Major Change Coming to St Cloud Costco Entry & Memberships

Recently we have heard about how Costco is cracking down on memberships.  For awhile you were expected to show your picture ID when you checked out, not only a the self-check, but also at the regular check-out.

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I haven't been asked to show my ID in weeks, in fact, it only happened to me once or twice, but my picture is also on my Costco Membership card.  As most people's are, so maybe that's why they stopped doing that?

But obviously, Costco is still encountering people trying to use expired memberships or trying to use someone else's membership to shop.  So, now Costco has announced that they will be implementing a new scanner for entry.  Members will have to scan their card in order to enter the store.

There is no exact date on when that will be installed but Costco says it will be within the next few months.

“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” the statement reads, in part. “Once deployed, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card before entering.”

The new entry system will require all members to use the barcode or QR code associated with their membership to gain entry. All guests will need to enter with a member whose subscription is active and up to date. The statement also noted that members should be prepared to provide proof of membership with a valid photo ID.

This is all in an effort to crack down on people just using a membership card without paying for a membership.  Although a member can still bring a guest with them and gain entry.  But the member will still need to pay for their selections.

Oh, and by the way, Costco's membership fees will be going up.  This is the first membership fee increase since 2017.  How much it will go up depends on the type of membership you have.  If you have the Gold Membership, which is the least expensive, that will be going from $60 to $65.  And does include 2 cards, one for the primary member and one for another member of the household  The Executive Membership is currently $120, and will be increasing by $10 to $130.  But you also will get 2% back on your purchases thoughout the year.