Costco will begin installing membership scanners at club entrances across the U.S. as part of a nationwide campaign against membership splitting. The move comes as the wholesale giant prepares to raise membership fees for the first time in seven years to ensure only paying members are allowed into its stores.
Starting in the coming months, Costco members will be required to scan their physical or digital membership cards when entering a company warehouse. This new system is designed to allow members to match their cards before making a purchase, simplifying the process and preventing non-members from using borrowed cards.
The introduction of the scanners follows Costco’s previous efforts to tighten membership controls, including requiring card verification at self-checkouts. The company’s decision to keep membership fees unchanged despite inflation is set to change on Sept. 1. Standard Gold Star and Business memberships will then increase from $60 to $65 and Executive memberships from $120 to $130.
As a bonus, Costco is increasing the maximum reward for senior members from $1,000 to $1,250, giving its most loyal customers an additional incentive despite the price increase.
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