PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Costco Wholesale Club is now asking customers to scan their membership cards at the entrance, as the first scanners have been spotted at a store in Pembroke Pines.
In August, customer service page of the wholesaler announced that membership scanning devices will be installed at the entrance to warehouses. Members will need to scan their digital or physical membership cards before entering.
Guests with inactive, expired or missing cards will be asked to visit the membership counter before being allowed to purchase.
The trial system for membership card scanners was initially installed in some stores in the country in January 2024.
According to the company’s website, anyone with a card can bring up to two guests to the warehouse on each visit, but purchasing items is exclusive to Costco members. Primary members can assign a free household card to another person in their household.
The retailer stated that non-members should not get the same benefits as cardholders and that membership fees play a large role in the club’s ability to offer low prices.
On September 1, the national chain raised its membership prices.
Costco increased the price of the basic Gold Star membership from $60 to $65 annually, while the cost of the premium Executive membership rose from $120 to $130.
