Costco membership comes with many benefits for users. The shopping hub has attractive prices on fruits, vegetables, electronic items, and many other products under one roof. Whether you are stocking up on pantry staples, hunting for the latest gadgets, or looking for their popular rotisserie chicken, there’s always something to discover.Behind the phenomenal offers, Costco enforces strict membership rules that guarantee only those holding the membership cards can access its benefits. Whether you are a regular customer or a new visitor, if you know and follow these rules, you will make the best use of your membership. View this post on Instagram Instagram Post20 Costco membership rules that you need to knowHere are 20 Costco membership rules that you must know in 2025.Who Can Join?Costco allows only those who are 16 years or older to become a Costco member.Costco Membership ApprovalCostco has the right to approve or deny membership applications, and cancel membership at their discretion.Costco Membership policies might changeMembers are required to adhere to all Costco policies, whether those policies change at all times or not.ID RequirementA valid government-issued photo ID or passport is required for registration.Address RequirementU.S. members are required to have a U.S. mailing address, and Canadian members are required to have a Canadian mailing address.Membership DurationMembership lasts for 12 months from the enrollment date.Card UsageYour membership card is valid at any Costco warehouse and is not transferable.Entry and CheckoutYou have to scan the card at the gate and present it at check out. Copies or digital versions are not allowed.Photo RequirementYour card must have a clear photo of you. If not, only government-issued photo IDs are accepted.Lost or Stolen CardsReport lost cards right away at a Costco membership checkout or call customer service.Household CardPrimary members get one extra card for someone in their household (the person has to be over 16 years old).One Membership Per PersonYou are entitled to only one personal and one business membership, if applicable. Costco may restrict multiple, concurrent businesses to a single membership account.Non-member PurchasesSome items, like prescription drugs and alcohol, can be bought by non-members where legally required. Non-members have the convenience to shop online but need to pay 5% more.RenewalsIf you renew your membership within two months after it expires, your new membership will start from the original expiration date and last 12 months. If you renew after two months, your new membership will start from the renewal date and last 12 months.Satisfaction GuaranteeCostco provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee on memberships and merchandise, excluding some items.Membership FeesThe fee is charged annually and the renewal fee will be based on the current rate at the time of payment.Auto-Renewal OptionMembers can activate automatic renewal with a Visa card/debit card or a Mastercard debit card. If you have auto-renewal, your card will be charged on the first day of your renewal month. If you don’t have auto-renewal, the membership fee will be added to your first purchase at Costco after your membership expires.Membership Card OwnershipThe membership card belongs to Costco and must be returned if requested.Administrator RoleThe Primary Member can assign an administrator to update membership details like address and phone number but cannot remove the Primary Member or change an Affiliate Member’s personal information.Business Membership AdditionsBusiness members can add extra cardholders (affiliates) by visiting the membership counter at a warehouse.If you have queries, you could reach out to the staff at any Costco membership counter or go online to Customer Service. Costco's membership agreement and benefits are subject to change, at any time without prior notice.