Can Anyone Join Costco? (All You Need to Know)

Costco operates as a members-only warehouse club; therefore, customers have to register to be members to shop at these stores.

So, if you want to start shopping at Costco and you don’t have a membership, you might be wondering if anyone can join Costco. I did some research, and here’s what I discovered!

Can Anyone Join Costco In 2024?

According to Costco, the membership is available to all qualifying individuals 18 years and above in 2024. However, Costco reserves the right to deny any applicant membership. As well, the company can terminate the membership at the discretion of those in charge. Additionally, once you become a Costco member, you must abide by all the rules, privacy policies, and practices.

Read on for more information about who can join Costco, how to join, the benefits of having a Costco membership, and other useful facts and tips!

Who Can Join Costco?

If you want to join Costco’s membership, you have to be 18 years and above. Currently, this membership is available to all qualifying shoppers as long as they’re of age.

However, while the membership is open to all, Costco reserves the right to deny you membership.

In addition, the company can terminate your Costco membership without cause and at the discretion of those in authority.

Therefore, to join Costco, you need to be prepared to abide by all the rules, practices, and privacy policies (keep in mind that these are amended frequently and without notice).

What Are the Requirements to Join Costco?

Costco customers have shared the different requirements needed to join Costco, whether they require a personal or business membership.

Also, apart from the age restriction, Costco members have to present a valid photo ID issued by the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canadian federal, state, or provisional governments.

Note that Costco requires this information as proof of identification.

Once you’ve provided the documentation, you must pay for the membership, which varies depending on the type of membership you choose.

Currently, the annual fee for the Gold Star and Business memberships is $60, while Executive members pay $120 every year.

How Do You Sign Up for a Costco Membership?

If you’ve met all these requirements, you can sign up for a membership plan of your choice. Fortunately, the sign-up process is straightforward.

At this time, there are three ways to sign up for a Costco membership:

  • Visit the membership desk at your nearest Costco warehouse and register in person
  • Sign up online via the Costco website
  • Call 1-800-774-2678 to speak with the Costco customer service representatives on the phone

You can choose between a Gold Star, Business, or Executive membership when registering.

As well, if you are doing the registration online, the application will ask you for information about the Primary Cardholder and the optional Household Cardholder.

However, once you’re done registering, Costco does not send your membership card via mail. Rather, you have to pick it up at the membership counter in your local Costco store.

How Can I Pay to Join Costco?

At this time, the Costco membership has an annual fee that you must pay to enjoy the benefits.

Whether you are paying $60 for the Gold Star or Business membership or $120 for the executive option, you can use your Visa credit/debit card or Mastercard debit card.

Additionally, you can remit the annual fee via Costco.com, mail, or physically at the warehouse during renewal.

What Do I Need to Get a Costco Membership Card?

What Do I Need to Get a Costco Membership Card?

When picking up your membership card at Costco, you need to provide the email from Costco and a valid government-issued photo ID.

However, if you register for a Business membership, you also need to bring the business license, resale, and tobacco certificates, if applicable.

Currently, Costco is required to legally keep copies of your business certificates, therefore, you should carry them on your person.

As well, you need the card because Costco stores will request it before allowing you to enter the store to shop and during checkout.

How Can You Renew a Costco Membership?

Costco Memberships must be renewed every year; therefore, the Primary Cardholder must approve the renewal, additions, or deletions if there are any changes.

Overall, as a member, you need to keep track to renew your membership on time.

What Are the Benefits of Joining Costco?

If you’re considering whether you should join Costco or not, here are some benefits you should expect:

Quality Products

To shop at Costco, you must be a member; therefore, the warehouse retailer ensures that the products are high quality to make the membership worthwhile.

At this time, you can get a wide range of products at Costco such as food, household items, electronics, beauty products, and much more.

Risk-Free Shopping

This Costco membership comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

So, if you’re not happy with the services, you can get a refund from Costco. Because of this, you can be at ease as you shop at Costco!

Executive Rewards

If you sign up for the Executive membership, it comes with an annual 2% reward, limited to purchases of up to $1,000 (Costco will send you this reward at the end of the year).

Costco Travel Benefits

Costco members receive benefits when they use Costco Travel to book holidays, hotel stays, and cruises worldwide.

Therefore, members can negotiate deals and take advantage of available offers and discounts.

Can You Shop Without a Costco Membership?

Before getting a Costco membership, there are several ways to still shop at Costco, such as the following:

  • You won’t need a membership to fill out a prescription when buying over-the-counter medication
  • Using Costco gift cards, which are available on different websites
  • Go shopping with a member, as members are allowed two guests per visit
  • Shop on Costco.com (note that you’ll pay 5% more on purchases)
  • Use a delivery service like Instacart

To know more, you can also read our posts on Costco Gold Star membership, Costco Executive membership, and Costco Business membership.

Conclusion

According to Costco, memberships are available to all qualifying individuals that are 18 years and above. However, Costco reserves the right to deny any applicant membership. Additionally, the company can terminate the membership at the discretion of those in charge.

Once you become a Costco member, you must abide by all the rules, privacy policies, and practices provided. To join Costco, you also need to provide a government-issued photo ID. You can register for membership via Costco.com by calling the store or visiting your local store.

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Mackenzie Jerks

Mackenzie is a freelance writer and editor, published author, and music enthusiast who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. When she’s not writing, Mackenzie is either wrapped up in a book, discovering new music, or introducing herself to a new fitness regimen.

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