LOS ANGELES – Costco’s new membership card entry scanners are already in use in warehouses across the U.S., including here in Southern California.
Costco first announced in January that it would install card scanners at all store entrances and require customers to scan their physical or digital membership card before entering.
If you are a guest, you must be accompanied by a valid Costco member to enter.
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One of these scanners was recently spotted at a Costco in Burbank, according to a video posted on Instagram by @costco.so.obsessed.
Opinions on the new scanners were divided.
“I really think this is overkill. You can’t buy anything without a credit card, so why not wait until you’re ready to buy? It saves hassle and less time waiting,” said one Costco member.
“Oh, yay, another company laying off workers and replacing them with machines. Not good,” said another.
“Scanning your card to get in and then showing it before paying seems a bit much to me,” commented another member.
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There will still be employees at the entrance doors to the stores to greet you and help you with any questions or problems with the scanners.
According to Costco’s website, customers who present a card without a photo may be asked by the front desk staff to show a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
A Costco membership is not required only if you visit an optician in the warehouse or purchase prescriptions from the pharmacy (see website).
Costco had previously announced that it would increase membership prices.
The new fees will take effect on September 1 and increase the price of Costco’s basic Gold Star membership from $60 to $65 per year, while the cost of the premium executive membership will increase from $120 to $130.
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Costco’s annual fee has remained unchanged since 2017.
Costco operates more than 600 warehouses in the US
