If you shop at Costco regularly, you’ve probably noticed things feeling a little different lately. The casual “flash your card and go” days are fading fast. In 2026, the warehouse giant is rolling out a wave of policy updates, technology upgrades, and operational shifts that affect everything from how you enter the store to how you order a birthday cake.
Some changes make shopping faster and more convenient. Others tighten rules around membership, returns, and food court access. Whether you’re a Gold Star member, an Executive cardholder, or just someone who loves the $1.50 hot dog, here’s your complete, up-to-date guide to what’s changing at Costco in 2026 — and exactly what you need to know before your next trip.
1. Mandatory Membership Scanners at Every Entrance
The biggest and most noticeable change: You can no longer just flash your card. Costco has rolled out membership card scanners at warehouse entrances nationwide.
When you scan your physical or digital card, the attendant sees your photo on their screen. If your card doesn’t have a photo, you’ll need to show a government-issued photo ID. This is now fully in effect in 2026.
Why it matters: Costco is cracking down on membership sharing (a major revenue source). According to Costco’s official Member Privileges page, cards are non-transferable, and the company reserves the right to refuse entry or cancel memberships.
Pro tip: Always carry your card + photo ID. Digital cards in the app work, but have a backup ready.
2. Executive Members Get Exclusive Early Shopping Hours
One of the best new perks for Executive members ($130/year) is now fully enforced.
Since September 2025, Executive members get exclusive early access:
- Monday–Friday & Sunday: 9:00–10:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 9:00–9:30 a.m.
Gold Star and Business members ($65) must wait until 10:00 a.m. (or 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays). This policy had a soft launch earlier but is now strictly enforced at all locations.
Bottom line: If you hate crowds, upgrading to Executive membership just got a lot more valuable.
3. Food Court Membership Checks Are Here to Stay
Many warehouses now require you to scan your membership card before ordering at the food court. This is expanding in 2026, especially at indoor locations.
The $1.50 hot dog combo remains $1.50 (CEO Ron Vachris has sworn it won’t change on his watch). However, some locations now offer a 16-oz Kirkland water bottle as an alternative to soda — useful in areas with soda taxes.
Menu tweaks continue too: Coca-Cola fountains replaced Pepsi in 2025, and new items like the Caramel Churro Sundae have appeared while some older items (like the combo calzone) have disappeared in certain stores.
4. Faster Checkout Is Finally Coming
Costco is serious about reducing those legendary long lines:
- Employees are now pre-scanning small and medium carts while you wait in line.
- A Scan & Pay (Scan & Go) feature is being piloted and expanded — scan items with the app as you shop and pay digitally.
- Some states have new self-checkout rules (item limits or employee ratios), so larger carts may be redirected to regular lanes.
This is one of the most welcome changes for regular shoppers.
5. Bakery & Deli Ordering Goes Digital
No more paper slips and multiple trips to the warehouse.
You can now order custom cakes, cookie trays, and some deli items directly through the Costco app under the “Warehouse” tab. Order anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks in advance. Paper forms are still accepted if you prefer the old way.
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This rollout began in early 2026 and is expanding across U.S. warehouses.
6. App Payment Upgrades (Including Non-Costco Visas)
Costco is pushing harder on its mobile app:
- Link your Costco Anywhere Visa (or many other Visa cards as of May 2026) to your digital membership.
- One QR code scan at checkout handles both membership verification and payment.
- You still earn all your rewards and cash back.
Some savvy shoppers are already using specific Visa cards to maximize rewards on in-warehouse purchases.
7. Return Policy Is Getting Stricter (Enforcement, Not Policy Change)
Costco’s famous 100% satisfaction guarantee still exists, but enforcement tightened significantly in 2026.
Expect more requests for receipts or proof of purchase, especially on high-value items, electronics, and opened/used goods. The company is using digital tracking to identify frequent or suspicious return patterns.
Honest members won’t notice much difference, but serial returners are feeling the heat.
8. Employee Wages Keep Rising
Costco raised its starting wage to $20 per hour in February 2026 (with a quick bump to $21). Average pay across U.S. and Canada stores is now around $31 per hour.
This continues Costco’s long-standing strategy of paying better than competitors to keep turnover low and service high.
9. More Stores, New Formats & Expansion
Costco isn’t slowing down:
- Plans for roughly 35 new warehouses in fiscal 2026.
- Continued growth of Business Centers and non-traditional formats.
- A new standalone gas station opening in Mission Viejo, California.
Some locations are also streamlining low-margin departments (like books) to focus on higher-performing categories.
10. Other Important Shifts
- Pharmacy: New transparent “cost-plus” pricing through a partnership with Navitus (started January 2026).
- SNAP/EBT rules: Federal requirements kicking in fall 2026 will require more whole foods in certain categories (Costco should handle this easily).
- California bag rules: Strict enforcement of the plastic bag ban — non-compliant carriers can cause entry issues in some stores.
- Kirkland Signature growth: More private-label items to help keep prices stable amid inflation.
What Costco Shoppers Should Do in 2026
Here’s your practical checklist:
- Always bring your membership card + photo ID — scanners are everywhere.
- Consider upgrading to Executive if you value early access and 2% rewards.
- Download and use the Costco app — it’s now essential for cake ordering and faster payments.
- Keep receipts for big-ticket or electronics purchases.
- Be patient with rollout differences — not every change is live at every warehouse yet.
- Check your local store’s hours for Executive early access.
Final Thoughts
Costco’s 2026 changes are a mix of protection (membership value, revenue) and progress (faster checkout, digital convenience, better pay). Most regular members will benefit from shorter lines and easier ordering, while the stricter rules mainly target abuse and non-members.
The warehouse experience is evolving, but the core appeal — quality products at great prices — remains the same.
Have you noticed any of these changes at your local Costco yet? Which one affects you the most — the scanners, early Executive hours, or the app updates? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss!
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