As a Costco member, you are expected to show your membership card at the entrance. What happens if you forget your membership card as it can be incredibly frustrating to arrive and realize at the entrance that your card is not there. What next? Read more to learn about Costco membership cards and what to do if you forget them.
The Costco Card
Costco Shop Cards are a great alternative to having cash or credit cards for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they never expire, that you can reload your card, and that they are available in a wide range of denominations ranging from $25 to $2000.
As a members-only warehouse club, members are required to provide their membership cards upon entry. A Costco staffer or two is typically stationed at the company’s entryway to verify that only members obtain admission to the warehouse, which is standard practice.
Your Costco card cannot be transferred and only the card is accepted; copies or photographs are not accepted as a replacement if the card is not with the member. For an added layer of security, your photograph is added to your card in case it gets stolen or lost so another person cannot use the card on your behalf.
Digital card: Also available is the Costco Mobile App, which allows you to create a digital membership card, which means that if you ever lose or forget your card, you simply unlock your phone and swipe your card.
Find out the steps you can take when you forget your membership card in the next section.
What Happens When You Forget Your Costco Membership Card?
Depending on the location, some locations can be strict about having your card with you at the entrance while others can be less strict. Luckily, you can still shop even if you forgot your Costco card. Here’s what you can do –
Signing Up for a New Card:
The standard procedure for members that have forgotten their membership cards is to take their ID and a new membership card or interim permission would be issued to members, and they would be required to visit the membership department to obtain one as it is a part of their Terms & Conditions.
The good news is that there is no limit to the number of cards and you can receive a new card or provisional card as often as you want.
Note: To qualify for a Membership Card at Costco, you must be at least 18 years and above; they are subject to follow all rules given by Costco, and members are required to present valid photo identification. Costco can refuse any applicant if they so wish.
Use a Digital Card:
Costco also issues digital cards which will be issued if the phone where your digital card is on gets lost or stolen. Also available is the Costco Mobile App, which allows you to create a digital membership card, which means that if you ever lose or forget your card, you simply unlock your phone and swipe your card.
If you cannot gain access to a digital card you previously made, all you need is to install the digital card again and reset your password to gain access once more.
What Should You “Not” Do If You Forget Your Card?
If a non-member wants to use the card of a member, it will most probably, the cashier will detect and summon a manager over to communicate to the customer that the card must be used only by the member and that admission is non-transferable unless they are with the cardholder.
Anyone who has a Warehouse card is permitted to bring up to two visitors to the Warehouse on each visit. As a result, they’ll be able to take advantage of the many perks of a Costco membership
As a member, if you forgot your card, there is no problem once you have your means of identification so make sure you don’t forget both your Costco membership card and ID so you can still enjoy the benefits of being a member with a temporary card or you can get a new one and there is no limit to the number available to the member.
Is there free Costco membership?
Costco does not provide a free membership option. If, on the other hand, you merely want to take a look inside and see what the store has to sell, you are welcome to come in and wander about and look.
Is a Costco membership transferable?
No, a Costco membership is non-transferable.
Is a senior discount offered at Costco?
Senior discounts are not available at Costco.
Can you order online without being a member?
You can order from Costco without being a member but you need to pay a 5% fee for it and you cannot order for certain items as they are restricted to members only.
