Costco isn’t just raising eyebrows lately—it’s raising the stakes for its members. In recent months, the warehouse giant has quietly rolled out stricter rules around one of its most beloved membership privileges. What once felt like a generous benefit is now under scrutiny, and many shoppers feel betrayed. Whether this change impacts your shopping habits or just your peace of mind, it’s worth knowing what’s shifting—and how to adapt. Here’s a breakdown of the crackdown, reactions from loyal customers, and what you can do next.
1. The Perk Under Fire: Membership Sharing and Entry Rules
One key Costco membership perk that’s drawing fire is the longstanding ability to share your membership card. Costco has long allowed cardholders to bring companions—guests—to shop under their membership. But the retail chain is now enforcing stricter entry controls to curb what it views as misuse. Scanners are being installed at entrances to validate membership cards and photos, ensuring only authorized users enter. These changes are part of a broader effort to protect the perk for paying members.
2. New Scanning Systems: The Gatekeeper Technology
Soon, before setting foot into the warehouse, every shopper may have to scan their membership card or barcode at entry. That scanner will check whether your membership is active—and whether your photo matches the person entering. If your card lacks a photo, you might be asked to present a valid ID or have your photo taken at the membership counter. These scanners will roll out across all locations over time. Costco says these checks ensure fairness, but many members see them as an intrusion.
3. Food Courts Aren’t Safe Havens Anymore
One of the most surprising hits from Costco’s crackdown is its food courts. Previously, non-members could walk up and purchase the cheap and iconic $1.50 hot dog + soda combo. But in several locations, Costco has begun enforcing membership verification even at the food court, meaning only active cardholders can dine there. The move prevents non-members from piggybacking on one of the chain’s most beloved perks. For many, that change symbolizes deeper shifts—Costco’s tightening grip over every benefit.
4. Executive Members Get Early Hour Privileges—At a Cost to Others
As if eliminating sharing wasn’t enough, Costco is also giving its top-tier “Executive” members exclusive early access hours. As of June 30, 2025, Executive members can shop one hour earlier than regular members. That sounds nice—unless you’re not on the Executive tier. Regular Gold Star and Business members now must wait until later in the day to enter certain warehouses. This time-based perk is fueling more frustration because it privileges those willing to pay more.
5. Price Hikes, Cuts to Perks, and the Bigger Strategy
These membership changes aren’t happening in a vacuum. Costco has also hinted at potential membership fee increases and is scaling back benefits year over year. Some perks that felt like steady right-of-passage benefits—sharing, food court access, open hours—are now being revisited or rescinded. The message is becoming clear: Costco is treating membership privileges as negotiable, not guaranteed. And many longtime shoppers are taking notice.
6. Members Are Pushing Back Hard
The reaction has been immediate and vocal. Social media is full of complaints about stricter entry rules, lost flexibility, and the loss of perks once taken for granted. Many feel Costco is reneging on promises that made the membership worthwhile. Some are threatening to cancel or downgrade, while others are urging friends and family not to join at all. For many, what feels like a gradual erosion of benefits is an affront to customer trust.
7. What Members Can Do to Stay Protected
If you’re a Costco member—or considering becoming one—remember that knowledge is power. First, ensure your membership is current and that your card has your photo. Be prepared to show ID when requested. If you shop for someone else (elderly parents, etc.), make sure logistics are understood—guest policies may no longer be flexible. Consider whether upgrading to Executive status is worth the early access and perks. And finally, support accountability: share feedback with Costco via email, surveys, or social media so they hear your side.
What Costco’s Shakeup Really Signals
Costco’s tightening of its membership perk is more than a procedural tweak—it’s a signal shift. The company is changing how it values access, membership loyalty, and how perks are distributed. Some of the benefits that once felt permanent are now negotiable, and that’s unsettling to many longtime shoppers. Whether or not you upgrade or walk away, staying informed and adaptable is your best move.
Has your Costco experience changed lately under the new rules—and are you sticking around or rethinking your membership? Tell us in the comments below!
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