To cut down on non-members using members’ cards, Costco is starting to require shoppers to scan their membership cards when they enter the store. Over the next few months, the big-box chain will be installing scanners at their entrances and members will need to scan either their physical or digital membership cards and show a photo ID if their card doesn’t have their pic on it. This news comes on the heels of Costco announcing that they’re raising their annual membership fees, which is the source of a large chunk of the company’s profits.
Costco members will have to pay more starting this fall. The company has announced it's increasing the annual membership fee. The Gold Star membership will go from $60 to $65 dollars annually, while the premium Executive membership will increase from $120 to $130. It's the first fee increase for Costco members in seven years and will take effect September 1st.