The New Netflix: Costco Is Cracking Down on Card Sharing

In 2005, “Hustle & Flow” showed it was becoming “hard out here for a pimp” . . . and now, in 2023, it’s becoming hard out here for a MOOCH.

First it was Netflix . . . and now Costco is cracking down on people sharing memberships.

Most locations check your card and photo ID at the register . . . but you could get around that by using the self-checkout.  You still swipe a membership card, but they don’t usually check if it’s YOURS.

Well, Costco says they’re going to have attendants asking for shoppers’ membership cards AND photo IDs at the self-checkout registers . . . as well as in the regular checkout lanes.

Costco says it’s about fairness:  Quote, “We don’t feel it’s right that nonmembers receive the same benefits and pricing as our members.”

A standard Costco membership costs $60 a year, which breaks down to $5 a month.  There’s been talk about that fee going up, but they haven’t raised the price since 2017.  (They do insist that the legendary $1.50 hot dog and soda combo will NEVER change.  The CFO says it’s “forever.”)

A member can bring two guests whenever they shop . . . but the primary card-holder needs to be there.

It’s unclear if Costco will start closing other loopholes, like gas.  Most locations only require a card at the pumps . . . and don’t cross-check with an ID . . . so it’s possible to just borrow a friend or family member’s card.

(CNN / Washington Post)