order to enter.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they’ve been cracking down on offenders in recent years.
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
Credit:Costco
Costco s crackdown has not been welcomed by all members.
Some are puzzled that membership cards are being checked at store entrances and exits.
If they are going to check you, it should only be once, a shopper posted onFacebookthread.
This is why I love BJ s store. Walk in, do your shopping and don t have to scan your card until you are at the check out, another posted.
Thanks Costco for helping me decide between you guys or Sam’s. Sam’s it is, a third shopper said.
Despite the backlash, Costco chiefs have defended the policy.
“They’re speeding up our registers significantly when we get all the scanning and memberships verified at the front door, CEO Ron Vachris said in a transcript seen byThe Motley Fool.
Costco also hit the headlines this year when bosses announced a rise in the cost of membership.
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A standard membership fee now costs $65 has risen by $5.
The change came into force on September 1.
Costco’s membership scanners
Costco has unveiled membership scanners at its store entrances.
In August 2024, the retailer released a statement about the scanners on itswebsite.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” it wrote.
“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.
“If you have any questions or concerns, there will always be an attendant at the door to assist you!
“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.”
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