Costco to Implement Digital ID Scanning for Members

Costco, the membership-based wholesale retailer, might be considering significant changes to its store access policies in 2024. Reports from its warehouse in Issaquah, Washington, suggest that the company is contemplating the implementation of a digital identification scanning system at the main entrance of its establishments.

A digital identification scanning station has been spotted by members at the warehouse entrance. Customers would be required to scan their membership cards at this device, which would then display the customer's facial image for verification by an employee.

This measure would complement the actions taken by Costco in July of last year when the store began requesting customers to present a photo ID for purchases. The company has been taking steps to limit access exclusively to members, and this new proposal may be part of a broader strategy to restrict and control the shared use of memberships. 

As of now, it has not been officially announced, but reports suggest that Issaquah has historically been used as a testing ground for new policies before nationwide expansion. It is unknown whether this new rule will apply only in the United States or will also extend to Mexico. 

Founded in 1983 in Seattle, Washington, Costco has experienced considerable growth and currently operates 558 stores in 44 states of the United States, four stores in Puerto Rico, 102 stores in 9 provinces in Canada, and 41 stores in 21 states of Mexico.