Costco's Crackdown on Membership Sharing

SOURCE www.npr.org
Costco is cracking down on membership sharing by requiring members to scan their cards at the entrance and show a valid photo ID. This is to prevent nonmembers from using a member's card to shop for free. Annual membership fees are set to increase in September.

Key Points

  • Members must now scan their cards at the entrance and show a valid photo ID
  • Guests can only enter with an active member
  • Annual membership fees are set to increase in September

Pros

  • Prevents nonmembers from getting a free ride by using someone else's membership card
  • Increases security and ensures only active members and their guests can enter Costco stores

Cons

  • May inconvenience some members who are used to just presenting their cards to store employees