A COSTCO shopper is fed up with the store’s new membership policy, which has caused them to lose $100 in rewards.
The customer said she suffered the massive loss when she changed her family member card from her daughter to her son.
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“So I changed my additional family member card from my daughter to son and reward accrued on my daughter's account is lost around 100 dollars,” the shopper posted on Reddit.
The Costco customer attached a screenshot of an employee’s response when they asked about a refund.
“Only purchases made by the Primary and active Primary Household Cardholder on the account will apply toward the Reward; when you remove someone you forfeit rewards that have accrued with their membership number,” the employee told the shopper.
“Oh so that reward is nonrecoverable,” the customer asked.
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“Correct,” the employee said.
Redditters backed up the employee’s statement and talked about similar experiences they had.
“I believe this is accurate,” one Costco member commented.
“When I went to remove someone last year the associate kindly told me about this rule and advised that I wait until the new year started so I wouldn’t lose that person’s rewards, as they were significantly more than mine.”
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COSTCO CHANGES
Costco shoppers have been posting on social media about their frustrations with changes at the store.
The store recently implemented membership scanners at some locations.
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"Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner," a description of the scanners read.
If guests want to shop, they need to be with a member to enter the store.
The retailer also enthusiastically mentioned that there will always be an attendant at the door to help with questions or concerns.
Those who have inactive or expired memberships will need to go to a membership counter for assistance before opening the door.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they've been cracking down on offenders in recent years.
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn't reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
Credit: Costco
Anyone without a photo on their card will be asked to show a valid photo ID to prove they are the member's owner.
Scanners have already started being used at locations in Huntington Beach and Inglewood, California, per Fox affiliate KTLA.
Shoppers have not taken this new system lightly.
Many have criticized the company for its new prison-like system as employees hound shoppers for their membership cards
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"I have found shopping at Costco to become an increasingly unpleasant experience," one TikTok user wrote.
"You can’t buy a hot dog without having them scan your card, and I don’t know how having to scan your card the first time like some sort of prison badge is going to make that experience better."
Costco's membership scanners
Costco has unveiled membership scanners at its store entrances.
In August 2024, the retailer released a statement about the scanners on its website.
"Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse," it wrote.
"Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner.
"Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member for entry.
"If you have any questions or concerns, there will always be an attendant at the door to assist you!
"If your membership is inactive, expired, or you would like to sign up for a new membership, the attendant will ask that you stop by the membership counter prior to entering the warehouse to shop.
"Additionally, if your membership card does not have a photo, please be prepared to show your valid photo ID.
"We encourage you to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken to have on your card."
