Costco announced strict measures against people who share their membership cards in both Canada and the United States.

This campaign at Costco comes months after Netflix stopped password sharing with non-subscribers, and later changed subscription options in Canada.

A spokesperson for Costco stated: “Costco's membership policy has not changed, and we have always asked for membership cards at checkout. Anyone who has shopped at Costco knows that they need to scan their membership card at checkout. However, while the cashier can usually see the ID photo linked to your account, self-checkout usually does not require anyone to check photos.”

He continued: “The membership policy states that membership cards are non-transferable, and we have noticed that non-member shoppers are using membership cards not in their names.”

Adding: “We feel it is right for non-members to receive the same benefits and prices as subscribed members.”

The spokesperson concluded the company statement by saying: “Since we already ask for the membership card at checkout, we now require seeing the membership card of all customers with their photo, and if their membership card does not have a photo, we ask for a photo ID.”

It is noted that Costco offers a Gold Star membership which provides shopping at all store locations and online for $60 annually.

Although the advanced Costco membership costs $120 annually, it offers additional privileges and discounts including a 2% annual reward on purchases, shopping online, and Costco Travel.