Can I bring a guest with my Costco membership?

Yes, a Costco member can bring up to two adult guests per visit, but only the member with the card can make purchases at checkout, the gas station, and the food court, though guests can enjoy samples and browse freely. The member is responsible for their guests, and the guests must leave if they don't have a member with them, with exceptions for specific items like pharmacy/alcohol in some locations.

Are Costco members allowed to bring guests?

Yes, Costco members are allowed to bring up to two guests into the warehouse during each visit, and members are responsible for their guests' behavior, but only cardholders can make purchases, except for some exceptions like prescriptions in certain areas. Children are welcome and don't count toward the two-guest limit, but must be supervised. 

Does Costco offer a 1 day guest pass?

Does Costco offer free shopping passes? Costco does not offer free shopping passes. When you visit a Costco warehouse, you'll discover all the valuable savings we have to offer. As a nonmember, you may still purchase prescriptions from a Costco pharmacy with cash, debit, Costco Shop Cards or a Visa® card.

How strict is Costco's guest policy?

Costco is fairly strict but allows members to bring up to two guests, with only the member making purchases, though recent policy tightening means ID checks are more common, especially at self-checkout, to prevent card sharing; you're responsible for your guests' behavior, and while guests browse and sample, only the cardholder pays. 

Can you bring a friend to Costco membership?

Each cardholder can bring two guests over the age of 18. We don't include younger children in your guest count.

EVERYTHING You Should Know Before Getting a COSTCO Membership!

Does Costco have a 1 day visitor pass?

Costco does not offer free shopping passes. When you visit a Costco warehouse, you'll discover all the valuable savings we have to offer. As a nonmember, you may still purchase prescriptions from a Costco pharmacy with cash, debit, Costco Shop Cards or a Visa® card.

Can I bring my girlfriend to Costco?

Costco allows each Primary Member to add one free household cardholder, as long as they live at the same address.

Can I use my wife's Costco card if she's not there?

No, you generally cannot use your wife's Costco card without her, as memberships are non-transferable and require the cardholder's photo ID matching the card for entry and checkout, but you can get your own free household card if you live at the same address, or shop with her as a guest. While some people try to use borrowed cards, it risks the membership being canceled, as Costco verifies photos and IDs at registers. 

Can I have 3 people on Costco membership?

Yes, you can have three people involved, but only two can have their own card on a standard membership (Primary + one Household Member at the same address), while a Business Membership allows adding up to six extra employees for a fee, giving you potentially more than three people with cards. For personal memberships, the key is the household rule; you can't just add a third person unless they live with you, and they check IDs at the door. 

How does Costco know if you're using someone else's card?

They'll probably get stopped at checkout

Even if you use self-checkout, you're going to have to scan a membership card. Plus, an employee may also check your card -- and the picture of you on it -- before you even start checking out. If the person doesn't match the picture on the card, they won't be able to check out.

How to get a $20 Costco membership?

You can effectively get a $20 Costco membership by purchasing the standard $65 Gold Star membership through a special offer (often via sites like StackSocial or Groupon) that includes a $45 digital Costco Shop Card, making your first year cost $20 after the card credit. This deal is usually for new members or those whose membership lapsed over 18 months ago, requires online sign-up, and you'll get the Shop Card via email to use in-store or online. 

Can you enter Costco for free?

Yes, you generally need a paid Costco membership to shop in their warehouses, as it's required for entry and purchases, but you can shop online (with a surcharge), use Costco Shop Cards, get prescriptions at the pharmacy, or go with a member, though these methods have limitations. 

How to get a $30 Costco membership?

Snag a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card when you sign up for an Executive Membership or a $30 Digital Costco Shop Card when you sign up for a Gold Star Membership! Shop high-quality products and services at competitive prices, enjoy low gas prices and more. Auto-renewal enrollment required.

Can you go into Costco as a visitor?

However, you must be a paid member to enter the warehouse and purchase any other items. To pick up a membership application, please stop by the membership counter at any Costco warehouse or sign up online.

What's the cheapest Costco membership?

The cheapest Costco membership is the Gold Star Membership at $65 per year, which gives you access to all stores and Costco.com with two household cards, with the Business Membership also at that price; however, watch for limited-time deals offering gift cards that can make the first year effectively much cheaper, like getting a $40-$45 gift card when signing up as a new member.
 

Can I take two guests into Costco?

Costco memberships allow the primary member to add one free household member (16+, same address) for a total of two cardholders on a standard membership, plus guests. Business memberships allow up to six extra cardholders for a fee, also needing to be 16+ and at the same address for the free spouse/partner, while others can be added for about $65 each, with all cards requiring a photo. You can add these members at the membership counter or online, and the primary member is responsible for all cardholders. 

How strict is Costco with guests?

Costco is fairly strict but allows members to bring up to two guests, with only the member making purchases, though recent policy tightening means ID checks are more common, especially at self-checkout, to prevent card sharing; you're responsible for your guests' behavior, and while guests browse and sample, only the cardholder pays. 

Do husband and wife need separate Costco cards?

Each paid membership comes with two cards. As the primary member, you can share the second card with any member of your household. The second member has all the same benefits, including a membership card with their own name and picture that allows them to shop Costco on their own.

Does Costco offer a free trial membership?

No, Costco does not offer a formal free trial membership, but they provide a "risk-free" experience with their 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, allowing you to cancel for a full refund anytime if you're not satisfied, effectively creating a trial period. You need a paid membership to enter most of the store and buy items, but non-members can shop at the pharmacy, get eye exams, buy alcohol (where available), or use a Costco Shop Card (gift card) to shop. 

What happens if you get caught using someone else's Costco card?

If you're caught using someone else's Costco card, the card might be confiscated, you'll likely be denied purchase and told to leave, and the actual member risks having their membership revoked, especially with repeat offenses, as it violates the non-transferable agreement, though warnings are common for first-time honest mistakes like a teen using a parent's card. Costco is cracking down with new scanners at entrances, matching photos to cards, making it harder to get away with it.
 

Does Costco check if you live at the same address?

Yes, Costco explicitly requires the free Household Cardholder to live at the same address as the primary member and will ask for proof (like an ID with matching address) when they pick up their card in-store. While some members report lax enforcement, Costco's policy is strict, and they can cancel memberships for rule violations like sharing with non-household members. 

Why is Costco so strict about membership?

Costco is strict about memberships because fees are their main profit source, not product markups, so enforcing rules protects billions in revenue from "free riders". They aim to increase membership sign-ups, boost the fee-to-revenue ratio, and ensure fair play, especially after relaxing rules during the pandemic, leading to increased scrutiny at entry, checkout, and even the food court. 

How can I add someone to my Costco membership that doesn't live with me?

To add someone as your Household Cardholder, visit the membership counter of your local Costco. Or, if your Costco.com account is verified, you can manage your Household Card on the Account Details page of your Costco.com Account.

Do they check ID at Costco?

Yes, Costco does check IDs, especially for membership verification at the entrance and checkout (self-checkout too) and always for alcohol purchases to comply with laws, often asking for a photo ID if your membership card lacks a photo or if they suspect sharing, to ensure members get benefits. While a card scan is standard, expect staff to match the face to the photo on your card or ask for your driver's license or passport if needed. 

Can an unmarried couple get a Costco membership?

A free Household Card is available to a Primary or Affiliate Member's spouse, domestic partner, or anyone over the age of 18 and living at the same address.