Costco member fumes after not being able to pay due to 'frustrating' rule (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you don't renew your Costco membership? ›

If you have not signed up for auto renewal, your membership fee will be added to your first purchase at the warehouse after expiration.

If your membership is expired or inactive, you can renew online within 90 days after the date of expiration, or any time in person or by phone. Also, to help make things even easier for you, you can continue using your existing membership cards even after you renew.

While a Costco membership can save you money on bulk purchases, you risk food waste. Costco gas is competitively priced, but driving a distance to the store could negate that savings. The store's return policy is generous, but its wide range of inventory could open the door to impulse buys.

Fortunately, when you renew, all the cards on your account continue working, so you won't be sent a new membership card. However, if you need to replace your card, you're always welcome to visit our membership desk at any warehouse for a replacement.

Theft or fraud

Here's another one that doesn't need much explanation. If a Costco member is caught shoplifting or committing any type of fraud there, they'll likely have their membership canceled. Most retailers have loss prevention and fraud detection systems in place to catch criminals.

But our editorial integrity ensures our experts' opinions aren't influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. According to Costco's Member Privileges and Conditions, the retailer has the right to cancel a membership at any time.

Costco reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant. Failure to comply with these conditions and regulations or abuse of your membership privileges may result in your membership being terminated or certain privileges being curtailed.

To keep things nice and easy, our members likewise have the option to Auto Renew... What is needed to change the Primary Cardholder on a Business Membership and make changes? There are several ways to change the Primary Cardholder for a Business Membership.

Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each includes a free Household Card. Please include sales tax in all applicable states.

But if your meal plans vary widely or if you tend to eat out often, Costco might not be a good fit for your family. If your budget is such that you are limited to a set spending amount every week, then shopping for the future by buying in bulk might not make sense for you.

Can I use someone else's Costco card? ›

The Costco membership card is non-transferable, but there are several ways to share the experience with family and friends. Anyone with a card can bring up to two guests to the Warehouse during each visit. Keep in mind that purchasing items is exclusive to Costco members.

There's much to be gained by getting a Costco membership when you're older. Unfortunately, though, Costco doesn't offer senior discounts. You'll need to prepare to pay $60 for a basic membership or $120 for an Executive membership. You may find, however, that the savings you enjoy can more than make up for those costs.

“Our membership policy states that our membership cards are not transferable and since expanding our self-service checkout, we've noticed that non-member shoppers have been using membership cards that do not belong to them,” reads a statement released by Costco.

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. However, you must be a paid member to enter the warehouse and purchase any other items.

To cancel a membership, the Primary Member can: Speak with a team member at any warehouse membership counter and receive an immediate refund, or... Call our Member Services Center at 1-800-774-2678 ...

Costco requires you to show your membership card to even get inside, so if you don't have one, you'll have to speak to the employee at the front door to gain entrance. Simply mention that you're there for any of the reasons listed below, and they should let you in.

What is Costco's return policy? On Membership: We will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you are dissatisfied.