Costco Updates Checkout Policy to Enhance Security

If you like to cruise through Costco with your oversized cart and enjoy your $1.50 hot dog after a quick self-checkout stop, beware: there’s a big Costco checkout change happening. 

In order to boost security and tighten up its operations, Costco has introduced new checkout procedures that require membership verification at self-checkout. 

This move is part of a broader Costco security update intended to curb retail theft and keep the warehouse club’s deals truly exclusive for its members.

Let’s take a look at what’s changing, why it’s happening, and how it might affect your next Costco shopping experience.

Costco’s Latest Checkout Change: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest shifts is how Costco is handling its self-checkout policy. Going forward, members will need to show their membership cards  –  and possibly even a photo ID  –  before scanning their items at the self-checkout stations. 

It’s not just about scanning your card anymore; store employees are stepping in to verify that the card actually belongs to the person using it.

This comes after a growing number of reports of non-members taking advantage of the honor system and borrowing cards from friends and family to shop. While Costco’s generous spirit has been one of its hallmarks, this new policy is drawing a firmer line in the sand.

Why the Membership Crackdown?

Costco has always prided itself on being a membership-only warehouse club, but enforcing that rule has become a bit trickier in recent years. With more shoppers choosing self-checkout for speed and convenience, the opportunity for unauthorized purchases increased.

This membership verification requirement is a direct response to those concerns. It's designed to protect the value of Costco memberships and be a part of their retail theft prevention efforts. With rising concerns about shrinkage (loss due to theft or errors), the company is taking proactive steps to minimize risk.

A spokesperson said this new step will help to ensure that only paying members can access the discounts and benefits that come with their membership. It’s about fairness  –  making sure the people footing the bill for Costco’s low prices are the ones reaping the rewards.

A Broader Push to Refine the Shopping Experience

This isn’t the only change shoppers are seeing. Earlier this year, Costco began cracking down on non-members using the food court  –  a move that sparked mixed reactions from longtime fans of the chain’s famous hot dogs and pizza slices. Now, only valid members can enjoy those budget-friendly meals.

But, not all the news is about restrictions. Costco also introduced a new partnership with Affirm, allowing online shoppers to finance big-ticket items with flexible, interest-free monthly payments (depending on their credit approval). 

This change is intended to give members more financial flexibility, particularly for purchases between $500 and $17,500. That’s a pretty wide range. Whether you're buying a high-end TV or decking out your home gym, you may have more options.

And, for foodies, some locations now feature a sushi bar concept, elevating the in-store dining experience for those who want something a bit fresher and fancier.

Growing Pains and Member Reactions

Like any major change, this Costco checkout change hasn’t been seamless everywhere. A recent incident in Chicago showed how operational issues can flare up. The removal of a receipt printer in the food court caused a bit of chaos. 

Without printed proof of payment, employees had to verify orders manually, leading to long waits and lots of frustration. It’s a reminder that even well-intentioned changes can come with growing pains.

Still, many loyal members say they understand the shift toward stricter Costco security updates. As long as it means protecting their perks and preserving the store’s famously low prices, most people are willing to show their card  –  and even their ID  –  to keep things running smoothly.

The Costco Checkout Change

So, what does this all mean for you? If you’re a proud Costco member, you’ll want to keep your membership card handy and expect a bit more interaction at self-checkout. 

This Costco checkout change is all about keeping things secure, exclusive, and fair – while still delivering the value that keeps shoppers coming back.

As Costco evolves, it’s clear that the company will continue to balance convenience with control. From membership verification to new financing options and food court updates, the Costco shopping experience is shifting in subtle but significant ways. 

Whether you're there for a month's worth of groceries or just a churro and a rotisserie chicken, don’t forget: membership really does have its privileges.