Can Anyone Join Costco in 2024? Your Complete Guide
As a warehouse club with over 572 locations worldwide, Costco offers exclusive perks and savings for paying members. But can you just walk in and sign up? Or are there restrictions on who can join?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down exactly how Costco memberships work, including eligibility, membership levels, sign-up logistics, membership pricing, benefits, and more. Read on to learn what you need to know before joining Costco in 2024.
Who is Eligible to Become a Costco Member?
Costco membership is open to all qualifying individuals ages 18 and above. However, it is still ultimately at Costco‘s discretion whether someone can sign-up. Per their terms, they reserve the right to decline applications and terminate existing memberships without cause.
So while the eligibility criteria itself is quite broad, you do have to follow all membership rules closely if you want to maintain access. As of 2022, Costco had over 64 million member cardholders globally.
What Types of Memberships Does Costco Offer?
Primarily, Costco has three membership level options:
Gold Star
- $60 annual fee
- General savings and access for individuals and families
Executive
- $120 annual fee
- Includes all Gold Star perks plus an annual 2% reward (up to $1,000) on qualifying Costco purchases
Business
- $60 annual fee
- For small business owners to purchase goods for their company
Executive membership holders represent 38 million out of 64 million members globally based on Q1 2022 data. This is likely because the 2% executive reward essentially reimburses the higher fee, making it a smart choice for frequent shoppers.
What is Needed to Join Costco?
To become a Costco member, you‘ll need to provide:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Email address
- Payment for the membership fee
Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, cash or checks. You can register online, over the phone or in a warehouse (where you‘ll also pick up your membership card).
How Do Memberships Work: Sign-Up, Renewals, Upgrades
Signing Up
You have three options to enroll in a Costco membership:
1. Online
Joining online is simplest for those who already have their documentation ready. Expect membership activation in under 24 hours.
2. In-Warehouse
Visit your local Costco membership counter with your ID and payment. Instant activation but can involve wait times.
3. Phone
Call 1-800-774-2678 to speak with a representative who can enroll you over the phone. Still need to visit to get your membership card.
Renewing Memberships
Costco memberships must be renewed every 12 months to maintain benefits and access. The primary cardholder will receive a renewal notice by email and mail.
You can renew conveniently:
- Online via Costco.com
- By phone through customer support
- In-warehouse at membership counters
- By mail with your statement
Membership renewal rates continue to remain high year-over-year, indicative of good perceived value by cardholders.
Upgrading your Gold Star to Executive membership is also seamless by contacting a Costco agent online or by phone.
Weighing the Pros and Cons: Basic vs Executive Membership
When deciding whether to enroll in the cheaper Gold Star or upgraded Executive option, consider the key differences:
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Star | Lower $60 annual fee | No 2% reward on purchases |
| Can add household cardholders at no cost | ||
| Executive | 2% annual reward up to $1000 on purchases | Higher $120 annual fee |
| Reward essentially reimburses upgraded fee for big shoppers |
For most individuals and smaller households, the Gold Star makes sense purely based on lower cost. But frequent or higher-volume shoppers buying $250+ per month will benefit more from Executive rewards.
What are the Key Costco Membership Benefits?
Beyond store access, Costco memberships come with the following key perks and savings opportunities:
Member-only discounts and coupons: Average savings of 30% on select merchandise.
100% satisfaction guarantee: Receive a full refund on your membership at any time.
Pharmacy savings: Get lower prices on prescription drugs.
Cheaper gas: Save on already low-priced gas at Costco pumps.
Food court deals: Access cheap food court meals, churros, pizzas, hot dogs and chicken bakes.
Additional low-priced services: Enjoy discounted rates on mortgages, insurance, vacations booked through Costco Travel and more.
On average, Costco members save up to $800 per year compared to shopping at other big box retailers.
Can Non-Members Buy from Costco?
While a paid membership unlocks the full Costco shopping experience, non-members do have a few options:
Shop online at Costco.com by paying a 5% surcharge
Purchase Costco Shop Cards as a giftcard alternative
Sign up for 1-day passes occasionally offered
Go as a guest with a current member (max 2 guests permitted)
The Bottom Line: Who Can Join Costco?
Costco membership eligibility is broad – encompassing any adult over 18. But it does come with strings attached through their terms allowing them to deny or revoke membership to anyone without cause.
Overall, a Costco membership provides excellent value, with Executive tiers making most sense for bigger shoppers through reward reimbursements. And occasional shoppers can still access deals using shop cards or as member guests.
So when it comes to "can anyone join Costco" in 2024, the answer leans towards yes – with caveats around following their membership rules and requirements once approved.
