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Member Privileges and Conditions

We look forward to serving you as a Costco member. If you have any questions, please ask our member services personnel at any Costco membership counter or click Customer Service. Costco membership is subject to our Member Privileges & Conditions, which may change from time to time without prior notice.

Membership

  • Membership is available to all qualifying individuals 16 years of age and over.
  • Costco reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant, and membership may be terminated at Costco's discretion and without cause.
  • Membership is subject to any and all rules adopted by Costco, including our privacy policies and practices, and they may be amended from time to time without notice.
  • Members are required to present a valid photo identification issued by the Federal, State, or Provincial governments of the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada or any valid passport or consular card to sign up for membership.
  • U.S. Members must have a valid U.S. address or U.S. P.O. Box for the mailing address on their membership. Canadian Members must have a valid Canada address or Canadian P.O. Box for the mailing address on their membership.

Membership Cards and Fees

Renewing, Adding or Deleting Cards

  • Renewal fees are due no later than the last day of the month your membership expires. You may pay your renewal fee by mail, online at Costco.com, or at any warehouse. If you are not signed up for auto renewal, any overdue membership fee will be added to your first purchase at the warehouse after expiration.
  • Costco members may charge their annual membership fees automatically to any Visa® credit/debit card or Mastercard debit card (called auto renew). That card will be charged on the first day of your renewal month. To stop these recurring charges or change your payment method: Log into your Costco Account and click Renew Membership, visit any Costco membership counter, or contact our Member Service Center at 1-800-774-2678 or by chat. You must cancel your auto renewal at least 72 hours prior to the first day of your renewal month to avoid being charged.
  • Membership renewal must be completed for all cardholders on the membership when the renewal is processed.
  • You will not receive new membership cards each year.
  • Memberships renewed within 2 months after expiration of the current membership year will be extended for 12 months from the expiration date. Memberships renewed more than 2 months after such expiration will be extended for 12 months from the renewal date. All renewals will be assessed at the membership fee in effect on the date the membership fee is paid.
  • The Primary Member must authorize cardholder changes, including additions or deletions, and is responsible for the membership. Household and Affiliates may make changes to their personal information. An Affiliate Member may add their own household member.
  • The Primary Member may designate a current Costco member as a Personal Administrator or Business Administrator to make changes to the membership. Administrators are authorized to change the address, phone number, update communication preferences, and upgrade or renew the membership. The Administrator cannot remove the Primary Member or change Affiliate Members' personal information.
  • Primary Business Members or Business Administrators may add additional Cardholders (Affiliates) to their membership. To add Affiliates to your Business Membership, visit the membership counter at any warehouse.

Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

  • We are committed to providing quality and value on the products we sell with a risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee on both your membership and merchandise. Limited exceptions apply. See return policy for more information.

Prices

  • Each item is marked with an item number or a UPC Code. The price of the item, along with the description and identifying number, is posted with the item.

Payment

Sales and Use Taxes, and Resale Certificates

  • The member agrees to pay Costco any sales, excise, use or ad valorem tax that is imposed on the sale price of the items purchased, which may be based on the price before any discounts or promotions. The member agrees that they will hold Costco harmless and indemnify Costco from any claim, loss, assessment or expense occasioned by non-payment of tax to Costco.
  • If any merchandise is being purchased for resale and an exemption from tax is sought, the member shall have a valid resale license number on file with Costco and shall notify the cashier prior to recording the sale. Such declaration, and the products purchased thereunder, shall be recorded on a "Certificate for Resale." Sales tax will not be charged at the time of purchase only on those products the member states are specifically for resale; all other products subject to tax will be deemed taxable.
  • To purchase tobacco products for resale, Business Members must report and qualify, which includes the following: The business address on the membership must match the commercial business address (P. O. Boxes are not eligible), and the business must report resale tobacco purchases to the MSA (Management Science Associates). If these requirements are not met, the member will not be eligible to purchase tobacco products for resale from Costco.
  • In the event any product that was purchased for resale (tax free) is subsequently consumed or used in any manner other than for resale that creates or imposes a sales or use tax, the member agrees to report and pay to the proper taxing authority any tax due, including penalties and interest.
  • Resale of liquor is prohibited except where allowed by state law.

General Policies

  • Shirts and shoes must be worn on Costco property at all times.
  • Members are welcome to bring children and up to two guests into the warehouse; members are responsible for their children and guests. Children should not be left unattended. Only Costco members may purchase items.
  • It is Costco's intent to provide a shopping environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination for employees, applicants, independent contractors, members and suppliers. We prohibit all forms of harassment and discrimination.
  • Costco reserves the right to inspect any container, backpack, briefcase, or other bag, upon entering or leaving the warehouse and to refuse entry to anyone at our discretion.
  • To ensure that all members are correctly charged for the merchandise purchased, all receipts and merchandise will be inspected as you leave the warehouse.
  • Liquor and tobacco sales cannot be made to minors.
  • Costco policy prohibits firearms and other weapons to be brought into the warehouse, except in the case of authorized law-enforcement officers.
  • Animals are not permitted in Costco warehouses unless required by law.

Privacy

Updated March 30, 2026. © 2026 Costco Wholesale Corporation. All rights reserved.
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