PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Costco Wholesale Club is now asking customers to scan their membership cards at the entrance, as the first scanners are spotted at a store in Pembroke Pines.
In August, the wholesaler’s customer service webpage, membership scanning devices will be installed at the entrance of the warehouses. Members will be prompted to scan their digital or physical membership cards before entering.
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Guests with inactive, expired or membership cards without a photo will be asked to visit the membership counter before they are allowed to shop.
The test system for the membership card scanners was initially installed in a few stores across the country in January 2024.
According to the company’s website, anyone with a card can bring up to two guests to the warehouse during each visit, but purchasing items is exclusive to Costco members. Primary members can assign a free household card to one other person in their home.
The retailer said non-members should not get the same benefits as card holders and membership fees play a big role in the warehouse club being able to offer low prices.
On Sept. 1, the national chain raised its membership prices.
Costco raised the price from the basic Gold Star membership from $60 to $65 annually, while the cost for the premium Executive membership went up from $120 to $130.