Costco membership rules that you need to know in 2025

Costco membership comes with many benefits for users. The shopping hub has attractive prices on fruits, vegetables, electronic items, and many other products under one roof. Whether you are stocking up on pantry staples, hunting for the latest gadgets, or looking for their popular rotisserie chicken, there’s always something to discover.

Behind the phenomenal offers, Costco enforces strict membership rules that guarantee only those holding the membership cards can access its benefits. Whether you are a regular customer or a new visitor, if you know and follow these rules, you will make the best use of your membership.

---

20 Costco membership rules that you need to know

Here are 20 Costco membership rules that you must know in 2025.

Who Can Join?

Costco allows only those who are 16 years or older to become a Costco member.

Costco Membership Approval

Costco has the right to approve or deny membership applications, and cancel membership at their discretion.

Costco Membership policies might change

Members are required to adhere to all Costco policies, whether those policies change at all times or not.

ID Requirement

A valid government-issued photo ID or passport is required for registration.

Address Requirement

U.S. members are required to have a U.S. mailing address, and Canadian members are required to have a Canadian mailing address.

Membership Duration

Membership lasts for 12 months from the enrollment date.

Card Usage

Your membership card is valid at any Costco warehouse and is not transferable.

Entry and Checkout

You have to scan the card at the gate and present it at check out. Copies or digital versions are not allowed.

Photo Requirement

Your card must have a clear photo of you. If not, only government-issued photo IDs are accepted.

Lost or Stolen Cards

Report lost cards right away at a Costco membership checkout or call customer service.

Household Card

Primary members get one extra card for someone in their household (the person has to be over 16 years old).

One Membership Per Person

You are entitled to only one personal and one business membership, if applicable. Costco may restrict multiple, concurrent businesses to a single membership account.

Non-member Purchases

Some items, like prescription drugs and alcohol, can be bought by non-members where legally required. Non-members have the convenience to shop online but need to pay 5% more.

Renewals

If you renew your membership within two months after it expires, your new membership will start from the original expiration date and last 12 months. If you renew after two months, your new membership will start from the renewal date and last 12 months.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Costco provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee on memberships and merchandise, excluding some items.

Membership Fees

The fee is charged annually and the renewal fee will be based on the current rate at the time of payment.

Auto-Renewal Option

Members can activate automatic renewal with a Visa card/debit card or a Mastercard debit card. If you have auto-renewal, your card will be charged on the first day of your renewal month. If you don’t have auto-renewal, the membership fee will be added to your first purchase at Costco after your membership expires.

Membership Card Ownership

The membership card belongs to Costco and must be returned if requested.

Administrator Role

The Primary Member can assign an administrator to update membership details like address and phone number but cannot remove the Primary Member or change an Affiliate Member’s personal information.

Business Membership Additions

Business members can add extra cardholders (affiliates) by visiting the membership counter at a warehouse.

---

If you have queries, you could reach out to the staff at any Costco membership counter or go online to Customer Service. Costco's membership agreement and benefits are subject to change, at any time without prior notice.