Costco is a membership-based warehouse club that offers its members a wide variety of products and services at competitive prices. As a Costco member, you might be wondering, “Who can use my Costco card?” In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into Costco’s policies regarding card usage, sharing, and more.
Your Costco card is non-transferable, meaning only you, as the cardholder, can use it. However, you can bring up to two guests with you during each visit, and as a Primary Member or Account Manager, you can assign a free household card to one other person in your home. Members and non-members can also use Costco Shop Cards for purchases. Unauthorized usage of your card can lead to serious consequences, including membership termination.
Costco Card: Non-Transferable
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that your Costco card is non-transferable. This means that it cannot be used by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued. Costco has implemented this policy to ensure that only Costco members receive the benefits and pricing offered by the company.
Sharing the Costco Experience
While your Costco card is non-transferable, there are ways to share the Costco experience with family and friends.
Bringing Guests to Costco
As a cardholder, you can bring up to two guests to the warehouse during each visit. However, bear in mind that only Costco members can make purchases.
Assigning a Household Card
If you are the Primary Member or Account Manager, you can assign a free household card to one other person in your home. This allows them to enjoy the benefits of a Costco membership. To add someone, sign in to your Costco.com account and head to Account Details. You can add a person to your household here, and they can pick up their card at the membership counter of your closest Costco.
Remember, a total of two people can be on a Gold Star Membership (either regular or Executive): one Primary Member and one free household member who is over 16 and lives at the same address.
Using Costco Shop Cards
Members and non-members can use Costco Shop Cards to make certain purchases at any Costco location in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, as well as online. However, using someone else’s membership card is not allowed, and the card may be confiscated if a Costco employee suspects it is not yours.
Consequences of Unauthorized Usage
Unauthorized card sharing can lead to various negative outcomes, including being detained, kicked out, or even having your membership terminated at Costco’s discretion. To avoid these potential consequences, always follow Costco’s policies regarding card usage.
International Costco Card Usage
While a Costco membership is valid worldwide, policies regarding card usage can vary between countries. It’s always a good idea to check the local Costco website or contact the specific warehouse for any country-specific policies before shopping at an international Costco location.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while your Costco card is non-transferable, there are several ways to share the Costco experience with others, from bringing guests to the warehouse to assigning a household card. Always adhere to Costco’s policies to ensure a smooth shopping experience and avoid potential consequences.
Now that you know who can use your Costco card, you can make the most of your Costco membership while ensuring you’re within the company’s rules and regulations. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Costco card at any Costco location worldwide?
Yes, a Costco membership is valid worldwide. However, policies regarding card usage may vary between countries. Always check the local Costco website or contact the specific warehouse for any country-specific policies before shopping at an international Costco location.
Can non-members make purchases using Costco Shop Cards?
Yes, both members and non-members can use Costco Shop Cards to make certain purchases at any Costco location in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, as well as online.
Can I add more than one person to my Costco membership?
No, only one other person can be added to your Costco membership. This person must be over 16 and live at the same address as the Primary Member or Account Manager.
What happens if someone else tries to use my Costco card?
Unauthorized card usage can lead to various negative outcomes, including being detained, kicked out, or even having your membership terminated at Costco’s discretion.
Can I bring more than two guests to the Costco warehouse?
No, as a cardholder, you can only bring up to two guests to the warehouse during each visit.
