Getting your Costco membership card seems like a fairly straightforward process. You go in, request a membership, they take your picture, and then eventually, you get your card. What could be easier?
It’s so easy, in fact, that the chain reportedly had over 136 million members as of the end of 2024.
Just because it’s straightforward, however, that doesn’t mean that issues can’t occasionally arise. TikTok user Denise (@denisesjourney) recently experienced this on a trip to Costco. She shared her story in a video with over 52,000 views.
What Went Wrong With This Woman’s Costco Membership?
In her video, Denise offers a PSA.
“If you’re going to go to Costco and sign up, make sure you check the back of your card before you go home,” she advises.
According to Denise, when she originally got her Costco card, she simply took it and put it in her wallet without examining it.
However, on a recent trip, she encountered an issue.
“I scan my card, I go to walk in, and the guy goes, ‘Wait a minute, ma’am. Wait right there,’” she recalls. “So I’m like, ‘Oh, OK.’ You know, not thinking anything of it.”
But, after a brief stare-down, Denise realized something must be amiss. Consequently, she looked at the back of her card. She noticed that the photo printed on it was that of a white, blonde woman. Denise, for context, is not a white, blonde woman.
What Happened Here?
There are a few things that could have gone wrong with Denise’s Costco membership.
First, she may have simply been given someone else’s card. Denise does not reveal the name on the card, but if it is one not match her own, it could be that she was accidentally given the card of another member. This means that a further Costco member may be walking around carrying a Costco card with her face on it.
Second, it may have been a printing mix-up. While this would be rare, other internet users have reported issues with photos/names, and memberships at Costco. For example, one Redditor claimed that their card had “someone else’s name,” while another alleged that the app was displaying a photo of another random Costco member rather than their own.
If one is in Denise’s situation, they can simply resolve the issue with Costco staff, who will be able to look up their membership and print them a new card.
Commenters Say It’s Happened to Them
In the comments section, several users affirmed that this wasn’t a particularly unheard-of experience.
“This happened to my dad years ago,” wrote a user. “He’s a older Mexican man & he had a little boy photo.”
“That’s happened to me with the right picture, but different account number. So whatever I bought didn’t count on my membership,” offered another.
That said, some alleged that this was not that big of an issue.
“My picture on my card looks nothing like me and I’ve never been stopped,” declared a commenter.
@denisesjourney PSA: Costco photo #costco #costcotiktok #publicserviceannouncement ♬ original sound – ?????? ?My Life Journey
The Mary Sue reached out to Denise via TikTok direct message and comment, and Costco via media relations contact form.
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