Costco announced it would begin implementing stricter policies to crack down on non-members entering the store and trying to use other people’s cards.
Membership scanning devices will be introduced to shoppers entering the store over the next few months.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” Costco said in a statement. “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.”
If members come into the store without a photo on their card, they must present valid photo identification. Shoppers are encouraged to visit the membership counter to have a photo taken.
Guests must also be accompanied by a valid cardholder to enter the store.
The crackdown comes after the store announced it was raising its membership fees for the first time since 2017.
The new fees, set to take effect Sept. 1, will boost the price of Costco’s basic Gold Star membership from $60 to $65 annually, while the cost for the premium Executive membership will rise from by $120 to $130.
In April, Costco also enforced membership status for anyone wanting to enjoy one of the $1.50 hotdog meals in the food court.
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