Reuters / Mohammad Khursheed
Costco Wholesale will install member scanners at the entrances to all of its stores to prevent non-members from entering.
According to a report from CBS News, the retailer announced that its members will soon no longer have to show their cards to Costco employees, but will simply be able to scan them when entering the store.
Costco announced on its customer service page that these changes will be implemented in the coming months.
“In the coming months, member scanning devices will be deployed at the entrance to your local camp. Once deployed, all members will be required to scan their physical or digital membership card before entering,” the statement said.
The statement also outlined what guests or non-members can do to enter the store.
Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti noted that more people are sharing memberships since the pandemic. The company began testing the scanners in early 2024.
One benefit of the membership scanners is that customers at self-checkouts and checkout counters will no longer be approached by Costco employees asking for their membership cards.
Although the company did not specify what the reason was for installing it at the entrance, it’s worth noting that Costco has previously cracked down on non-members using its food court to ensure that only members get to enjoy its famous $1.50 hot dogs and sodas deal.
Costco has also started asking customers for their membership cards and ID cards at checkouts.
“We do not believe it is right for non-members to receive the same benefits and prices as our members,” Costco said, according to CNN.
The retailer has already increased its base membership fee from $60 to $65 and its premium membership fee from $120 to $130. It also noted that the maximum annual 2% reward for executive membership will increase from $1,000 to $1,250.
