What this page covers
This article explains Costco's membership-based shopping policies in a durable, factual way. You will find the rules that commonly apply to guest access, shop hours, receipts, age requirements, and what to expect at the door. If you are a member, a guest, or a small-business buyer, this overview helps you understand how Costco's policies work in most locations.
- Membership basics and guest rules
- Hours, receipts, and restricted items
- Membership types and what they unlock
Core membership and guest policies
Costco is a membership warehouse club, and nearly all of its policies exist to support that model. The core rule is simple: only members and their authorized guests may shop, and guests must be accompanied by a member at all times. Membership comes with an annual fee, and each membership tier—Gold Star, Gold Star Executive, and Business—provides different levels of access and benefits. In practice, this means that policies about who can enter, how you check in, and what you can buy are designed to protect member pricing and ensure responsible use of Costco services.
Who qualifies as a guest
A guest is anyone shopping with a member and is not separately billed. Costco allows members to bring guests into the shop floor, but the member must remain with the guests and is responsible for their behavior. Employees may ask to see a member's card or a guest's ID to verify eligibility, especially if someone appears to be a regular or contracted vendor. Policies around guests are intended to prevent nonmembers from using member-only prices, which keeps membership sustainable and prices competitive.
Age and identification requirements
To join a membership or serve as the primary account holder, you typically need to be 18 years old. Minors may shop with an adult member, but they cannot hold a membership or make purchases using member-only checkout lanes. At the door, employees commonly check photo ID to confirm age and membership status. A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is usually required when opening an account or if there is a question about eligibility. These checks help maintain a safe, verified shopping environment and prevent unauthorized use of member pricing.
Shop hours, access, and membership card use
Costco shop hours vary by location, and many stores open early and close late, often with reduced holiday hours. Members must present a valid membership card or the Costco app membership barcode to enter the warehouse and at member-only checkout lanes. In most cases, your photo on the card or a digital version in the app is sufficient; however, employees may still request ID if your appearance does not match the photo or if fraud is suspected. Lost or stolen cards should be reported promptly so that access can be disabled and replaced.
Store hours and entry rules
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical shop hours | Varies by location; often weekday and weekend hours with some holiday changes | Location-specific; check local store |
| Membership card required for entry | Yes; barcode from card or app at door | Costco policy |
| Guest policy | Guests allowed with member present; may be ID-checked | Costco policy |
| Age to hold membership | 18 years old | Costco membership rules |
| Receipts | Itemized at checkout; not always required to leave, but may be inspected | Costco practice |
Receipts, inspections, and loss prevention
At many Costco locations, employees meet members at the exit to inspect receipts and shopping carts. This practice is not universal, but it is common in North America and is intended to prevent theft and verify that items match what was scanned. You are generally required to produce your receipt and allow cart inspection when asked; refusal can lead to further questioning or being escorted off the premises. If an employee notices a discrepancy or suspects theft, they may review security footage and, in serious cases, involve law enforcement. These procedures exist to protect members and maintain fair pricing, and they apply equally to members and guests.
Membership types and what they unlock
Costco offers different membership categories, each with its own fee and access level. The two primary individual memberships are Gold Star and Gold Star Executive, with the latter offering higher cashback on qualified purchases and additional perks. Business memberships are tailored for small businesses and have their own qualification criteria and benefits. Regardless of type, all memberships require adherence to the same shop-floor rules: members must follow instructions from employees, respect safety protocols, and use only their own membership for purchases. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right membership and use it correctly.
What the membership tiers include
- Gold Star: core membership with shop access and benefits
- Gold Star Executive: higher cashback and added member benefits
- Business membership: designed for eligible businesses, with its own terms
Special policies and restrictions
Costco maintains rules on prohibited items, photography, and service animals to keep the warehouse safe and efficient. Members and guests are not allowed to bring weapons, open alcohol containers, or interfere with store operations. Service animals are permitted, but pets are not. In the pharmacy and eye care departments, specific rules apply to protect patient privacy and safety, such as no photography in sensitive areas. Alcohol policies vary by location due to local laws, so it is best to check with your store. These rules are consistent with Costco's focus on safety, compliance, and a predictable shopping environment.
International and location-specific considerations
Outside the United States, Costco policies can differ by country in areas such as membership structure, shop hours, and receipt checks. If you are traveling or shopping at a Costco abroad, verify local rules at the door and review any documentation provided. Some regions may use different membership cards or mobile IDs, and age verification practices can vary. When in doubt, ask a Costco employee to clarify what is required at that location.
Practical tips for members and guests
To make your visit smooth and avoid delays at the door, bring your membership card or have the app ready, and keep photo ID with you if you appear under 40 or if your card photo does not clearly match your appearance. If you are shopping with guests, stay with them and be prepared for ID checks. Understand that refusing a receipt check or cart inspection can result in being asked to leave. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to protect your account and access. These simple steps support compliance and help preserve the member-only nature of Costco's business model.