Costco shoppers are in for a major shakeup, and many may find themselves forced to pay up if they want to keep up.
Starting June 30, a brand-new store perk will allow only Executive members, those who shell out $130 annually, early access to Costco warehouses. Standard $65 members will have to wait outside while higher-tier shoppers get first pick inside the store. The change affects hundreds of warehouses across the U.S. and mimics what rival Sam’s Club already does with its Plus membership.
The updated shopping hours will give Executive members a head start from 9am to 10am on weekdays and 9am to 9:30am on Saturdays. If you’re a Gold Star member who’s used to getting in with everyone else, you’ll now need to upgrade for another $65, or miss out. That means $130 total per year to take advantage of this newly created early access.
This new timetable isn’t just a random experiment. Costco says the decision to split access based on membership tier follows its September price hike, which raised Executive memberships by $10 and Gold Star memberships by $5. The company framed the move as a way to keep prices low overall. “A modest increase in fees will allow us to bring our members even greater value,” the retailer explained.
However, not everyone’s thrilled with the rollout. Executive members are already calling for even more benefits in return for their loyalty. Long checkout lines remain one of the biggest pain points, with many voicing complaints online. “Your lines are so long I avoid going to your stores even though I am an executive member,” one frustrated shopper wrote on X. Another took a jab at the brand, saying, “Sam’s Club is eating your lunch when it comes to user experience.”
Costco might be listening. The company is reportedly testing a “scan and go” system, an alternative checkout option that would allow customers to skip long lines, something shoppers have been begging for. CEO Ron Vachris said earlier this month that early testing results have been “very positive,” though he admitted it’s still in the early stages.
If you’re considering upgrading, here’s the bottom line: to get early access, you need to move from the $65 membership to the $130 Executive level. It’s not just about more time inside the store, it’s also about feeling prioritized as a customer.
Meanwhile, the retailer continues enforcing its strict membership sharing rules. Only the person pictured on the card can make purchases. You can bring two guests along, but they can’t buy anything unless they’re listed as authorized members. Each primary cardholder can add one free household member, and anyone else requires an extra paid authorized user membership.
This update also falls in line with holiday policies. Like Sam’s Club, Costco warehouses will be closed on July 4th, making early access even more important for people prepping in advance.
While some shoppers may see the $65 upgrade as a burden, others may find it a small price to pay for more peaceful, line-free shopping in the morning. But it’s clear that in this evolving retail arms race, membership perks are quickly becoming the battlefield, and only those who pay more get more.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
