You Won’t Be Able To Use Your Mom’s Costco Card In Michigan Anymore

For many years, Costco trips with my grandma were frequent for my family. In a family of six who lived in the middle of the country, bulk grocery shopping was essential for us. Or, when my grandma didn't want to go, suddenly my mom would adopt her mom's identity to get us past the ID checker at the door.

Much like passwords for streaming services, a Costco membership has been a family affair for many years. However, also like password sharing for streaming services lately, Costco is cracking down on non-members using member membership cards to get into the stores without paying.

Costco Cards Go Digital

According to Costco's website, over the next couple of months, membership scanning devices will be installed at all entrances. Members will now be required to scan a QR code on their physical or digital membership cards, as well as show an ID, putting an effective end to using another person's membership.

If that is upsetting to hear, you probably won't like the solution that Costco has recommended.

Membership Fee Goes Up

Also coming from their website, Costco has recommended that if you want to access the warehouse, you should get your own membership. A no-brainer option.

However, the other unfortunate part of all this is that Costco announced its first price hike since 2017 last month, conveniently in line with the introduction of these new scanners.

Costco knows it offers sales unlike any other store, and it wants to make sure that a) it is getting the profits it deserves and b) the people who do pay are getting the exclusive benefits they're paying for instead of just anyone benefiting. You can sign up for a Costco membership here.