Costco Installing Membership Card Scanners At Store Entrances

If you’re a fan of getting your groceries at Costco but haven’t yet committed to your own membership, now might be a good time to make the move. 

Costco has garnered popularity for offering a selection of bulk items at lower prices than their competitors. This makes them a good option for larger families or anyone looking to cut down on grocery trips. The food court has also made a lasting impression, with offerings like the famed $1.50 all-beef hot dog combo, pizzas and soft-serve ice cream to name a few. Besides groceries, Costco also sells home appliances, furniture and more, making it a one-stop destination no matter what is on your shopping list. 

Despite the popularity, one of Costco’s main sources of revenue comes from exclusive memberships. While the retailer loosened policies in 2020 to accommodate non-members shopping for others due to the pandemic, they recently announced that they will implement stricter shopping policies by adding scanning devices at the entrances of all their locations. 

In a statement published on their official website, the company noted that once scanners are in stores, “all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner. Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member for entry.”

This move marks the second major announcement from the retailer regarding memberships. In September, the company is increasing their annual fees from $60 to $65 for Gold Star members and from $120 to $130 for Executive members. So if you’re considering joining the club, you should act now to take advantage of the lower price while it’s available. 

If you’re still iffy on whether a membership is right for you, there are still a few options for you to get your Costco fix. The grocery retailer is available via Uber Eats and Instacart for select locations, so make sure to check those apps!