Costco Member Policy Updates 2026: New Rules Every Member Needs to Know

Costco member policy updates for 2026 include stricter membership verification, new food court access requirements, stronger return policy enforcement, expanded digital ordering tools, and upgraded gas rewards. These changes are designed to protect membership benefits, reduce unauthorized account sharing, and improve the overall shopping experience for members.

The most noticeable update is Costco’s nationwide rollout of entrance membership scanners, which now require members to scan a physical or digital membership card before entering a warehouse. Costco Food Court has also tightened household cardholder verification rules and added membership checks at food court kiosks.

1. New Mandatory Warehouse Entry Scanners

The most visible change at Costco warehouses is the elimination of the old “card flash” entry system.

• Digital & Physical Scanning: All members must now physically scan their membership card or app QR code at an electronic scanner before passing the greeter.
• Photo & ID Verification: When you scan your card, your membership profile photo pops up on a screen visible to the Costco attendant. If your card lacks a clear photo, or if the photo doesn’t clearly match your face, you will be required to show a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport).
• Household Card Enforcement: Costco is cracking down on the “free” secondary household card. Attendants are strictly verifying that the secondary cardholder resides at the exact same physical address as the primary account owner.

2. Costco Food Court Rules: Members Only

For years, non-members could slip through the exit doors or buy food at outdoor kiosks. Costco has officially closed this loophole worldwide.

• Scanner Integration at Kiosks: Self-service food court touchscreens now feature built-in membership barcode scanners. The system locks the ordering menu until a valid membership card is scanned.
• Executive Reward Perks: On the bright side, food court purchases scanned via the new system now officially count toward the annual 2% cash back reward window for Executive Members.

3. Strict Crackdown on Return Policy Abuse

Costco is famous for its “Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee,” which generally allows members to return merchandise at any time. However, revised guidelines give warehouse managers more authority to address flagrant return policy exploitation.

• Members who frequently return heavily used items, seasonal goods after the season ends, or year-old merchandise without a valid manufacturer defect are receiving official warnings.
• Under the updated Member Privileges and Conditions clauses, Costco reserves the right to cancel or refuse renewal of any membership flagged for systematic return policy abuse.

4. Digital App Upgrades & Scan-and-Go Testing

To offset the tighter security lines, Costco is rolling out technology upgrades to speed up the checkout process and improve convenience.

• In-App Bakery & Deli Ordering: Members can now order custom sheet cakes, party platters, and catering orders directly through the Costco mobile app, completely replacing the old paper-and-pen drop boxes in the fresh departments.
• Mobile Line Busting: Cashiers are testing mobile cart scanning while members wait in busy checkout lines, significantly reducing wait times at the register.

5. Better Perks: Gas Rewards & Stand-Alone Fuel Stations

• Costco Visa Upgrade: Members utilizing the Citi Costco Anywhere Visa card now earn 5% cash back on gas at Costco pumps (up from the previous 4%).
• Stand-Alone Gas Stations: Costco is launching its first membership-only fueling stations that are entirely detached from warehouse locations to ease heavy warehouse parking lot traffic.

The $1.50 Hot Dog Combo Update

The iconic $1.50 hot dog and drink combo price remains safely unchanged. However, to combat local beverage and sugar taxes in specific regions, Costco now allows members to substitute the 20-ounce fountain soda for a 16-ounce bottle of Kirkland Signature water at no extra charge.

FAQs

What are the biggest Costco member policy changes in 2026?

The biggest changes include entrance membership scanners, stricter photo verification, food court membership requirements, stronger return policy enforcement, digital bakery ordering, and expanded gas rewards.

Do I need to scan my Costco membership card to enter the warehouse?

Yes. Costco has rolled out entrance scanners nationwide, requiring members to scan a valid physical or digital membership card before entering.

Can non-members use Costco food courts in 2026?

In most locations, no. Membership verification is now integrated into food court kiosks, requiring a valid Costco membership to place an order.

Is Costco enforcing household membership rules?

Yes. Costco is more closely verifying that secondary household cardholders live at the same address as the primary member.

Has Costco changed its return policy?

The core satisfaction guarantee remains in place, but Costco is taking stronger action against members who repeatedly abuse return privileges.

Can I order Costco cakes through the app?

Yes. Costco now allows members to place select bakery and catering orders directly through the Costco mobile app.

Did Costco increase gas rewards in 2026?

Yes. Eligible Costco Anywhere Visa Card holders can now earn 5% cash back on Costco gas purchases.

Did Costco raise the price of the $1.50 hot dog combo?

No. The $1.50 hot dog and drink combo remains unchanged, although some locations now allow bottled water as a beverage substitution.