Starting in 2026, **Costco** will roll out a significant change to its membership policy—a move the wholesale giant says is aimed at reducing misuse and ensuring member integrity. But what exactly is changing, who will feel the impact most, and how can regular shoppers avoid getting hit with surprise fees or denied entry at the register?
Over the years, Costco has grown into a retail juggernaut, known for its warehouse-style shopping, low prices, and generous return policy. But with popularity comes loophole abuse. Costco is now tightening the reins on how memberships are shared and used. Whether you’re a long-time member or considering joining in 2026, understanding the nuances of this change is critical.
Overview of Costco’s new 2026 membership rule
| Change Effective | January 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| New Policy | Mandatory Photo ID check at self-checkout and regular register lanes |
| Main Goal | Prevent misuse and sharing of personal membership cards |
| Affected Members | All primary and household cardholders |
| Penalty for Violation | Revocation of membership and potential checkout denial |
| Workaround | Authorized household members must be present and use their own card |
What changed this year
As part of enhanced procedures to maintain membership integrity, Costco will begin enforcing a strict one-member-per-use policy at checkout counters nationwide in 2026. This follows months of testing at select locations, where self-checkout lanes required photo IDs and staff actively verified users against account holders.
Previously, many shoppers were able to use cards borrowed from family or friends. While Costco technically only allows household members on a single membership, enforcement had been inconsistent. In 2026, **a more advanced point-of-sale (POS) system**, integrated with member profiles, will verify that the person using the card is either the primary or approved household member on the account. Anyone else will be asked to sign up or denied the ability to check out.
Who qualifies and why it matters
If you’re a primary cardholder, you’re already in good standing—provided you’re present during purchases. Household members listed on your membership (limited to one per account) must also carry their own card and match their photo ID. Casual users who may have borrowed an uncle’s or roommate’s card for Costco runs will no longer pass through easily.
This change is particularly impactful for families who share memberships informally, college students using parents’ credentials, or individuals who stock up for others using borrowed cards. With stricter enforcement, **Costco is drawing a line between legitimate membership perks and unauthorized use**, closing a gap that has quietly existed for years.
Why Costco made the change now
Costco attributes the policy update to increased incidents of unauthorized card sharing, especially since the expansion of self-checkout stations. Without active cashier intervention, it became easier for non-members to sneak through purchases. This not only reduces the exclusivity of paid membership but also eats into Costco’s core model of high-volume, member-driven sales.
“We don’t feel it’s right that non-members receive the same benefits as our paying members.”
— Costco Executive (placeholder)
At its core, Costco wants to preserve trust with those who pay for access. The annual fee, currently $60 for Gold Star and $120 for Executive Membership, is a key revenue pillar. Unauthorized use threatens the value those fees confer. With updated technology, Costco now has the tools to clamp down without significant disruption to loyal members.
How to apply step-by-step for household members
To avoid surprises at checkout, make sure your household is properly registered. Every Costco membership allows one designated household member. Here’s how to make that official:
- Log into your Costco account via the official app or website
- Navigate to the “Account Details” section
- Under “Household Cardholder,” select “Add” or “Modify”
- Enter the person’s full name and submit a headshot (required for store recognition)
- Visit your local Costco for final in-store photo ID capture and actual card issuance
Once registered, your household member will carry their own card—ensuring seamless access at self-checkout and regular lanes without issue in 2026 and beyond.
Fees and penalties for violations
Costco has said repeated misuse of a membership account could result in its cancellation without a refund. If someone attempts to use a card that does not match their identity, employees are now empowered to stop the transaction, confiscate the card temporarily, and recommend signing up independently. This can be an embarrassment at best—or a denied purchase at worst.
While no official fine or fee has been listed, the loss of Costco access can be both inconvenient and financially limiting, especially for families that rely on Costco for bulk household goods and groceries. Even the looming possibility of membership revocation is likely enough to scare off many would-be card borrowers.
Winners and losers from the updated rule
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Verified paying members | Unauthorized users of borrowed cards |
| Costco’s revenue model | College students using parents’ memberships |
| Shoppers who value exclusivity | Anyone relying on shared logins for access |
| Authorized household members | People unaware of the new policy |
How enforcement will work in stores
In-store, **self-checkout terminals** will now display side-by-side ID and membership card verification prompts. Employees may also perform manual ID checks at busy lanes. New scanners are being tested in certain test markets, including facial recognition tools to match account photos. While privacy advocates have raised questions, Costco insists customer data remains secure.
For those already listed as household members, the experience is seamless. But borrowing someone else’s card, even occasionally, will pose a major risk. Expect visibly enhanced signs explaining the ID policy, and staff training aimed at conflict transfer and de-escalation for occasional violations.
Tips to avoid surprises at checkout
- Make sure the member card you bring matches your name exactly
- Always carry a valid photo ID (driver’s license or government ID)
- Update your household membership regularly to reflect changes
- Use the Costco app—registered users will have scannable QR codes linked to identity
- Sign up for your own membership if unsure—avoid embarrassment at checkout
By getting ahead of the 2026 policy now, you can stay in good standing with Costco and continue enjoying the substantial savings and perks the warehouse club affords.
What this means for new members
If you’re planning to sign up for a Costco membership in 2026, now is a good time. With these new rules, you’ll know from day one what’s expected. Transparent policies create a fairer playing field, where those who pay for access receive the full experience without subsidizing entry for those who use borrowed cards.
With over 124 million cardholders worldwide, Costco is doubling down on the principle that true value flows from true membership. For new members, this means peace of mind knowing that your fee supports a model where access is maintained for those who genuinely belong.
Short FAQs about Costco’s 2026 membership rule
What is changing about Costco memberships in 2026?
Costco will require all members to show valid photo ID matching the name on their membership card at checkout. This applies to self-checkout lanes and regular counters.
Can I still share my card with family and friends?
No. Only one designated household member can be added to your account. Others must purchase their own membership.
Will Costco cancel my card if someone else uses it?
Yes, your card may be revoked if found in unauthorized use. Multiple offenses can lead to permanent account termination.
How do I add a household member to my Costco membership?
Log into your Costco account, access the “Household Cardholder” section, and add the person. They’ll need a photo to be issued a valid card.
Is photo ID needed at self-checkout too?
Yes. All self-checkout registers will now include verification to ensure the cardholder is present. ID and face match will be required.
What if I forget my card or ID?
You may be denied checkout if you cannot verify your identity. Always carry both to avoid issues.
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