COSTCO continues to come under fire over one of its policies which has proved controversial and divides shoppers.
The retailer has attracted a barrage of criticism over the measure, which has seen some members forced to prove their identity more than once.
3
3
Last year, Costco bosses changed its entry policy by requiring shoppers to scan their membership card under a machine.
This is different from just showing the card to a staffer stationed by the door.
Costco shopper Chris Pierce was taken aback following a trip to the store.
“I’ve followed the rules, paid my dues, and contributed to the store’s success,” he posted on Facebook..
“But lately, things have changed.Now there are guards scrutinizing every member, asking for multiple forms of ID just to shop—like maybe I don’t belong here, despite having every right to be.”
Pierce said he was left wary following his trip to the wholesaler as he blasted those who try to take advantage of the system.
“People like me, who have been loyal members for years, are suddenly being treated with suspicion,” he said.
Pierce felt he was being singled out – even though he had not committed a crime.
“I wave my Costco card, explain that I’ve been a member longer than some of the staff have worked there, but it doesn’t matter. I’m now guilty until proven innocent,” he said.
“I didn’t wave another store’s flag. I didn’t steal anything. I simply existed.
“And for some reason, that’s now enough to be treated like a threat.”
He is not the only shopper who has voiced concerns.
Some have threatened to boycott the retailer in relation to the policy.
While others have compared the policy to something out of a dystopian novel.
Costco has warned its shoppers that they might face extra scrutiny if their cards do not contain a photograph.
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
But, members can access a digital version via the Costco app.
The tool also allows shoppers to renew their membership.
Shoppers can use their digital cards to enter warehouses, at the checkouts, gas stations and pharmacies.
However, membership cards cannot be used at security checkpoints at airports.
Rumors that the cards could be used spread on forums such as Reddit, forcing Transportation Security Administration officials to quell the speculation.
TSA chiefs say a Costco card is not a valid form of identification.
Millions of Americans were told to invest in a Real ID for domestic flights.
A Real ID is considered an alternative to a passport.
“Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel,” TSA wrote on its website.
3
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 its website.
“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.”
