Additional Coverage:
- Fact Check: The truth behind claims that Costco is ending physical membership cards (marketrealist.com)
Don’t Toss Those Wallets Yet! Costco Confirms Physical Membership Cards Are Here to Stay
Hold onto your hats – and your physical membership cards, Costco shoppers! A recent whirlwind of online chatter suggested the beloved warehouse retailer was ditching plastic for pixels, moving all memberships exclusively to its mobile app. But fear not, bulk-buying enthusiasts: Costco employees and company policy confirm this rumor is, well, just a rumor.
The hullabaloo began on the unofficial Costco subreddit, r/CostcoWholesale, when user @comewhatmaymyway posted a viral claim titled, “No more physical membership cards.” The user reported being told at their local Costco that physical cards were no longer being issued for new members and that everything would now be handled through the app. “I assume getting the credit card is the only way to have a physical card,” the post concluded, sparking immediate concern among fellow shoppers.
However, almost as quickly as the rumor spread, it was met with a chorus of refutations from both employees and other members. “I work at Costco, in membership, this is 100% not true,” commented @laycielou, shutting down the claim definitively.
Other employees echoed this sentiment, with @TheTDog1820 stating, “Costco employee here: no such policy of eliminating physical membership cards has been disseminated. Any warehouse telling you this is not following company policy.”
Regular shoppers also chimed in, sharing recent experiences that contradicted the initial post. “I just got a membership on Thursday, and they gave me a physical card,” wrote @skybluecat25. Another user, @Enough-Ability-6483, added, “Though Costco is going digital and having the app is very convenient, you are 100% entitled to a physical membership card.”
The online discussion also highlighted the logistical challenges and potential member resistance should such a policy ever be implemented. Many expressed concerns about the app’s current limitations, such as only one digital card per membership, and the inconvenience for those who prefer physical cards or are traveling.
“If this is true, they need to do some serious work on their app because my husband can’t have the digital card on his app because I’ve got it on mine,” appealed one user. Others were simply adamant: “I’ll never do the app.
They’ll have to deal with plenty of people who feel similarly,” suggested @Lickmylithops.
For now, shoppers can rest easy knowing their trusty physical Costco membership cards are still valid and available. While the Costco app offers convenience, the company has made no official announcement about discontinuing physical cards, and employees are clearly stating it’s business as usual at the membership desk. So, keep that card handy – you’ll need it for your next treasure hunt down the aisles.