Costco fan ends membership over prices ‘more expensive than the neighborhood grocery store’ as chain continues ID checks

A COSTCO customer has vowed to cancel their membership after they spotted price increases in-store.

The frustrated member claimed the costs at the warehouse retailer , known for selling merchandise in bulk at a discount, were now higher than some smaller supermarkets in their area.

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“Costco is no longer a discount buying club,” they fumed in a post to X, formerly Twitter.

“It’s premium retail. I’m not renewing my membership.”

“Costco is now more expensive than the neighborhood grocery store,” the member added.

“This won’t last.”

It’s which grocery stores the customer may have been referring to as having lower prices, but they aren’t alone in their grievance with Costco .

A loyal shopper at the brand for over 20 years said they were finally canceling their membership due to increased costs on a specific item.

With three cats at home, the member said they’ve always needed plenty of pet food.

According to them, Costco used to sell the bag they always get for $17, but over the past few years, it’s increased to $37.

They said it felt like “throwing money away.”

Someone else said they watched as a case of glass-bottled Mexican Coca-Cola at the warehouse retailer increased from “$17.99, then $21.99 in 2021” before it finally reached a price of “$32.99,” per a post on Reddit.

Another member argued in an X post that a $3.99 dozen of eggs was at least $6.79 in 2024.

Several other customers have threatened to cancel their Costco membership for other reasons, including long lines , consistently packed stores , and issues with the food court .

STOP AND VERIFY

Some are particularly peeved about the retailer’s recent crackdown on membership sharing.

A few members spotted new signs posted in the self-checkout areas at their Costco stores that emphasized membership card and ID checks before customers exit.

Costco membership sharing guidelines

Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they've been cracking down on offenders in recent years.

• Primary Member Use : Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
• Household Card : Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
• Guest Policy : Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
• Authorized Cardholder : For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.

Credit: Costco

“Membership cards are not transferrable,” the signs noted.

“Only paid members are allowed to shop.”

Costco members with the Gold Star or Executive Membership can still add additional authorized cardholders for a fee.

Two cards are also always distributed per household with a membership.

Other Costco rules and policies, including its return policy , have gotten considerable notice as of late.

Some shoppers called it “nuts” as they watched a member return a 15-year-old item for a full refund.

Another member successfully returned two 10-year-old mattresses with pee stains.