COSTCO has made a huge change change to its membership – and it’s good news for shoppers.
Customers can now get a digital version of their membership card for the first time.
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It means shoppers will now be able to go to stores and swipe their phone instead of carrying a physical card.
Some customers think the change was long overdue – one member said: “About time! Been thinking this [is] needed for ages!”
Members will need to download the Costco app and create an account to get the digital card.
It can be used at the entrance to Costco warehouses and at the checkout.
The digital membership card is different to Costco’s online-only membership, which is for customers who only want to shop on its website.
The wholesale warehouse chain sent an email to its members on June 12 announcing the major change.
Anyone with a UK membership already can get the digital card – as long as they have access to the Costco app.
You can download it on the Apple App store and on the Google Play store.
To activate the card, click on “my Costco” on the app homepage, then tap on “digital membership card” under your account.
Then tap on “get your digital membership card” and take a photo of yourself. Your card will then appear and will say “pending”.
You then need to take your card to your nearest warehouse to activate it.
It doesn’t appear that there are any new benefits to having a digital membership card compared to a physical card – we have asked Costco for more information.
But shoppers said the change is “handy” as more and more people carry a digital wallet.
The card does not currently work at petrol stations, but Costco said it is working on bringing this feature in for members in the near future.
What is Costco membership?
Costco is a chain retail store that sells items in bulk. It also sells items under its own brand, Kirkland.
But not just anyone can shop at Costco – you need to be a member.
Costco membership starts from £15 a year for online shopping only. This rises to £33.60 a year for individual members who want access to the warehouses.
There are also trade memberships for businesses starting at £26.40 a year.
But each membership includes a free membership card for spouses and partners who live together.
Not everyone is eligible for membership though, as you need to have – or be retired from – a certain type of job to be accepted.
This includes public sector workers – such as NHS staff, police officers, teachers and local government workers – or those working in banking and finance.
A full list of accepted jobs and qualifications can be found on the Costco website.
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