The Costco Membership Card Rules Guide 2026: Entrance Scanning, Photo ID, Guests, Household Cards, and Who Actually Earns the Executive Reward

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Shopper scanning a digital membership card at a warehouse club entrance for the Costco membership card rules guide 2026

The Costco membership card rules guide 2026 covers a subject that most members never think about until a scanner beeps at the front door or a friend asks to borrow the card. Today is October 22, 2026, and with the holiday rush coming, more first-timers, guests, and visiting relatives will be walking in. This guide explains what has been reported about entrance scanning, photo ID, guests, household cards, and the Executive reward, so you know what to expect.

An important honesty note first. The scanning rules we could verify come from Costco statements and news coverage from August 2024, when Costco said scanners would roll out "over the coming months." We did not find a newer official summary, and we cannot tell you exactly how every warehouse enforces the rules today. Treat what follows as the reported baseline, and confirm details with your warehouse's membership counter or Costco's customer service.

Scanning at the Entrance

Costco said that members must scan their physical or digital membership card at the warehouse entrance by placing the barcode or QR code against the scanner. Before this, the entrance check was visual and the card was scanned at checkout. A Costco spokesperson said locations were scanning cards at the entrance "to match members to their cards prior to shopping." A former Costco finance chief said in early 2024 that scanning at the door helps speed things up because staff at checkout no longer need to review the card again.

Which warehouses had scanners first, and the exact rollout dates, were not given in the coverage we reviewed. If your warehouse still uses a visual check, that may simply reflect timing.

Photo ID

Reporting says that members whose card lacks a photo must have a valid photo ID ready, and that Costco encourages shoppers to visit the membership counter to have a photo taken. If your card has no photo, the simplest fix is to stop at the membership counter on your next visit, since a photo on file avoids a back-and-forth at the door.

Guests

Costco said that guests are allowed only when accompanied by a valid member: "Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member for entry." The coverage did not give limits on the number of guests, and we found no official fee for guests. If you plan to bring a group, ask your warehouse what it allows.

Household Cards and Who Can Use Them

One membership per household. Costco's Executive terms say it limits memberships to one per household and business, and may combine memberships with similar addresses or ownership.
A free household card. Independent guides report that each membership includes one free household card for another adult in the home.
Extra cards cost money. One September 2026 article lists $65 per affiliate card, so check what applies to your situation.
Cards are not for lending. Costco's sharing crackdown was the reason the scanners were introduced, according to news coverage. A card belongs to the person named on it.

Who Earns the Executive Reward?

Costco's terms say Executive reward purchases made by anyone other than the primary cardholder or the primary household cardholder do not qualify. So if a friend, relative, or second household member who is not the household cardholder shops on your account, that spending will not earn you the 2 percent reward. If you are close to your upgrade break-even, keep this in mind. Our Costco member renewal guide explains the math.

The Food Court Rule

In April 2024, Costco began requiring a membership to buy the $1.50 hot dog meal, per news coverage from that year. If you are bringing a friend for lunch, they need to be with you as a guest, or have their own membership.

Fees Behind the Cards

News coverage from 2024 reported that the Gold Star fee rose from $60 to $65 and the Executive fee from $120 to $130, effective September 1, 2024, the first increase since 2017. The September 2026 comparison we reviewed still lists $65 and $130.

What If You Forget Your Card?

The coverage we reviewed did not say what happens if you forget your card. The practical options are:

Use the digital card. Costco said digital cards work at the scanner, so keep the Costco app handy and make sure you are logged in before you arrive.
Bring photo ID. It helps the staff match you to your account.
Visit the membership counter. They can look up your account and, if needed, issue a replacement.
Ask politely. Warehouse staff are the final word on how the rule is applied at their location.

Practical Tips Before the Holiday Rush

Add your card to your phone or screenshot the barcode in case your signal is poor.
Update your photo at the membership counter if your card has none or an old one.
Check your renewal date, so your card does not expire in the middle of the season.
Tell guests the rule. They need to come in with you, and if they want to buy from the food court, you may need to be there.
Do not lend your card. It can jeopardize your membership, and Costco says it may refuse, decline, or cancel memberships.
Keep the household card holder informed, so everyone knows who earns the Executive reward.

Common Membership Card Mistakes

Assuming a friend can borrow your card for one trip.
Showing up without a photo on the card or any photo ID.
Forgetting that guests must enter with a member.
Letting someone who is not a cardholder shop on your Executive account and expecting the reward.
Letting the membership lapse during the holidays.
Relying on a 2024 article, including this one, instead of asking your warehouse today.

Why a Costco Membership Card Rules Guide 2026 Helps Before the Holiday Rush

Membership rules are small details that become big annoyances at the worst moment, like a Saturday in December with a full cart and a long line. Five minutes of preparation, a photo on file, a digital card on your phone, and clear expectations for guests, keeps the trip smooth.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Scan at the entrance? Reported yes, physical or digital card.
No photo on your card? Bring photo ID, and ask about a photo at the membership counter.
Guests? Only with a valid member.
Who earns the Executive reward? The primary and primary household cardholders only.
Forgot your card? Try the app, ID, or the membership counter.
How current is this? Rules come from 2024 reporting, so confirm locally.

At MOJO Sales & Branding, we understand every dimension of the Costco member experience, including the rules that get you through the door.

732.433.7873 | Susan@MOJOSalesandBranding.com | www.mojosalesandbranding.com

This article is general information. Several details come from 2024 news coverage and may have changed; rules and enforcement vary by warehouse. Confirm with Costco before you rely on them. We are not affiliated with Costco Wholesale.

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