In a recent move to further deter non-members from accessing their stores, the American warehouse chain Costco has announced new regulations requiring individuals entering their stores to scan a membership card and even present photo identification. This marks a new initiative by Costco to clamp down on non-members.
In January, Costco confirmed that they had started testing the scanning of membership cards at the entrance of certain stores to enhance the membership experience. Starting in March, Costco began tightening membership qualification checks, prohibiting non-members from dining at outdoor food courts. In the coming months, members shopping at Costco stores will face the new requirement of scanning their membership cards upon entry, a process that has now been rolled out to all stores across the United States.
According to a notice posted on their website, Costco plans to deploy membership card scanning devices at store entrances in the next few months. Once fully implemented, members will be required to scan their physical or digital membership cards by placing the barcode or QR code on the scanner before entering the store.
Costco has stated that non-members must be accompanied by a valid member to enter the store. For those with invalid, expired, or wanting to register for a new membership, they must complete the necessary procedures at the membership counter before shopping.
Furthermore, Costco encourages members to have photo identification on their membership cards. Otherwise, when entering the store, individuals will not only need to scan their membership card but also present valid photo identification.
After months of testing, scanning devices have been installed in multiple stores across the United States. Costco has emphasized that these measures are being implemented to ensure that only paying members are able to enjoy the services of the store.
Former Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti previously told CNN that since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, there has been an increasing trend of people sharing membership privileges. He mentioned that scanning membership cards at the entrance speeds up the entry and checkout processes, aligning with their belief in conducting pilot programs.
Several months ago, the retail giant announced that members would be required to provide photo identification when using self-checkout. The company stated, “We believe it’s not right for non-members to enjoy the same benefits and prices as members.” As they already ask for membership cards during checkout, they are now requesting photo identification with the membership card at self-checkout machines.
According to a report by Los Angeles television station KTLA, Costco stores in Huntington Beach and Inglewood in California have implemented the new scanning devices.
Typically, Costco members only need to show their membership cards to employees at store entrances without having to prove their membership, resulting in many non-members gaining access to the store.
Costco also stipulates that membership is non-transferable, but one household can obtain an additional membership card. Basic membership costs $60 annually, while executive membership costs $120 annually, providing benefits such as 2% cashback rewards. Starting from September this year, basic membership in the United States (Canada) will cost $65 annually, while executive membership will cost $130 annually.