For many years, Costco has been a haven for hot dog aficionados, bargain hunters, and bulk buyers. The massive warehouse company is ushering in a new age, though, one with more stringent regulations, more expensive memberships, and much less flexibility.
The days of cruising the food court without a membership or coasting on someone else’s card are now ended.
Even the most devoted Costco customers are being forced to pause and reconsider their purchasing habits due to the significant changes.
Costco is redefining what it means to be a member as of 2024 and 2025, not just how you check out.
Sharing Memberships? No More
In the past, Costco was a touch lenient when it came to card sharing. Taking a friend with you or borrowing your sister’s?
Once common, but no longer. The retailer has significantly tightened its verification procedures. Now, consumers need to:
- Instead than just flashing their membership card, scan it at the door.
- If there isn’t a photograph on the card, present a photo ID.
- At self-checkout, where employees are now trained to confirm identities, present both your card and your ID.
The purpose of these modifications is to prevent illegal use and maintain the value of a paid membership. Imagine it as the club’s bouncer, except for washing detergent and rotisserie chickens.
“Costco treats their memberships like they’re AmEx Platinum cards… and honestly, I respect it,” jokingly said one Reddit user.
Bid Farewell to Covert Food Court Runs
One of Costco’s most easily accessible benefits used to be the renowned food court, which was well-known for its rotisserie chicken and that incredible $9.95 pizza. If the food court entry was distinct from the main store, even non-members would occasionally stop by for a bite.
However, that loophole was fixed back in April 2024. From then on, even in open-access food court locations, you had to have an active Costco membership in order to place an order. No churro, no membership.
Some people are upset by this shift, especially those who used to view the food court as a place to get a cheap lunch. Costco’s position is unambiguous, though: the benefits are exclusively available to members.
Why Have Things Changed So Much?
It all boils down to maintaining member integrity, controlling costs, and safeguarding the brand.
Costco is tightening its ship in response to growing costs and a rapidly changing retail landscape (including online competition, labor issues, and inflation).
It preserves the business model that enables them to maintain low pricing and a large selection by guaranteeing that only paying members take advantage of its services.
Reactions are divided, as expected. Some customers are in favor of the modifications, pointing out that they maintain the value of membership.
Some are not as excited. The additional procedures at checkout, the photo ID requirements, and, of course, the fee rise are the subject of several complaints on social media and in comment sections.
Some customers have even considered switching to Sam’s Club or BJ’s, but many acknowledge that Costco’s benefits, quality, and prices are still difficult to match.
How to Maintain Your Favor with Costco?
Here’s what to do if you intend to continue shopping at Costco, as the majority of us do:
- Verify that your membership is up to date and get ready for the new yearly fees.
- Adding a photo to your card will save time at the checkout and at the door.
- When you go shopping, always have a legitimate ID with you.
- Keep in mind that even in the food court, your membership is now important.
Costco isn’t attempting to be exclusive for the sake of being exclusive, even though their new restrictions may seem like a change.
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They are merely reinforcing the key components of the strategy, which are limited access, excellent pricing, and a membership that has real significance.
Remember this the next time you’re buying a gallon of shampoo or a three-pack of mayonnaise: that small plastic card is more crucial than ever.
