Costco Self-Checkout ID Verification and Membership Sharing

Laura

·July 25, 2025

·8 min read

Costco Self-Checkout ID Verification and Membership Sharing — Image Source: pexels

You now need to show both your membership card and a photo ID at every costco self-checkout. Costco wants to make sure only people with a valid costco membership use self-checkout. If you try to use someone else’s membership, you risk losing your shopping privileges. Membership rules have become stricter, so always use your own costco membership at self-checkout to avoid problems.

Key Takeaways

Always bring your own Costco membership card and a photo ID when using self-checkout to avoid delays or problems.
Costco strictly enforces membership rules to stop non-members from using someone else’s card and to keep prices low for all members.
Only you and one authorized household member living at the same address can use your Costco membership legally.
Sharing your membership with friends or others outside your household can lead to losing your membership and being banned from Costco.
You can share benefits safely by adding a household member, bringing guests who shop with you, or using a Costco Shop Card.

Costco Self-Checkout ID Checks

Verification Process

When you use costco self-checkout, you must scan your membership card at the register. This step confirms your membership status before you can start scanning your items. If your membership card does not have a photo, an employee may ask you for a photo id. The system sometimes prompts for membership verification during your transaction. If the scanner cannot read your card or if there is a system glitch, an employee will step in to check your membership manually. This process helps costco make sure only members get access to member-only prices and services.

Tip: Always bring your membership card and a valid photo id when you shop at costco. This will help you avoid delays at self-checkout.

Many members wonder why costco asks for both a membership card and a photo id at self-checkout. The answer is simple: costco wants to stop non-members from using someone else’s membership. This rule applies to every register, so you cannot skip the check by choosing a different line. Employees may also do spot checks to make sure everyone follows the rules.

Technology and Enforcement

Costco has updated its technology to make membership card verification faster and more reliable. At the entrance, you now scan your physical card or a digital QR code. This step helps costco reduce unauthorized membership sharing and speeds up the entry process. At costco self-checkout, employees use scanners to check your membership card and may ask for a photo id if your card does not have a picture. These steps help prevent non-members from shopping with borrowed cards.

Costco’s membership sharing crackdown has become more visible as self-checkout kiosks have grown in number. The company wants to protect its membership fee structure, which helps keep prices low for everyone. By enforcing strict membership verification, costco makes sure only real members get the benefits. Associates at self-checkout also help speed up the process and answer questions, which many customers appreciate.

Here are some reasons costco increased enforcement at self-checkout:
- Prevent non-members from using someone else’s membership card.
- Stop unauthorized use that could hurt costco’s pricing model.
- Make sure only members get exclusive deals and services.
- Close loopholes that allowed membership sharing at self-checkout.

Note: Some customers feel frustrated by repeated checks, but costco believes these steps are necessary to protect the value of your membership.

Compared to other warehouse clubs, costco’s self-checkout process is stricter. For example, Sam’s Club uses a mobile app for checkout, which some customers find smoother. However, costco believes that strong membership card verification and staff presence help reduce theft and membership sharing.

Costco self-checkout ID checks are now standard at all locations. You should expect to show your membership card and a photo id every time you use self-checkout. This policy helps costco maintain the integrity of its membership program and ensures that you, as a member, continue to enjoy exclusive benefits.

Costco Membership Sharing Rules

Policy Overview

Costco takes its membership rules seriously. When you join, you agree to follow strict guidelines about who can use your membership. Only you, the member named on the membership card, and one authorized household member can shop with your card. Costco defines a household member as someone over 16 years old who lives at the same address as you. This person can get a free Household Card with their photo on it. You can add this household member at the membership counter or online through your Costco account.

Costco does not allow you to share a membership with friends, extended family, or anyone who does not live with you. The company enforces this rule to protect its business model and keep prices low for all members. You may bring guests with you to shop, but only you or your authorized household member can make purchases. Guests cannot pay at the register, even if they have cash or a credit card.

Costco communicates these membership rules in several ways:

Employees check your membership card at the entrance, at checkout, and even at the food court.
New scanning machines verify your membership multiple times during your visit.
Signs in the store remind you about the membership sharing policy.
The membership agreement you sign explains that only the cardholder and one household member can use the card.
Payment methods must match the name on the membership card.

Tip: Always make sure your membership card has your photo. If not, bring a photo ID to avoid delays.

Many people try to share a membership to help friends or family save money on the annual fee. Some use borrowed cards or QR codes from the Costco app. Others want to let non-members enjoy Costco’s low prices, free samples, and return policy. However, these actions break the membership rules and can lead to serious trouble.

Consequences of Sharing

Costco’s membership sharing crackdown is strict. If you get caught using someone else’s membership card, or if you let someone else use yours, you face real risks. Employees now check both your membership card and a photo ID at self-checkout and regular registers. They also watch for membership fraud and card sharing at the entrance.

Here are the most common consequences if you break the membership rules:

You may be stopped at the register or entrance and asked to show ID.
Costco can confiscate your membership card on the spot.
You risk being banned from your local Costco, or even all Costco stores, sometimes for life.
Your membership may be canceled without a refund.
Costco may inspect your bags and receipts to check for membership fraud.

Alert: There are no warnings or second chances. Even using a spouse’s card once can lead to a ban, as seen in recent news stories.

Costco enforces these rules to prevent membership fraud and protect the value of paid memberships. The company relies on membership fees to offer low prices. If too many people share cards, it hurts Costco’s business and can lead to higher prices for everyone. That is why the company uses technology, staff checks, and strict enforcement to stop card sharing.

Trying to share a membership or use borrowed cards may seem like a clever hack, but it is not worth the risk. Costco’s membership sharing crackdown leaves little room for exceptions. If you want to share Costco membership benefits, always follow the official rules.

Legitimate Ways to Share Costco Membership

Add a Household Member

You can legally share a membership with someone in your household. Costco allows you to add one household member to your account. This person must be at least 16 years old and live at the same address as you. Both Gold Star and Executive memberships include this option. The primary member decides who gets the household card and can change this at any time at the membership counter or online.

A Gold Star Membership allows two people: the primary member and one household member.
The household member must be over 16 years old.
The household member must live at the same address as you.
You can update or change the household member through your account or in-store.

Tip: Adding a household member helps your family enjoy Costco membership benefits together. This option supports Costco’s goal of growing its paying member base and keeps prices low for everyone.

Bring a Guest

Costco lets you bring up to two guests per visit. Both the primary member and the household cardholder can each bring two guests. Children do not count toward this limit. Only members can make purchases, but your guests can shop with you and see what Costco offers. This policy gives your friends or family a chance to experience Costco before they decide to join.

Note: Guests must always stay with the member while shopping. Only you or your household member can pay at checkout.

Use a Costco Shop Card

A Costco Shop Card works like a gift card. Only members can buy these cards, but non-members can use them to shop at any Costco warehouse or online. Non-members must show the Shop Card to enter the store. After using the card, payment options may be limited, since the name on the debit or credit card must match the account name. Shop Cards cannot be redeemed for cash except where required by law. This method lets you share Costco’s deals with friends or family who do not have a membership.

Tip: Shop Cards are a great way to introduce someone to Costco without breaking the rules.

You protect your Costco membership and shopping privileges when you follow the updated self-checkout and membership rules. Strict ID checks and a ban on membership card sharing help keep prices low and prevent card sharing abuse.

By using your own membership card, you avoid penalties and keep access to Costco’s bulk deals.
Costco’s rules also protect the company’s revenue and brand reputation.
You can still share benefits by adding a household member or using a Costco Shop Card.

Remember, following these rules supports Costco’s trusted service and helps everyone enjoy a better shopping experience.

FAQ

Can you use a digital membership card at self-checkout?

Yes, you can use the Costco app to show your digital membership card. Employees may still ask for a photo ID. Always keep your physical card handy in case the app does not work.

What happens if you forget your photo ID at self-checkout?

You may not be able to complete your purchase. Costco employees need to verify your identity. If you forget your ID, you can return later with it to finish shopping.

Can you pay for someone else’s items if they are your guest?

No, only the member or authorized household member can pay at checkout. Guests cannot make purchases, even if they have cash or a credit card.

What should you do if your membership card is lost or damaged?

Visit the membership counter at any Costco. Staff will help you get a replacement card. You need to show a photo ID to receive a new card.